Lightning hoping for big home-round victory
The Wanganui Lightning hope this weekend is the chance to finally go all the way and win their home round of the Lower North Island Inline Hockey League at Jubilee Stadium.
Photo / File
In the past two years, the Lightning have finished second when it's their turn to host the weekend of games, both times to the top side Rimutaka Renegades and despite last year drawing the matchup between them.
In a change of format, this weekend is the third round of five, compared to four rounds in 2017.
The first two rounds were in Levin, where the Lightning had a loss and a draw in the first weekend, then a loss and a win at the second.
"We're hoping that this weekend at home we'll come away with a victory," said club secretary/manager Rhiannon Vale.
"I said to them, 'we want to be on top of the table'."
Lightning followed up last year's regional league by coming third at the nationals in New Plymouth, and hope to have a similar strong showing this year.
At the 2017 Whanganui round, the side did not have their specialist goalie available and had to rotate 3-4 players through the position.
This year, they have been joined by Canadian Liam Bissell, who is adjusting from his background as an ice hockey goaltender.
Another team newcomer is Boris Kristofik, originally from Slovakia.
The rest are all returning players (and former WHS students) in the O'Donnell brothers; James and Kieran, while the Ashworth family provides a trio of siblings; Josh, Matthew and Joel.
The other team members are Brett Buckeridge, Josh Hamilton, Rob Marks, and Pita Marshall.
Kieran O'Donnell scored 14 goals at last year's Whanganui round, while James O'Donnell got nine and Matthew Ashworth five.
The Lightning start at 9am on Saturday against the Levin Rebels, who beat them in the opening game last year, which is why they ultimately finished second.
The big one will be at 5.15pm against the Rimutaka Renegades.
On Sunday, the Lightning meet the Tawa Typhoons at 9.55am, then wrap up their weekend against the Capital Penguins at 12.40pm.
There will be a sausage sizzle the team is running on both days, sponsored by Wanganui Toyota, Flooring Xtra Wanganui and Masterbuilt.
The fourth round is tentatively scheduled to be held in Kilbirnie in Wellington, before the fifth round is back in Levin.
By Jared Smith
Wanganui Chronicle 5/6/18