Taking Flight
So signing season is pretty much over. Pre-Season begins this week and the rosters are pretty much set with a few players to be signed in places. Coaches will now spend this weekend tinkering with rosters and strategy ideas, seeing how their new signings gel with those players who have returned. The same will be the case here in Streatham as new player coach Adam Carr gets set to see if his assembled team can challenge for a trophy, will be mid table fodder or worst of all fighting for the wooden spoon.
Flying the nest
As with any off season, players have come and players have gone. So first lets asses who the team has said good bye to this off season.
Joshua Condren
One of Jeremy Cornishes development projects from last season, the Croydon native saw his season truncated by a mid season concussion injury. Limiting him to only 23 games. When healthy he did look a good fit in the bottom 6 of the team. And was showing signs of developing in to a good special teams player. Right now Condren has not been announced as signing anywhere else, but my money would have been on a return to Invicta.
Ryan Webb
A way to look at Ryan Webbs departure is that it was a trade to Bracknell in exchange for us signing one of if not the best forwards in the league this season(and if you don't know who that is where have you been?) With Webb leaving the team lost a key part of its top 6, the way Webb linked up with Roberts and Carr made them a three headed monster. Webb would win the corner wars and feed Roberts or Carr at the net. He also became an adept rebound specialist, his speed allowing him to out pace defensemen in getting to lose pucks. Over the last 2 seasons Webb has shown he belongs at a higher level and will get that chance with Dough Shepperd in Bracknell
Ben Russell
One 4th of the MK Connection departs the club, heading back to second tier hockey with the new MK Lightning set up. Ben was brought in as part of Jeremy Cornishes concept of building a team with more experience. Even though he's 25 Ben has hockey experience in spades. A good offensively minded D-Man he gave the teams power play more depth and offensive options. While also providing a solid strong option in the teams own defensive end.
Leigh Jamieson
A 2nd 4th of the quartet I called the MK Connection also fly's the nest. This one to be honest I knew was coming the second it was revealed that the MK Lightnig were dropping down to National League. While Carr Farn and Jaimo may be good friends and that will have had a great deal to do with the club landing Jamiesons signature last season. Jamieson is MK through and through, and when the Lightning went Elite I am sure Jaimo saw his chance to retire a Lightning player evaporate, so I don't blame him for grabbing the chance to keep playing at home in MK one bit.A versatile player who can be used both as a forward or defenceman Jaimeson gave the Redhawks options besides Michael Farn on the power play. The two were like howitzers bombing in pucks on the power play. Jaimeson could be a game changer at times for the Redhawks using speed no one of his size should posses to skilfully skate up ice and leave opposition D men standing. A leader on and off the ice Jaimo was also more than willing to stand up for team mates when called upon.
Tom Soar
Opting to return home to the midlands and the Solihull Barons, as I can only assume the job he was in the capital for has now concluded. Soar arrived with a great deal of fanfare and expectation placed upon him. His stats, and experience all pointed to a player who should dominate in the NIHL.
Sadly Soar struggled to adapt at first, and a lot of the expectations failed to materialise in the eyes of many. I felt this was unfair, as his stats though a drop in comparison to previous seasons should take in to account that the NIHL 1 North was a much weaker league than NIHL 1 South. And so Soar finding it harder to get regular points shouldn't have been a shock as his opposition was more ex EPL than NIHL most weeks. That said he was a strong presence on the Powerplay and PK units and always in the mix around the net and came up with some very big goals. Certainly he's a player I would have liked back this season.
Jacob Ranson
The teams resident Taylor Swift lookalike as my former flat mate described him, has departed after 3 seasons. The teams terrier of a defensive forward, who was tenacious both on and off the puck has returned home to join Romfords assault on the new National league,he leaves a big gap in the bottom 6 that will be hard to fill.
Ever since I saw him play as a development player for Doug Shepperds Bison I was impressed with Ransons sheer speed. He can strip a player and be gone in a flash, hence while my flatmate was calling him Taylor Swift, I dubbed him the Flash. Though not always on target he could still pop up with vital goals or create them. His speed and tenacity will be missed.
