Jets given boost

Published 26 Mar 2009 16:30 0 Comments

Share this

Ice hockey

THE Slough Jets have been given a real shot in the arm at just the right time with Steve Moria earning the English Premier League Player of the Year award for the second season running.

As well as the head coach's accolade, Joe Ciccarello has been acknowledged as he joins Moria in the All Star line-up.

Slough are going through a difficult time at the moment so the news should boost confidence ahead of this weekend's fixtures at home to the Romford Raiders and at Bracknell, before the showdown with the Bees to see who makes the Finals Weekend in Coventry.

The pair are the leading points scorers for the Jets in this campaign, with Moria racking up 100 points to date, including 42 goals, with Ciccarello amassing 84.

"It's quite an honour, particularly at this time when my confidence is not as high as it can be and I'm not playing as well as I can," he said.

"I think my ability is being questioned but it's great to be recognised by the English Hockey League," said the Slough coach who also won the award last year and, in the process, the 48-year-old became the first player to do so in three different decades.

"And I'm really happy that Joseph Ciccarello has made the All Star team as well. Sometimes he doesn't get the recognition he deserves but myself and the guys are really excited for him."

When asked if the awards will boost morale after another home reversal at the hands the Swindon Wildcats on Saturday, Moria remarked: "I hope so.

"We are looking for anything to help us out, we're looking for anything to lift the spirits at the moment."

In the final weekend of the regular season, the Jets host the Raiders on Saturday with former Slough defenceman and favourite, Jan Krajieck, in their ranks and part of the All Star first team as well.

Then on Sunday, Moria's troops head to the Bee Hive to face a Bracknell side in serious danger of going out of business next season.

"I want us to be happy with the way we've played this weekend," said Moria.

"I need to get the guys excited about playing hockey again. The play-offs is a totally different season.

"I'm sure we can get ourselves up for that and anything can happen and we need to because we want to get to Coventry."

This article appeared in Royal Borough Observer 27 Mar 09

Return to the main index, get more from this section or browse our Sport archives.

Follow @windsorobserver