NIHL North

Solway Sharks: 

Adding to the Trophy Cabinet

Photo Credit: David Morrison 

After scraping a playoff place in their last campaign, Martin Grubb’s young Solway Sharks team have shown exceptional strength and determination this season to claim silverware in both the NIHL North Cup and, more recently, the Moralee Conference. So far, the Sharks have triumphed in twenty two of the twenty five league games they have played to date, confirming their league title win with forty four points following their recent victory over Billingham Stars. Beginning their league campaign with a home win against the Teessiders, the Sharks then went on to triumph at Hillheads in the same weekend, only this time achieving a landslide 9-2 victory. Their only loss in September a cup encounter on home ice, Grubb’s team were able to maintain their outstanding form until their first league defeat arrived in December, the side losing out to the Stars by a narrow margin. Dropping just two points since then in draws to Telford Tigers and Whitley Warriors, the Sharks have continued to showcase their unity as well as an exceptional work ethic which has seen thirteen of the team’s regular skaters hit double figures in player points. Further to Solway’s league success, the team have dominated in this season’s cup competition, racing to the finish line in January to collect the silverware. At present, the Sharks have eight regulation wins and one overtime victory to their name, with two cup clashes yet to be played and six more points up for grabs. In consequence, Solway have established themselves as worthy winners of the NIHL North Cup and league silverware this season to prove that hard work really does pay off.

Taking the time to share their reaction to this season’s silverware haul are a few familiar faces…

Head Coach Martin Grubb

Photo Credit: IceHockeyMedia - Colin Lawson

How does it feel to have added to Solway Sharks’ trophy cabinet this season and what do you think the recipe for the Sharks’ success has been this campaign?

It obviously feels really good to have won the cup and league so far and the players deserve tremendous credit for the way they have played and the consistency they have shown. We are determined we are not finished yet. The recipe has been hard work, character and everyone playing as a tight knit team with the same objectives. We have no egos or individuals in our dressing room and every player has contributed every night.

Achieving silverware with the youngest team in the league, not to mention a reduced roster in comparison to last season’s twenty-nine-man squad, has been an excellent accomplishment. What impact has the Sharks’ youthfulness had on the team and why do you think you were able to succeed with a smaller squad this campaign than the one which was greater in number last season?

I wasn't actually aware we had reduced our roster but I did know we were the youngest and that was a decision I took in the summer when rebuilding the team. I wanted to go young, hungry, skillful and fast and, to do that, I wanted a group who would compete every night and who had the right attitude and it has worked so far. It has allowed us to ensure we have been able to maintain a consistent line-up. Everyone knows the system and can play in any situation and that has been a major advantage for us. There have been a few times where injuries and suspensions have meant we were down to the bare bones but that has been when our character has shone through and our veteran leadership, with guys like James Hutchinson, ensuring we still kept our standards high.

Over the course of the games Solway have played this season, the Sharks have either entirely dominated or just not lived up to what you’d hoped for but, after guidance from  yourself, they have then turned situations around to give the best that you know they are capable of. What do you think Solway’s style of play tells us about the team this season and is it a style that you are happy with?

I like the way we play and it has been very successful for us as it fits the team I built. I wanted to ensure we were full of speed and skill and that we could have scoring right throughout our line-up as it gives me more options as a coach. The decision to bring two import defencemen in was a big one. I like how our defensive unit looks and how mean they have been as we haven't conceded many goals and it's helped our goalies as well.

  

You appear to have had several important end-of-period discussions with your team this season based on views you have shared up until this point. Which do you consider to be the most important team talk you have given and why?

I’m not sure there has been a most important as each game is different but what is important is that I know what the players are capable of and I want that high standard of performance every period we play. I know it won't always happen but we all hold ourselves accountable in this team so every time I asked for more it was because I knew they could give me more.

What do you feel the reason has been for Solway’s varied performances during certain games and do you feel that this is in part credit to the tough competition the Sharks have faced this season?

