ICE HOCKEY: BLAZE boss Danny Stewart has heaped praise on skipper Jordan Pietrus after he was named Elite League Player of the Week.
The 32-year-old forward played a pivotal role for the club this weekend as they ended a run of seven games without a win to secure a four-point weekend.
Victories over Braehead Clan on Saturday and at Edinburgh Capitals on Sunday secured maximum points for the first time in five weeks as they moved above Clan in the standings.
Pietrus played a key role in both games, scoring the overtime winner as well as two assists in Saturday’s 4-3 win over Braehead at the Skydome.
He then fired in the two goals, including another game winner, that swung the game in their favour as they came from behind to beat Edinburgh 4-2 at Murrayfield on Sunday.
Blaze head coach Danny Stewart described Pietrus’ performances as ‘instrumental’ to his side’s success.
He said: “Jordan stepped up this weekend for us at a critical time.
“When you’re down four key guys, everyone must up their game so when your captain does it, others follow.
“He rose his game to another level and was instrumental in both wins and what I liked most this weekend was the penalty he took against Braehead in the third that resulted in the equalising goal.
“It was a hard play in the D-zone and possibly an unfortunate call. But instead of feeling sorry for himself he came back and scored the winning goal for us.
“To me, that’s how a leader leads and he’s very deserving of this award this week.”
