Milestone- the 200

Not quite the 300 but Ty hit 200 goals against the Legion on Thurs.

Legion of Gloom

The Statesmen took part in what was an entertaining game against the legion on thurs 30th Aug, this was a close game with only a couple of goals in it all the way. The Statesmen started off at a furious pace which only slowed down in the second period due to fatigue.
It was a good performance and a good game which should have been won if not for an allowed goal towards the end that was clearly not a goal, this rattled the team and we never got back from that and having to push forward conceded a couple of late goals.
It could have been all different if Ritchies 'ghost' goal had been scored, only the supporters seemed to notice it as it hit the net and come back out so fast that no-one else saw it, must be his new stick.
Daylight robbery is a term that comes to mind and we look forward to the next game.

Maddening loss @ Medway

Fri night saw the Statesmen visit the Medway Madness, last time the 2 teams met it was a resounding victory for the Statesmen. They have improved a lot since the last meeting and with the Statesmen only having 8 players in what was a good natured and very close game the Madness came out 6-5 winners, scoring the winner with 5 mins to go.
Well done to Nigel who got a natural hat trick with the Statesmen not scroring until the second period from 1-0 down to take it to 2-1 and then 3-2, the scoring was back and forth with only ever 1 goal in it, this added a nice competitive edge, also needs mentioning that Jacob got 3 assists, the whole team played well but we just couldn't seem to get that extra goal needed to take the lead.
Thanks to the Madness for the game and we will be looking forward the return leg later in the year, also to the Statesmen who made the journey.

Statesmen on Facebook

To enter the world of technology even more there has been a group created on facebook called Westminster Statesmen, anyone from the team can join so feel free and upload any photos, hockey related or otherwise.

No Laughing Matter

The Statesmen took on an old foe and recent Swindon Tournament adversary, the Basingstoke Hyenas on Sunday. In what was a fast and furious first period the Statesmen wrapped up the first period 6-0, with a brace from James and debutant Dan Shreim. The Hyenas then came out of the blocks a lot harder in the second and it was more of a close affair with the period being 4-2 to the Statesmen. Though generally a friendly game as it always has been between the 2 teams it did get a bit chippy in the third though I think this more to the battling nature of the Hyenas than anything.
The game finished out 12-6 to the Statesmen, well done to us though I think we could be a bit more consistent and well done to the Hyenas for battling hard and not giving up. Well done to Dan Shreim for scoring on his official debut and has now learnt the value of crashing the net. MOTM Freddy, though after looking at my skate yesterday and realising that one of my blades has snapped in half, I think for the first time in my life I will be asking one of the D to keep the puck 'up'. For info my skates are fine and well and getting some much needed TLC down the Rom Valley Way.

Swindon Tournament

The Statesmen finished a very respectable 3rd place at the Swindon tournament, winning the Bronze in a penalty shootout of all things. Well done to Benny who saved all 3 shots and Ritchie for scoring the loan goal and shoving it up the 'frenchies'.
Well done to everyone who went and everyone had a very good time, it looks like there will be another tournament next year as well to look forward to. Still waiting for the official stats and they will be put up when received.

Blizzard at Streatham

The Statesmen welcomed the Bracknell Blizzard to Streatham at the first meeting of the 2 clubs on 8th July. The Statesmen won 18-0, despite the scoreline the Blizzard kept playing hard against us and kept going till the end and never lost it and earned the respect of our team. Well done to everyone involved.