Week 2 of the NIHL Autumn Cup sees your GlaxC Cooling Services Basingstoke Bison tackle Raiders IHC on Saturday night, before a Sunday road trip to the home of the concrete cows to play Milton Keynes Lightning.
(C) John Scott
First up we welcome Raiders IHC back to the Silverdome, face off on Saturday is 6.30pm.
This will be their 2nd visit of the season, the first being a closely fought challenge game played a couple of weeks ago, which resulted in a 3-2 win for the Bison. The following night in Romford saw the same outcome and score line, although the Herd had to come back from 0-2, with the winner coming through an unassisted Ashley Tait goal with 4.50 left in the game.
Despite the lack of success in their opening six games, all of which have been extremely close, it will come as no surprise to fans of the Stampede to see Aaron Connolly leading by example, with 6 goals & 3 assists to date, and will no doubt be looking to continue setting the standard for his team mates to follow, as they aim to start picking up important cup points.
(C) Jo Loat
Sunday’s game in MK is a 5.30pm face off, fans of the Bison planning on making the trip should note there are roadworks outside of the rink, details can be found at the bottom of this preview
Lightning are coached by Lewis Clifford and captained by GB legend Dr Russell Cowley.
Since they last faced the Bison MK have added a number of exciting young prospects who won’t be familiar to fans of the Herd.
Edgars Landsbergs, the Latvian born 22 year old Forward has joined from MKS Cracovia Krakow, Edgars played Youth hockey for the Coventry Blaze.
24 year old Forward Adam Laishram, who has dual Canadian/UK nationality, joins having spent the last 4 season playing for St.Francis Xavier Univ in Canada.
17 year old, 6’ 5” Callum Field, born in Northampton and has played the majority of his Youth hockey in Sheffield.
Zaine McKenzie, 18 year old and born in Kenilworth, most of his Youth hockey has been spent with the Solihull Barons and Coventry Blaze. Zaine was due to guest for the Blaze against Manchester Storm on Wednesday evening.
No doubt these players will be hoping to learn a great deal from playing alongside the likes of Russ Cowley, Leigh Jamieson, Ross Green, Lewis Christie and Bobby Chamberlain.
Of course Ash and the team will be looking to build on last weekends 2 excellent performances, and will be anticipating another couple of very tough games against two well organised sides.
Notice for fans travelling to the MK Thunderdome.
Please be aware that the V6 Grafton Street outside the rink is closed till November between the H6 Childs Way and Midsummer Boulevard due to the installment of traffic lights.
Access to Rink via H6 Childs Way Eastbound.
