Ice-hockey: Depleted Streatham cope with suspended players as they record back-to-back victories

Streatham completed a four-point weekend after they defeated Solent Devils 3-0 at the High Road on Sunday, writes Christopher Beal.

Streatham were severely short benched with Josh Ealey Newman, JJ Pitchley and Brandon Miles all sitting out between four to six-game suspensions for the brawl the previous weekend against Invicta Dynamos.

Nate Gregory has been suspended for 12 games for his role and Josh Martin has been hit with a 20-game suspension for the check from behind in the opening minutes of that game.

Streatham defeated fellow league title contenders Slough Jets 5-2 on Saturday with Callum Burnett, Luke Brittle (two) and Ben Paynter netting the goals.

Streatham broke the deadlock after 38 minutes against Devils. Jack Hoppes’ shot was redirected by Jared Lane into the net.

Five minutes into the third period it was 2-0 from Ziggy Beesley’s deflected shot, Jordan Gregory collecting the additional assist.

Ben Ealey-Newman wrapped up the scoring.

Streatham coach Ben Paynter said: “I’m pleased – that’s a big win.

“Good teams face adversity to win trophies and we’re on our way towards our goal of winning the league.

“We are short but we have depth and some of the depth guys are getting it done for us.

“The first goal was caused by Harvey Briggs working hard on the forecheck. From there we went to work. We’ll just plug away game by game as we go. It was a tough weekend, but I’m extremely pleased with how we performed.”

The game result decided who Streatham play next weekend in the semi-finals of the Southern Challenge Cup.

Streatham face Invicta Dynamos. The away leg is tomorrow and and the home leg on Sunday (6.45pm).