I don't think our performances have dipped that much and it's more about the high standards we demand of each other. There have obviously been some games where we just haven't played as well as we wanted but that is naturally going to happen in a long season and, when you are the top team, everyone wants to beat you and we need to deal with that every week. Our league is a good standard so games will always be tough but I am happy with how we have played.

As Head Coach, each season must be a rollercoaster of emotions for you. Can you reveal the occasions when you were at your happiest and saddest this campaign, something that made you angry and also your most nerve-wracking moment?

Emotions are part of coaching and playing and I always preach that we need to control them to be successful. I was most happy the night we won the league in Billingham but I have also been very happy with other things this year, such as our character win in coming from 5-1 down in Billingham and our young players receiving GB call ups. The saddest was non-club related and it was getting relegated with GB 20s in Budapest. It was one of the worst experiences I've had in hockey and not one I'd like to go through again. I don't really get angry but the closest I come is when the players don't get the credit they deserve for how good they have been this season from social media and radio etc. around the league. I know everyone is passionate about their own team but it does anger me that they don't get as much respect as they deserve. I don't think I get nervous but it won't be nice being in Korea as the players attempt to win the playoffs. I know they are in very safe hands with Scott McMeeken and I know how motivated everyone is to win them but watching on social media as I try to win a medal in Korea with GB 18s won't be an easy thing to do.

Despite Solway’s silverware haul, what have you enjoyed most about this season, where do you feel your team go from here to progress next season and will holding onto your current roster be key to this progression?

I have really enjoyed how we have tried to play and the way this young team has shown huge ability and character to win two trophies so far. We had a few years where we weren't in contention and to see how far this team has come has been a testament to the players. Next season, we will see how the structure of British hockey looks and also how the NIHL looks as that will determine how we progress and what our targets are. Either way, we have always said that we are trying to develop players to be able to play at the highest level possible to them and that won't change. That might mean we lose players to higher levels but that means I am doing my job. As a club, we are proud of our track record of developing players and we will see what the summer brings and rebuild if needed.

#18 Juraj Senko

Photo Credit: IceHockeyMedia - Colin Lawson

Having played for Solway Sharks in their 2013-14 title-winning campaign, how does this season compare and are there any ways in which it is better this time around?

I think both of them are very similar. We have a couple of players from the 13-14 season also in the team now. We won the cup, then we won the league and we need to win playoffs now to make the treble one more time. If we win the playoffs, the only difference will be the place where we will be celebrating the treble.

Why do you feel that Solway have been able to dominate the Moralee Conference this season and do you feel that the offensive ability of the Sharks’ defence has played a huge part in this, given that collectively Solway’s defencemen have accumulated over eighty points to date?

We have the best defence in the league. I don’t mean just defencemen but also forwards. We are playing more often in our offensive zone and if we are in our D zone, we have a good goalie and five guys who know what to do there. That’s the reason why we are nearly three times better in +/- than the second team [in the Moralee Conference] and maybe because of that we are dominating the league this year.

What do you think has been the greatest difference to the style of ice hockey that the Sharks have played this season compared to last and how has this had a positive impact on the team?

Off the ice, we are holding together much more than last year and on the ice, we have much more quality in the team. We have fast players with lots of skills and talent. The team is not built on one line but any of our lines can score important goals. That’s why we are champions already and don’t need to battle for playoffs like last season.

#30 Calum Hepburn

Photo Credit: IceHockeyMedia - Colin Lawson

Though starting out as backup netminder at the start of the season, you were very quickly called into action after an injury to Kieran Hobbins saw the netminder miss out this campaign. How did it feel when you were given this opportunity and what do you think has been the key to your consistency?

When I was called up after Hobbins got injured, I felt this was a big opportunity for me as I’ve been on and off as backup for the last year or so, so I really wanted to prove I was able to handle the next level. I’ve had some rough games throughout the season and there have been some comments from around the league but I feel I’ve managed to stay pretty consistent. Having such a strong defence in front of me has definitely helped me get used to the league and allow for some adjustments that I needed to make. Before games, I always like to stay relaxed and having a more fun approach to pre-game warm ups helps me go into the game with a clear mind.

