Team Talk

Team Talk

Photo Credit: IceHockeyMedia - Colin Lawson

Now in his fourth season with Solway Sharks, youngster Duncan Speirs discusses life in the NIHL, icing on the international stage and his aims to make it to the EIHL...

What has been your season highlight so far?

The highlight of my season so far is probably when we were 4-1 down to Billingham then came back to tie it to overtime, then scoring the overtime goal.

Why do you think Solway has the edge over their opposition in Division One this campaign given their struggle last season and what changes, if any, have been put in place to make this happen?

We had a good preseason. Everyone in the room wants to play for each other. The core of the team is the same but we strengthened our defence by adding experience.

What was it like to be selected for GB’s Under 20s outfit last season, what did you make of the games you played and can you describe what it was like to score your first goal on the international stage?

It was an honour to be selected for GB. The games were so high tempo and high quality so it was hard to get up to speed with the game. Scoring my first goal was unbelievable. The feeling was indescribable.

In December, you made the trip to Budapest with Team GB Under 20s alongside Head Coach Martin Grubb and fellow Sharks Jordan Buesa and Connor Henderson for the World Championships which saw Britain relegated after their loss to Ukraine. What was it like to work with Grubb on the international stage, what are your thoughts on the tournament and where do GB go from here?

GB will regroup for next year and will aim to move back up to Division 1B. It was good to work with a coach I know well. I saw a different side to Martin in a good way, always giving us tips during the game, always motivating the team when we’re losing and keeping the team spirit up throughout the tournament when things weren’t going our way.

Are there any lessons that you learned last season and what do you feel is different about your game now compared to twelve months ago?

If anything, this season we have all stuck together and worked for each other. I feel I am stronger and read the game better.

What do you make of the league this season and how it is panning out for clubs? Was it what you expected and has there been anything which has surprised you?

The league is much more even this year compared to the last few years. Yeah, I expected the league to be harder this year. The Dragons shocked us when we went down there with their speed.

As a forward, which defence is the trickiest you’ve encountered in the NIHL so far?

The trickiest defence to play against is Solihull. They’re the fastest and have always got a stick on you.

Are there any ice rinks which you look forward to visiting more than others and equally, are there any road trips that you dread?

Billingham is my favourite rink to visit because the ice is good but the worst rink to visit is Whitley with its coldness, the ice being terrible and you can’t see the lines; the pad is small and the glass uprights are dangerous. I don’t mind any road trip. The double headers are long but that’s it.

You featured in two games for Elite League outfit Braehead Clan last season. What was it like to experience the sport at this level and what impact do you think the development links between Solway Sharks and EIHL clubs have on the team?

I enjoyed playing with the Clan because it challenged me to play at their level and I believe this helped me when playing for Solway. I’ve always aimed for that level of hockey so it was an honour as I achieved one of my set goals. I’d love to play in that league full time.

Looking ahead, if you could play for any EIHL club in the future, which would you choose and why?

Cardiff because it seems to be a good setup.

Thank you to Duncan Speirs for taking the time to be interviewed by NIHL Northern Trio.

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