Andreas Siagris
The teams other member of the speed force has opted to return home to Canada. 2 seasons ago the opening salvos of the first "NIHL 1 " season had seen Streatham compete but struggle against the bigger budget EPL teams. Coach Cornish had identified that the team needed some import players to boost the strength of the squad. However with little to no budget options were limited. Luckily the answer was under his nose. By virtue of his attending University in London Andreas Siagris had been training at the rink and was training with the team. Seeing that he had the ability to contribute Cornish signed up the young Canadian.
He made an impact from the start, bringing a speed , skill and style that was lacking. I described his as Tomas Karpov light as he would out dangle players in much the same way Karpov could. Over the course of two seasons Siagris became a firm fan favourite with his break away goals a particular favored high light. His speed, creativity and tenacity will all be hard things to replace. Especially in the current import market.
Alex Roberts
Probably the biggest gut punch the fan base has had this off season was the announcement that Alex Roberts had signed to play in the Frances second tier. Alex Roberts was very much a gamble of an import signing, but one that paid off so well that I very much expected the Canadian power forward would be heading for the National League if he stayed in Britain. With seemingly every teams coach envious of the team being the ones to land the smooth skating sniper.
With Roberts departure a giant hole has been left in the line up. 59 points, 32 of which are goals are not easy to simply sign. Neither is the ability Roberts had for turning PK poke checks in to break away short handed goals. It wasn't just the points Roberts generated it was also the presence he held on the ice. Teams would be forced to pay much closer attention to Roberts freeing up space for his line mates to wreck havoc on the opposition. Signing a player that fills these holes will be difficult, especially if its a new import but Carr should be able to find someone to meet these needs.
Coming In To Land
So those are the players departing, which has left a fair few roster spots to be filled. With the NIHL resetting to its original format coach Carr is looking to be a title challenger this season. So who has he signed to realise this dream?
The Streatham Hawks
Now while the Hawks will be run by the academy(a wise decision as it insulates both sides against any issues that may effect either club financially) I hope that the Redhawks will look to work with the Hawks to develop players for the roster, certainly having those NIHL 2 players and prospects who show promise training with the NIHL 1 side and getting on the bench to increase the teams depth can only help. In turn of course the NIHL 1 could help by making certain players available on 2 ways to get them some extra ice time, and help encourage the development of the relationship by aiding the Hawks when possible.
Adam Carr
Adam Carr evolves from team captain to head player coach this off season. With the news that head coach Jeremy Cornish was departing the club, everyone began looking around wondering who would take his place. But the club made the right decision in my mind in giving Adam Carr the reigns, in exchange for letting Carr cut his teeth as a coach the team got a first line centre and player who at this level still contributes a lot in front of the net. No doubt there will have been National league sides seeking his services so this a great signing for the club.
In Carr the club sees the return of one of its on and off ice leaders in all departments. He contributes goals, creates them in spades and is an expert at garbage area players around the net. Combining him with two of the signings mentioned later in this article will see chaos reign in opponents defensive zones as he drives the play to the net before collecting rebounds and lose pucks. Expect to see him lead up the special teams on the PK and powerlay where his experience will come to the fore.
Michael Farn
The seasoned veteran NIHL All star defense man returns for another season in Streatham. Despite the return of the MK Lightning and other National league sides, Farn has decided that he wants to finish what he started when he signed in Streatham 3 years ago, and help out his good friend Adam Carr. When the two were signed by Jeremy Cornish the side was touted as a contender but this quickly changed with the EPL collapse. Now after putting in 3 All Star seasons in NIHL 1 Farn has stated he's hungry to see the Redhawks lift a trophy and he will do all he can to help that happen. And will lead from the front as team captain
The blue line bomber as I like to call him, will be an ever present threat in all situations for the Redhawks this season. Providing the teams heavy blue line artillery alongside Rupert Quinney Farn is a goalies worst nightmare when his sights are dialled in and there is the the just right amount of traffic at the net. Whether he is trying to score or set up goals with a bounce he is extremely effective. But its not just his offensive skill, Farn is a master of his own defensive zone forcing players wide when he has to and taking away lanes to the net, best of all he doesn't seem to have lost any of his speed in all these years. He will be one of those players Carr looks to, to lead and lean on heavilly in the high pressure situations of a trophy challenge.
