Goals

Penalties

Lee Valley Lions

Solihull Barons

Additional Comments:

A total annihilation of the Lions by the Barons! The “Blast from the Past” column, written by Peter Cook in the match programme of 13/12/86 said…

“This was the first of two maulings Lions would take from the Barons in the space of a month. Billed as the big ‘Top of the Table’ clash, Lions were outclassed by Solihull’s strength in depth and three good imports of Budz, Taylor and Vogelgesang, who recorded 2+4, 5+5 and 5+0 respectively. Lions’ goals came at 28:27 and 54:15, both of which received almighty cheers from the travelling Barons hoardes. From here on Lions’ league season tailed off as the Barons and Pirates fought out the top spot.”

Referee was Taggart, Linesmen were Harris and Milsom.

Here’s what was printed in the actual match programme from the night…

“Tonight we welcome the Solihull Barons and their supporters upon their first visit to Lee Valley. This is the first time both teams have met and the game will prove a most testing experience for our Lions. Solihull are a team of proven Premier Division quality and were strong contenders for the Bluecol Cup, only coming to grief against Durham Wasps who finally emerged as winners of the competition. The Barons’ Chairman, Gary Newbon, has worked wonders with this club during the past two seasons and has picked his three imports shrewdly. These comprise of Dean Vogelsang, at present their top scorer, plus Mark Budz and Chuck Taylor, their player/coach.

“The Barons play hard, aggressive hockey so Dave Wurthman will probably organise a defensive strategy and wait for the breaks. It is certain that Vesa will have a lot of rubber shot at him tonight but our cool, calm Finn will take it as it comes; he has proved his ability as a super net-man on so many previous occasions. Once again we express our hopes for a clean, sportsmanlike game, as we did for the match against Crowtree a couple of weeks ago. Unfortunately that match was marred during the last period by Crowtree players who, finding themselves on the losing side, showed sour grapes by attacking Lee Valley players outrageously.

“The Lions did well against formidable opposition in the form of Crowtree Chiefs and Richmond Flyers on December 1st and December 2nd respectively. They won both games by large margins, proving themselves in good form for tonight’s match.

“Junior Ice Hockey: Hockey is developing fast in Britain and we need good class players to fill our teams in the future. We therefore have to develop our own little lads from grass roots, something which Manager Mike Smith is well aware of. He has commenced training lads between the ages of 7 and 14 on most Saturdays between 12.30pm and 1.30pm. The coaching is conducted by Jim Woodger, a qualified Canadian instructor. Hopefully we shall have developed squads capable of representing Lee Valley next season in the Pee-Wee Under 13s and the Junior section, 13-16, in respective English Leagues.

“There is still room for prospective players between these ages and if there are parents with sons who are keen to play it is suggested that you contact Mike Smith to ascertain the date of the next practice session. Due to the Ice Show over the Christmas holiday period hockey training sessions might be curtailed.

“Our next home game is not until January 27th 1985, when another powerhouse team visits us in the shape of Peterborough Pirates. Don’t miss this one, folks!

“Geof Williams is additionally sponsored by the Waltham Forest Guardian. If there is a representative of any organisation with us tonight who might consider sponsorship of any individual, then please contact Mike Smith, the Ice Centre Manager.

“May we now, on behalf of the Lions and the Lee Valley officials, wish you all a very Happy Christmas and a prosperous and healthy New Year.”