LAST weekend, a packed rink saw a thrilling game against Guildford to kick off the new season, after fans had already been treated to four pre-season friendlies.

The pre-season games had given me the chance to see how our newcomers were fitting in, and give some young local lads the chance to taste hockey at a higher level.

Friendlies simply meant there were no league points to be won, but the games were enjoyed by large crowds I decided to use one of my four import slots to bring in a goaltender, Tomas Hiadlovsky. I had also recruited Shaun Thompson, an ex-Bison player and a local lad, JJ Pitchley.

Ralfs Circenis had also been signed, but after a few games we agreed he would benefit from more experience at a lower level.

I’ve added Daniel Ingoldsby and Ryan Sutton on two-way contracts to the squad.

One young man, Alan Lack, fitted in very well pre-season and we were pleased to sign him.

Aaron Connolly, our new captain, led the team out for our first home game against Guildford. As expected, it was a very close-fought game and went to overtime.

This season, each team has three skaters, instead of four, with only one import allowed, ours being the goaltender. So it was left to Kurt Reynolds to fire the puck in for our first win.

We travelled up to Peterborough on Sunday. They took an early lead which we were not able to get back.

There are 10 teams in the league this season and after the first week only two teams have failed to gain any points. It is going to be a very interesting season.

See you Saturday,

Doug