Leeds Knights showing they are made of the right stuff in NIHL National title pursuit

By Phil Harrison
Published 4th Feb 2023, 07:15 BST
Updated 4th Feb 2023, 14:40 BST
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THE EXHILARATING nature of Leeds Knights’ win at NIHL National title rivals Milton Keynes Lightning last Saturday came as no surprise to head coach Ryan Aldridge.

It was, according to the 44-year-old, a ‘character win - the latest in a series of such performances that have been behind his team’s scintillating form this season, form that has seen them top the standings for the majority of the 2022-23 campaign.

They will need more of the same between now and the end of the season - starting tonight when the two meet again at Elland Road Ice Arena (face-off 6.30pm).

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“They were undoubtedly big points for us,” said Aldridge. “It was a real character win. For the first 10 minutes we set the tone, then we allowed them to get back into it and to pull it back and get it into overtime and get the win was pretty special. It showed a lot of character.

IN THE FRAME: Forward Oli Endicott could make a return to the Leeds Knights line-up after missing two games with an upper-body injury. Picture courtesy of Oliver Portamento.IN THE FRAME: Forward Oli Endicott could make a return to the Leeds Knights line-up after missing two games with an upper-body injury. Picture courtesy of Oliver Portamento.
IN THE FRAME: Forward Oli Endicott could make a return to the Leeds Knights line-up after missing two games with an upper-body injury. Picture courtesy of Oliver Portamento.

“But, to be honest, I think the guys have produced a lot of those sort of wins this season already.

“Games that aren’t supposed to be those kinds of games will end up being those kinds of games down the stretch, just because of how many games we’ve got in such short periods of time – it’s going to be tough on the bodies at times.”

Regarding this weekend’s rematch, Aldridge added: “It just depends on who turns up and who wants it the most.

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“I would take my line-up over anybody’s in the league but that’s because they are my guys, I know how they prepare, how they want things but, in any sport, some nights, it just doesn’t happen.

THE RIGHT STUFF: Leeds Knights' head coach, Ryan Aldridge, has been impressed with his players' performance levels all season. Picture courtesy of Oliver Portamento.THE RIGHT STUFF: Leeds Knights' head coach, Ryan Aldridge, has been impressed with his players' performance levels all season. Picture courtesy of Oliver Portamento.
THE RIGHT STUFF: Leeds Knights' head coach, Ryan Aldridge, has been impressed with his players' performance levels all season. Picture courtesy of Oliver Portamento.

“These sorts of games are always going to be tight, exciting - it’s just who gets most right on the night.”

Aldridge hopes to have forward Oli Endicott back after missing two games with an upper-body injury sustained in last weekend’s NIHL National Cup semi-final win over Sheffield Steeldogs.

"It will be a game-day decision,” added Aldridge. “He’s been a big player for us since he came in and we’d love to have him back for such a big game.”

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The Knights have the benefit that tonight’s encounter is there only outing this weekend.

They will be glad of the rest. Friday’s visit to Leeds from the Steeldogs will be the first of six games in nine days for the Knights, a frenetic period that could determine their title bid.

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