It is no secret that Solway Sharks have the youngest team in the league this year with an average age of just over twenty one. In what ways do you think the youngest members of the team have contributed to the Sharks’ success this season and what do you feel are the advantages of icing a younger team in the NIHL?

Having a younger team has definitely benefited us as the season has gone on. I feel we can out-skate any team in the league over sixty minutes and I can’t think of one team that can match our speed. Considering some of our top scorers are also some of our youngest players, it just shows that younger players are making their mark on the league.

What were the aims and expectations at the beginning of the season for both you and the team and how have you and the Sharks met or exceeded them this season?

Personally, I just wanted to show that I was able to battle and give us a chance to win every game but, as a team goal from the start of the season, I think we all wanted to push for a title and win every game we could. So far this season, I think you just have to look at what we have achieved and the fact that we’re the team everyone wants to beat to show we’re going in the right direction. Hopefully we can continue this until the end of the season and push for the treble.

#34 Marc Fowley

Photo Credit: IceHockeyMedia - Colin Lawson

Having changed team prior to Solway Sharks’ last silverware haul, how does it feel to be a part of it this time and what are you most proud of this season, both for the team and yourself?

When I joined Solway for my second spell, I didn’t know a lot about the league but I knew Solway had been pretty successful since entering so it was disappointing to go a couple of seasons without winning a trophy. In some ways, it is a bit of a relief to have won two trophies this year as I had high expectations when I first joined and I know the management and fans also have high expectations of the team. For the team, I am most proud of the young guys. We have a very young team but you wouldn’t know it. They have shown great composure on the ice and just keep getting better. For me, I am perhaps most proud of coming back a little early from injury because we were short of players. I was a little rusty that weekend but I scored a couple of goals and (I think) helped the team out.

Do you think the league has been at its toughest this campaign and that more will be required to win the silverware next season?

It’s hard to say if this has been the toughest campaign in terms of league strength. I think we have been pretty dominant this season and over the last couple of seasons Blackburn were the dominant force. It would be interesting if this year’s Solway team could play one of the Blackburn teams from the previous two years but that’s obviously never going to happen and we can only aim to beat what is in front of us. Next year is a bit of an unknown. There are talks of a restructure and so it depends what teams remain in the league. If some opt to join a restructured Premier League, I can only assume the NIHL will not be as strong a league.

How difficult will it be for the Sharks to continue to dominate in their remaining games with there now being no pressure on the team to compete? 

I think we will put pressure on ourselves to keep winning the remaining games. I don’t like losing any game so I won’t be playing any different. Plus, we have to keep the momentum going into the playoffs.

#47 Kim Miettinen

Photo Credit: IceHockeyMedia - Colin Lawson

You have won the league title again this season, only this time with Solway Sharks. How does this season compare to your last campaign when you claimed the silverware with Blackburn Hawks?

I think both seasons are quite similar with team performance. This year, when both our imports are defencemen, there is no need to hassle with changing when we can always just change with each other so that definitely makes it easier. This year we also won the Northern Cup so there is a change for one more trophy!

Having switched clubs over the summer, what was it that attracted you to play for Solway Sharks rather than Blackburn Hawks and in what ways do you feel the two title winning teams differ?

To be honest, I wasn’t even thinking of Solway as a place to play after last season. I kept in contact with Richard Bentham during the summer and at some point he started to talk to me about the Sharks. Quickly, I was in contact with Martin Grubb and talking with him made my decision easy. Solway has by far the best ice and locker room in the league so those things had a big input as well. Last year with Hawks, we had a kind of veteran team packed with offensive talent. We only had a couple young players and we managed to walk over lots of teams quite comfortably. This year’s Sharks team is completely the opposite. We have a young team and our defence is our strongest part which I think separates us from the rest of the league.

How has it been to work with Solway Sharks this season, what do you make of your new team mates and do you feel it is the camaraderie both on and off the ice that has led to Solway’s league success?

It has definitely been a good year all round with the Sharks. One of the most important things has been our team spirit which is awesome on and off the ice. Young teams sometimes have problems with leadership but I think James Hutchinson especially has been a major part in the locker room during games.

