COVENTRY Blaze head coach Kevin Moore praised his players for sticking to their identity following a shootout win against Belfast Giants.
Blaze raced into a two-goal lead against the Giants at the Skydome only for the visitors to draw level before the end of the first period.
However, Kim Tallberg’s penalty shot earned Blaze an extra point and Moore praised the resiliency of his side following the victory.
Moore said: “I was impressed with our guys ability to have a good start, it’s hard after those long trips to Scotland.
“They mentally dialled in and stuck to our identity and we were able to get out to a lead.
“We knew Belfast would push back but I love is that the guys weren’t deterred once they tied the game.
“We just kept trying to create scoring chances and play our way and we got our reward in the shootout.
“It comes back to resiliency, it’s a long season, the ebb and flow of it, you just have to stay as present and as even keel as possible.”
The win came after Coventry ended a barren three-game run with victory against Fife Flyers in Scotland.
And Moore insists he has full belief in his players and spoke of his pride at leading the group.
Moore added: “We were able to bounce back to close out this chunk of the season, now we’re fully resetting.
“I’m thrilled with the physical effort, we lost a couple of games through some mental effort stuff, it’s not from lack of trying and willing.
“That’s what I love about this group, that’s why I believe in them so much because they’re always going to give their all and never going to quit
“As a coach you’re proud of a group like that.”
Coventry are next in action against Sheffield Steelers on Saturday, January 11 with the face-off at 7pm at Utilita Arena.
Blaze then host Manchester Storm on Sunday, January 12 with the face-off at 5.30pm at the Skydome.