Damien King
The king, has returned. Damien King returns to Streatham for a 2nd season in red and white. I had my worries with the "new" look of the league King would be headed back to Invicta. But Adam Carr has convinced the 2017 play off winner to return to the Streatham crease for another season in red and white.
A look at stats alone would suggest King had a dip in form in 2018/19, but that isn't the whole story and does not reflect the calibre of goalie he is. In a league stacked with high end offensive calibre players King held his own last season, and while he may have let more past than he would have liked he never made it easy for any team to do so. Every game King would pull off amazing saves and put in the kind of performances that make him what he is, and what the team needs. A goalie capable of helping the Redhawks challenge for trophies this season.
Nathen Gregory
Behind every great starter there is a very good back up net minder. In Nathan Gregory Adam Carr has landed just that. His 18/19 season was cut short by an arm injury that saw him relinquish his back up position to Brett Shepherd. But Gregory is back fighting fit and ready to reclaim his position in the side
At 22 years old, Gregory is still very much a development prospect. Someone who will benefit greatly from working alongside the experienced Damien King. Hi stats for last season look impressive and he looks solid any time he gets put in net. If King has a blip in form at any point Gregory should be well positioned to take over the crease and put in some strong performances.
Gregory and King give the team a strong 1-2 in net.
Brendon Miles
Brendon Miles makes his return to Streatham after a year away playing for Invicta. Graduate of the Slough Jets academy system Miles returns to Streatham for his third stint in a Stretaham jersey. A popular fan favourite due to his physical style of play and willingness to play the enforcer Miles saw his role on the Dynamos squad of last year a bit removed from this. With the Dynamo's short handed most of the season Miles saw top line minutes and while his penalty count was at its highest last season, when the Mo's did visit last season he seemed to show more restraint than had been shown in a season that saw suspensions truncate it to 26 appearances for Streatham.
Miles fits the mould for the type of players I suspect Carr is looking to build the squad around. If I am correct this years team will mirror the kind of make up we saw in Carrs first season with size and speed spread across all the lines. More importantly as has been said by Carr, Miles wants to kick on from last season where his role was elevated from that of a bang and crash player.If the team mirrors the style of play Cornish had them playing last season, his style of physicality will fit in well, especially when it comes to wars in the corner.
Adam Wood
Adam Wood returns for his 6th season in Streatham. Though he may have joined from Cardiff no one bleeds Streatham red and white more than the man who has worn the assistant captains letter for the past few seasons. Just as with Brandon Miles Wood is very popular with the fan base and with team mates. Streathams equivalent of Brad Marchand or Brendan Gallagher Wood is a pest that winds up opponents every shift. However he is more than willing to back up his shenanigans when needed, and is more than able to challenge anyone who he feels is taking liberties
Wood fills the need for flexibility in the roster, as he can play both on defence and offence. Which will come in handy when any injuries bite at either end of the line up. Wood showed signs of evolving in to a more offensively threatening forward last season. Which when you consider the make up of the league last season shows the quality he has. Hopefully he can kick on this coming season and keep up the pace that saw him end the season on his 3rd highest points total. That is exactly what Carr has stated he is expecting from Wood
Rupert Quinney
Returning for a second season back in the Red and White, homegrown D man Quinney will be looking to build on a season that saw him ice 35 times and play a pivotal role on the special teams. With the departures of Jaimeson and Russell it was important for coach Carr to retain the services of Quinney for the coming season to provide a more physical stay at home presence to counter Farns offensive style.
Combined with Farn on the back end, Quinney provides some potent firepower. The powerplay will have point shot options that can flexibly be split between the two units. With well over 300 games experience at the pro level and over seas experience Quinney will give experience depth to compliment Farn. His pysical style of play will be well suited to Streathams corner warfare game plan, hopefully he can avoid the injury bug that struck him in recent seasons. Flexibility up and down the line up is important and Quiney's signing allows Carr to disperse offensive D men through out the lines
James Warman
Continuity in a teams make up is so important to challenging for trophies. With the return of James Warman coach Carr ensures that. Already tremendously experienced at this level at such a young age. Warman is someone who I dubbed a specialist on small rinks last season having played in both Cardiff big blue tent and been a product of Telfords junior system.