What do you feel you have personally added to the Sharks’ setup this season, following their mixed results in their last campaign?

I think I have brought a balance to defence. Last year, [Juraj] Senko was playing around fifty minutes per game and I know that he is happy we can split that ice time now. I have been managing to score some points too so I’ve been able to help the team in both ends this season.

Who have you been most impressed with and enjoyed playing alongside for the Sharks this season?

I have been really impressed with young Jordan Buesa this season. I feel that he just keeps playing better and better every week and he has made some big steps forward during this season. On the ice, I always know where he is and we seem to find each other a lot. Also, all our young players have definitely taken a step up from last season and that has been the biggest thing leading to our league and cup success.

Looking ahead to playoff weekend, what do you feel are the Sharks’ chances of achieving more silverware and how do you feel they will match up against the other contenders, whether it be Solihull, Whitley, Blackburn or Sutton to claim a spot alongside the Sharks and Billingham Stars?  

I think we are going to playoff weekend as a team who everybody wants to beat. We have shown this season that there is no team in this league who can play with our tempo for a full game. I think that Sheffield’s big ice is good for us and I don’t really care who we face in the semi-finals. Hopefully, Hawks make it though so we can avenge last season’s semi-final loss!

#51 Struan Tonnar

Photo Credit: IceHockeyMedia - Colin Lawson

As captain, how does it feel to have led your team to such success this season and, having fulfilled the role last season, is there anything you have reflected on since to facilitate Solway’s performance this campaign?

In all honesty, the guys make it pretty easy to lead. I’m relatively new to the role, having only lead junior teams but when you put a team of guys together like we have, then it’s easy. Everyone wants to pull in the same direction. I haven’t really had to do anything new from last year in regards to the role. This year, we’ve had Hutchy [James Hutchinson] in the line-up and the guy is seriously clued up on just what a team needs to do to thrive and he’s been key in leading this group of young ‘whipper snappers’ (his term!) to the success we’ve had. Then throw in the likes of Peanut [Ross Murray] and [Juraj] Senko and my job becomes so much easier. All I try to do is contribute in whatever way I’m needed on or off the ice.

Solway have undoubtedly been deserving of the league title this season, with the Sharks largely unrivalled in the Moralee Conference. Why do you think this is so?

I think the table speaks for itself. No one asks how you win, just if you won. We’ve had some really hard fought games over the year and it’s still not over. We still expect there to be some difficult battles ahead but good teams find a way to grind out results and for the most, that’s exactly what we’ve been able to do. We move the puck well and, the speed some of our kids have, it’s no wonder so many defencemen from other teams find out they’re working at late notice before a game. I would hate to be on the other end and having them all flying around against me.

How has this season compared to playing for the Sharks in recent seasons and do you feel last season was a turning point for Solway, in terms of reflection and progress?

It’s strange. As much as there’s been huge change, it still all feels very familiar. I’ve played here for years. It’s amazing how quickly this team can adopt people and quickly turn them into really close friends. I think almost everyone here who plays would agree. That’s a huge part on how we attract players; regardless of what people say, we don’t have the money everyone thinks we do. We create an atmosphere that allows players to play at their best. I think that’s how last year we were able to keep players coming and competing. I said before that last year was a successful season. You just have to sit back and analyse what your goals are for the season. Although we didn’t win silverware last year, we’ve now built a solid team that has so much potential. We’ve worked with and developed these young players by actually giving them ice time in game situations, experience that I’m afraid you can’t get by sitting on a bench. Now we’re reaping the rewards by giving these kids a chance to prove what they can do and I’m sure everyone in the league will agree that they have not disappointed.

#55 James Hutchinson 

Photo Credit: IceHockeyMedia - Colin Lawson

You joined Solway at the beginning of the season from EPL side Hull Pirates. What was your reason behind this decision and did you expect to achieve so much at the club in such a short space of time?

I decided to step down a level as I had recently become a Dad for the first time so I wanted to be able to spend more time with my daughter Amalia and fiancée Beth. If I’m honest, I had no idea about the league or how strong a team we were going to be at the Sharks. It’s been nice to be on a winning team again and to be in a positive environment.

