Leeds Knights hoping familiarity can breed content for NIHL National season
FINN BRADON believes the decision by head coach Ryan Aldridge to make minimal roster changes during the summer has helped Leeds Knights get back into their groove more quickly during pre-season.
The Knights complete their pre-season programme this weekend in a double-header against Sheffield Steeldogs, playing host at The Castle on Saturday night (face-off 6.30pm) before heading to Ice Sheffield on Sunday (4pm).
Last weekend they opened up their preparations by hosting Tilburg Trappers from the Netherlands, losing 3-1 before heading to Hull Seahawks two days later where they ran out 4-3 winners.
Aldridge has added just two fresh faces during the off-season - defenceman Zach Sullivan and Canadian forward Cullen McLean - while a third addition is the returning back-up goaltender, Harrison Walker.
As the Knights build for their season-opening night at home to Hull on Friday, September 18, Bradon believes the existing familiarity between the vast majority of the players is a bonus.
“Building chemistry - especially with your linemates - is huge for any team,” Bradon told the club website. “But, luckily for us, we've only added two new guys this year and they fit in well, so there's not much to pick up on from last year.
“I think the boys have settled in well. I mean, it's pretty much the same team, but I think we've had a couple of good games last weekend and we’re looking forward to continuing that.”
Even though the results will not matter in the games this weekend, there is plenty of rivalry between the two Yorkshire teams spilling over from last season.
The Steeldogs beat the Knights with a late overtime winner in the second leg of the National Cup final at Ice Sheffield, before Aldridge’s team gained sweet revenge when prevailing in the play-off semi-final in Coventry just a few weeks later.
“They're always a good team,” added Bradon. “We always have good games against them.
“They look like they've got a strong team this year, so this weekend will be a good chance to see how we match up against them.”