Another offensive minded defenseman, however one with more of an all round edge as he is also very good in his own end. He knows the Streatham rink inside out having been on the roster now for 5 seasons already with this being his 6th. He's another who enjoys the physical style, but while he puts himself about on teh ice and lets opponents know he is there, he also has speed to burn. Meaning he can be deployed alongside the likes of Farn or Quinney to provide that speedy cover if the two offensive D pinch down a bit too far.
Jordan Gregory
Making it 5 out of 6 returnees on the defensive end its Jordan Gregory. Already at 23 years old Gregory has an impressive level of playing experience on par with many of his fellow D men on this team. This year will likely see him break the century mark as a Redhawk.
A physical more stay at home style player Gregory will provide the team with that hang back presence while the more offensive D foray forward. He will likely see big minutes on the PK where his physical style and noted strength in the corners and around the net will see him come in to his own.
Ben Paynter
After a year away as part of Doug Shepperds maiden season in Bracknell Ben Paynter returns to pick up where he left off in SW16. With over 270 games of pro experience at 24 Ben is another with plenty of playing experience but combined with youth. A fan favourite during his previous stints in Streatham, undoubtedly the same will be likely this time around.
A truculent, physical style player Paynter will be another antagonist in the clubs arsenal. Much Liek Wood he is not afraid to wind up opponents. But aside from the sand paper and grit he provides he will also provide offensive skill as well. Though his stats don't scream goal scorer Paynter pops up with goals at vital moments. He's very much an all situations player and his love of the physical game should come very much in handy on the PK as well as goal mouth scrambles on the power play.
Danny Ingoldsby
When It was announced Danny Ingoldsby was not returning to Basinsgtoke it was suspected he was heading back to Bracknell to join up with Doug Shepperd. However the Frimley born, product of the Guidlford juniopr system has instead opted to sign here in Streatham. Despite being 22 Ingoldsby already has a fairly good amount of professional experience under his belt, with well over 200 games at both EPL and NIHL level. With international experiece for GB U18 thrown in as well.
With the loss of Jacob Ranson from the team, a new injection of tenacity was needed. In Danny Ingoldsby Adam Carr has found that tenacity. He may give up a bit in terms of speed to Ranson but the 6'1" forwrd is just as tenacious both on and off the puck. Always a player you notice on the ice, much like others in the squad he brings a good deal of physicality. While not a prolific goal scorer he can find the net, and did so 3 times against Streatham in the play offs. I expect to see Ingoldsby used heavily on PK duty where his size and tenacity should help defensively
Andrew Cook
Andrew Cook comes in with everything to prove. After a 5 years out of the sport(at least not playing anywhere that Elite Prospects or Hockey DB lists) Cook returns to the NIHL to pick up where he left off. Having been training with the side since last season he will be no stranger to Adam Carr and many of the returning members of the roster.
at 5'9" and 165lbs Cook will be looked to as one of the faster members of the Redhawks defence. However due to his lack of playing time over the last 5 years we will likely see him being phased in as he's brought back up to speed. However he was an impressive prospect during his time in the Northern leagues, and hopefully combined with his eagerness to get back on the ice this will all translate in to him picking up where he left off in 2014.
Conner Smith
A product of the Streatham youth system, Smith will be looking to push on and develop after a strong but injury shortened season in NIHL 2 for Lee Valley Lions. I would expect that Smith will also see ice time with the newly formed Streatham NIHL 2 side this year as an aid to his development.
Was a prolific points gatherer in junior and saw that translate in to 5 goals and 4 assists last season on a struggling Lee Valley side. While its unfair the expect these numbers from Smith out the gate, hopefully he can continue his scoring touch at this level. Has been training with the roster for a while now so is no stranger again to Carr or the rest of his team mates.