Several of the other players mention you as one of the main leaders in the dressing room, with regards to your knowledge of the game and also offering guidance to some of the younger members of the group. What impact do you think your experience has had on a young Sharks team and is there anything in particular which you have set out to build on with regards to Solway’s ethos?

I have been one of the captains of my team for about nine to ten years now so being a leader isn’t something I had to think about this season any more than before. The Sharks have a very good ethos and style of play which is credit to the coaches and management. It’s clear that the systems have been in place long before I arrived at the club and it’s possible that they are just coming to fruition now, hence our success. There are a lot of teams at higher levels that could learn a lot from the Sharks. Having a long history of playing at a higher level is insignificant in many respects. We are all at the same level now so it’s not something that I pay too much attention to.

Having worked with a wide range of ice hockey players over the course of your career, who has impressed you most this season for the Sharks?

It would be really difficult to single any one guy out on our team that has impressed me this season. I have been really surprised at the quality of players right through our squad. Like I mentioned earlier, I didn’t know much about the league before but it’s clear to see that four or five guys on our team could easily, and will go on to, play at a higher level in the future.

What have you enjoyed most about your first season in the NIHL besides Solway’s silverware haul and just how difficult do you think it will be for the Sharks to achieve playoff success now that they are the team to beat?

The thing I’ve enjoyed most, other than winning, has been spending time in a positive environment. Even if things aren’t going 100% our way, the dressing room is a positive place where guys want to be. I think it’s crucial for the dressing room to be a place where everyone gets along. Going into the playoffs, we are the team to beat but hasn’t it been like that from the start? Playoffs are always a challenge but I believe we are suited to the big ice surface in Sheffield so we are confident.

#90 Ross Murray

Photo Credit: IceHockeyMedia - Colin Lawson

How does it feel to have comfortably won the double this season and what do you think this reveals about the team’s character to bounce back after last season’s disappointments?

It’s great to have won this comfortably. It’s a credit to our hard work. We were hungry after not winning anything for two years but we were smart this year and Spud [Martin Grubb] set out short term goals which eventually turned into long term goals to win everything.

You have used the hashtag #hatersgonnahate in your tweets this season and there has also been the suggestion that perhaps not everyone has been as accepting of Solway’s league success. Who do you consider to be the ‘haters’ in this case and do you feel that the perception or opinion of the Sharks is different to that of other teams in the league at present?

It’s not aimed at anyone really. It’s just you hear those comments from certain teams’ match reports, media coverage and fans on social media and they seem to always have an excuse for us beating them like “the ref was on Solway’s side” or we won by “lucky bounces”. Well, lucky bounces don’t win you a league and cup; being the best team does!

It is fair to say that the leadership from yourself, captain Struan Tonnar and fellow alternate captain James Hutchinson has been second to none this season. In what ways do you feel you differ as leaders and how have you worked together to improve the dynamic of the team after last season’s fourth place finish?

I don’t really know if we differ that much. I know I’m the one who talks the most…well, makes the most noise. Tonnar kind of just lets his hockey do the leadership and Hutch [James Hutchinson] is like the Papa in the group; the man has so much experience. He knows what to do and what not to do. He’s been there and done it. Also, he keeps all the young guys like Duncan [Speirs] from misbehaving because they’re scared of him!

To what extent has last season’s mixed form taken away the expectation of success from the team and what other factors have contributed to the freedom with which Solway have played this season?

I think last year, Solway wasn’t a happy camp. A lot of the boys lost the motivation to be there and that could be seen when we played the game but this year, we have the right boys back and brought in some boys who might not have been the best players out there but who fitted into the changing room and who wanted to buy into that Solway way of hockey.

Many thanks to Solway Sharks’ Head Coach Martin Grubb, imports Juraj Senko and Kim Miettinen, netminder Calum Hepburn, forward Marc Fowley, captain Struan Tonnar and alternate captains Ross Murray and James Hutchinson for sharing their thoughts on their team’s success this season.

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