WE extended our unbeaten home run last Saturday with a heavy defeat of Sheffield. The points were important, but just as satisfying was the way we played.

Even during the warm-up, Sheffield made it clear what tactics they were going to use.

We never lost sight of our own game plan and our special teams replied in the best possible way, scoring quickly in the first period.

This is an aspect of our game we have been working on in training.

If we can continue to improve and also get all three offensive lines scoring then we’re putting ourselves in a good position in the competition for a play-off place.

One of my main concerns as a coach is for the safety of the players.

Saturday’s game was the second occasion this season when one of our players was the target of an unexpected act of violence.

Fortunately, Muzzy (Michael) Wales was not injured, unlike Matt Selby, who has not been able to return to the ice for most of the season.

Perhaps the time has come for stronger sanctions to be available to officials in such situations.

The evening had started off with the Booster Club presenting a cheque for £700 to the Junior Bison.

All our young players know that we take a keen interest in how they play and we are pleased to see how many have come through the junior programme to earn a Bison shirt.

Congratulations to Jordan Lawday and Hallam Wilson, who have been called up to train with the England under-17s team.

They will also be representing the South West Conference, as will Emily Harris, Oliver Bower, Sam Childs and Travis Penny in the under-13 group.

Let’s hope we can continue to inspire these young players with another home win on Saturday.

All the best,

Doug