Team Talk

Team Talk

Photo Credit: IceHockeyMedia-Ian Hanlon 

As one of Solway’s most unassumingly efficient players, Shark Stevie Adams took time out to give NIHL Northern Trio an insight into his season with the Dumfries outfit. Talking playoff hopes and all-time ice hockey achievements, here’s what the forward had to say:

What has been your highlight of the season so far?

The highlight of the season has to be beating Blackburn at home a few weeks ago against everyone’s expectations. That was a great night and we were firing on all cylinders that night for sure.

What has been your greatest disappointment?

It would have to be the long run of defeats and a near bottom-of-the-table run that left us with a mountain to climb. As a team, we have never had to deal with that before but have pulled together and are climbing back to where we want to be!

You’re in your fifth consecutive season with the Sharks. How has this campaign compared to those that have gone before it?

Both frustrating and good. Obviously, being down the table sucks as a team and morale is low but, through some injuries etc., I have got a lot more ice time than usual and got to play in a lot more situations and, doing so, I’ve managed to put some points up and contribute to turning the season around which is good.

Who do you think has been Solway’s greatest assets this season?

Assets as a unit would be our background staff, making sure we have everything we need when needed, as well as signing new players when we were in need of a boost. However, in my opinion, our most consistent player this season would be [Marc] Fowley. We also have players like [Kieran] Hobbins; our goalie came back after a year or two off and has massively improved, really giving us the opportunity to win games now.

Which players have been most challenging to play against?

Probably the most common answer maybe being [David] Longstaff, [Andre] Payette and [Perry] Doyle, and players of that calibre; players like that change your entire routine coming up to those games as you need to be on your A game.

Which opposition do you feel has shown the greatest improvement since last season and why?

Whitley for sure. They went from being a mid-table team to a powerhouse not far off Blackburn in one summer.

You’ve managed to get your name on the score sheet a few times this season and created goals too. Are your player stats important to you or do you feel that ice hockey is more about the overall performance of the team rather than individual successes?

It’s not my main job to put points on the board. Of course it’s always nice to put up some points and create chances. The boys get a kick from it but as long as nothing is scored against when I’m on, that’s the main thing. Overall performance is key to our team’s success.

In the past you’ve played for the Latvian Hawks in the Irish Ice Hockey League. How does that compare to the NIHL?

It wasn’t the best standard as there were only two competitive teams, one being the Latvian Hawks made up mainly of Latvian players and some Russian, Slovakian and [players from] further afield who were then based in Ireland. Basically a team full of imports. Then there was the Dundalk Bulls which mainly consisted of Canadians and Americans based in Ireland and some paid to come and play. The games between them were at a high standard of the NIHL or better, I’d say, at the time, with another three or four teams at a very low level which ended in blowouts. We managed to get a league/cup set up with Fife Flyers, Dundee Stars, Paisley Pirates and, of course, Solway which was a great setup and every team could beat each other on any given night!

What has been your greatest achievement in ice hockey to date and is there anything that you would still like to achieve as an ice hockey player?

Winning a gold medal with team Ireland in 2010 and gaining promotion to Division Two. Something I would love to do eventually is return to my hometown and have a season or two at least with the Belfast Giants.

Talking of success, Solway are pushing for the playoffs this season but, with Blackburn and Whitley looking to take first and second, who do you think will complete the NIHL’s top four?

With our games in hand and, knowing we already beat Blackburn and Whitley this season, we know if we keep winning and stay on track we can finish third for sure. With every team beating each other, it will definitely help us out. I think Solihull will keep a spot which would be great to see after just being promoted.

Other than the playoffs, what are your hopes for the future of Solway Sharks?

We hope we can return to winning ways and regain some championships to Dumfries!

Thank you to Stevie Adams for taking the time to be interviewed by NIHL Northern Trio.

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