Rhys McCormick
Another young new face injecting a bit of youth in to the line up. Rhys McCormick will be another prospect in the pipeline so to speak that Adam Carr is looking to develop. At 20 years old he has already accrued a good bit of experience having played both abroad in Canada and at both NIHL 1 and 2 levels last season, with the Solent Devils and earning a call up to the Basingstoke Bison.
While his points totals may not be too impressive, as Carr has said in his press releases he is eager to learn and improve, and he is a player that has had nothing but good things said about him. Much Like with Smith and Cook I would expect to see him limited to low minutes to begin with, however the suspension of one team member for the first month of the season may give McCormick a chance to stake a claim for a roster spot higher up the order. Coach Carr wants to help him become an impact player and this opening may be the best way to do so.
Jonathan Wallius
Whiel Siagris was a speedy winger, Wallius strikes me as being in the mould of a power forward much like Alex Roberts was. This fits in with the kind of line up that Adam Carr has built. A player who will put himself about physically, but also has proven scoring ability and speed to him. New imports are always voodoo, wizardry and nonsense. So right now any projections I could make would be wild guesses. But the hope will be that like Siagris Wallius develops in to a solid scoring forward able to take a place on the second power play unit.
Ryan Watt
Ryan Watt returns to Streatham, after a year away in Bracknell where he courted controversy at the tail end of last season. Watt is known more for his skills as an agitator and fighter than he is for his ability to find the net. However during the season he was a Redhawk, being used as a first line player saw a renaissance in the way he played as he would dangle around defenders looking for the net instead of a fight.
The team will be minus Watt for the first 7 games, a mercy courtesy of Bracknell keeping him on their roster after he was suspended 21 games for his going after James Ferrara and then getting in to an altercation with a fan as he left the ice. But once he returns expect him to take up the first line wing position alongside Carr, and look to return to the form he had last time he was in a Redhawks jersey. The form does seem to indicate this is possible as Watt seems to have a good followed by a bad season in terms of offensive production. I would expect him being used on the Powerplay when back will help boost these number and the teams performance as a direct result.
Vanya Antonov
As I used to sing when watching him play in Basingstoke.
Who's that skating through your legs? Vanya Vanya
Who's that skating through your legs? Vanya Antonov
Vanya Antonov, Vanya Antonov who's that skating through your legs Vanya Antonov
(If my friend Eleanor is reading this she is quoting Mean Girls at me and that I need to stop trying to make Fetch happen)
The marquis, and most unexpected free agent signing of the summer. One of if not the best snipers in the old EPL and the NIHL of the last 2 seasons, the speedy English trained Russina Vanya Antonov made the unlikely decision to sign here in Streatham. Now there are reasons behind this, wanting to focus on his education Vanya has chose Streatham as it will mean less travel time for him. But he is sure to be a crowd pleaser with his all skill and speedy style of play.
Speed, skill and an eye for the net. Antonov has it all, in one swoop the club has signed the replacement for both Ryan Webb and Alex Roberts who's goal and assist contributions were going to be difficult to replace. There is an argument as to why is such a talent dropping to NIHL 1, but focusing on his studies is a laudable reason for this. Paired with Adam Carr on the first line we can expect these two to become a deadly one two punch at both even strength and on the power play.
Redhawks fans can expect to see plenty of the young forward signature raised stick celebration at the high road this season.
Conclusion
Its a roster built to make life hard for opponents who come to the high road. Both on the ice and on the score board. There is plenty of experience and potential up and down the line up, and every line will have some form of a physical presence player able to create space and allow the speedier more skilled players to move in to. It will be a team that provides entertaining modern hockey with that old time hockey edge in places.
It certianly has the first line firepower to contend for a championship, and if certain elements of the secondary scoring bear fruit then the Redhawks could be in line to end the drought. Trying to be objective here though there are some question marks that give me pause as to whether this team will be lifting any trophies. Several players will need to continue the development and upward trends that saw Carr sign them, while certain others will need to catch up quickly to this level of competitive hockey. That being said there is enough quality at every position, and enough points potential at those positions that I could see the team being a contender come April.
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