COVENTRY Blaze skipper Jordan Pietrus has teamed up with The Observer to deliver an exclusive insight into the Blaze locker room by writing a fortnightly column.
In his first piece for The Observer, Jordan reflects on an opening EIHL loss to Belfast and a huge weekend of Challenge Cup hockey ahead.
This season has started fairly well for us, we have a good mix of returning players as well as some new guys who bring a new energy and excitement to the rink each day.
I keep mentioning the need for our team to improve every day and so far I believe we have achived this, it’s important we continue to play for each other.
I’m excited for the season and I’d like this column to give readers an interesting perspective of the game and team we all love.
Sunday’s loss to Belfast was a tough one, we showed great resilience scoring two powerplay goals to take the game to overtime.
Talking of overtime, I must say I enjoy the new three on three overtime system – it’s extremely exciting not only for the fans for also us players.
Unfortunately we were on the wrong side of things on Sunday but one point is better than none.
Being captain of the Blaze is a huge honour, but for our team to achieve success this year it is going to take a group of strong leaders in the locker room.
The welcoming from the Coventry fans has been amazing.
I truly believe we have the best fans in the league and it’s exciting to play in front of them, I’m not at all surprised at how they’ve greeted my team mates and I in this season.
This weekend is huge for us – it’s not only a chance for us to continue our solid start to the Challenge Cup, but also a chance to continue improving on our previous two weekends.
We’re up against some stiff competition in Sheffield and Manchester.
Sheffield are the defending league champions and they’ll be a tough nut to crack – and Manchester have improve massively since last year.
We will have to be on our game if we want to get two wins, but it’s a challenge that myself and the rest of the team are up for.
Let’s Go Blaze!
Jordan.
