A LUCKLESS run of six defeats on the spin came to a welcome end for the Coventry Blaze on Sunday night as they defeated Dundee Stars 4-1 at the Skydome in an energy-fuelled game.
Prior to Sunday’s game, the Blaze had lost out to Belfast, Sheffield, Manchester, Cardiff, Nottingham and Fife – sparking talks among fans that changes may have to be made.
However all such talks were quashed as Danny Stewart’s men picked up their first Elite League win in front of a vocal home crowd.
Forward Brett Robinson displayed his colours of last season by putting the Blaze ahead shortly before the conclusion of the first period as Jordan Pietrus provided a superb assist pass from behind the net.
Frustratingly, Vinny Scarsella brought the Stars level shortly into the second period – though the Blaze responded five minutes later at Matt Marquardt scored from the back door at 26.53.
Swedish skater Robin Bergman doubled the Blaze’s lead seconds after home and away fans voiced their support for
Coventry Blaze legend Adam Calder – who’s currently battling with cancer.
Former Blaze skater Cale Tanaka tried his best to get under the skin of new Blaze recruits, and it appeared to work at Matt Selby dropped the gloves with Tommasa Traversa – Selby dominated proceedings and forced Traversa to the ice.
Popular forward Garrett Klotz lit the lamp for the first time in his Blaze career, much to the delight of the home fans, with just 6.30 remaining in the game.
After losing out to Fife on Saturday night, Danny Stewart said Sunday’s win was ‘desperately needed’.
The head coach added: “We still have a lot of work to do but at times we can be a clinical team that works well.
“If I was to be picky I thought we could’ve been more hungry for that fourth goal during the start of the third period, we had a couple of chances on the powerplay which we didn’t take.
“The game was physical and there were a few sticks hacks here and there, something which we’re not going to allow to happen.
“Providing we can stay out of the box more I think we’ll see more of the likes of Matt and Garrett dropping the gloves.
“Our fans were superb tonight and I’d like to thank the Fife fans on Saturday night for showing their support to Adam Calder – it was touching and nice to know the hockey community is so closely knit.”
