Hockey From Across The Pond is proud to announce a first-ever exclusive interview.
Whitley Warriors goaltender Richie Lawson, has been in outstanding form this season and has very kindly found the time to share his thoughts on how he thinks the recent games have been going.
'It's been a fantastic start to our campaign bagging 7 points out of a possible 8. We are just seeing the tip of the iceberg here. We have beaten some strong teams, and put in some great performances but we still have so much room for improvement'.
Whitley travelled down to Shropshire last Saturday to face the Telford Tigers, in a game that was always going to be tough. The encounter became that much harder after a sluggish first couple of periods by the visitors, and Richie was annoyed at the goals conceded.
'Telford came out flying in the first period, which was mainly driven by our poor pre game /warm up preparation if I'm honest. Their team were quick and seemed to get to every 50:50 puck, and taking an early lead from a screened shot.' he said. 'I would have liked the second goal back in Telford, and I could have played the first goal more aggressively perhaps, hindsight is a great thing though!'
Despite the difficult start Richie felt his team mates did well to come back in the game and also felt player-coach David Longstaff was correct in challenging the players to improve, but ultimately couldn't hide his disappointment at conceding the late leveller.
'The lads did a great job battling back from a 2-0 deficit, after some much needed stern words by our coach.' he said. 'Credit to Telford for clawing back their final goal with the extra attacker. I didn't even see the shot being released in all honesty through 4 or 5 bodies. I've been told the puck pin balled its way into our D-mans leg and directly into the net. That game really felt like a loss in the dressing room after.'
Despite that disappointment against the Tigers last week Richie is pleased with the way his season has gone so far, and so he should. The Warriors number one Netminder has been outstanding, and currently holds a 2.50 GAA, but that doesn't mean he is resting on his laurels. In fact the former Newcastle Viper has admitted just what a difference this current coaching regime has had on him and the defensemen patrolling the blue line in front of him.
'From a personal stand point I'm happy with my own performances to date, but I always strive to improve. My team and the coaching staff are doing a great job defensively compared to previous seasons. Gone are the days of teams being able to free wheel and shoot from all angles in our zone. As a goaltender, the added degree of predictability of where shots are coming from gives you that important split second advantage.'
Goaltenders generally face much different challenges to the other hockey players, but Richie feels he is in prime condition this season and that comes down to his conditioning off the ice.
'I have been spending a lot of time working on my explosive power, speed and agility in the gym, which I feel is translating well on the ice.' he said. 'If you are a smaller goaltender you better be quick, you need to ensure your speed and flexibility are second to none.'
One thing that strikes you when you talk to Richie, is his winning mentality and also how happy he is to be part of a successful team. This season's Warriors seem to be just that.
'I can't begin to tell you how good this team is to be a part of. To get off to the start we have, with the amount of room we still have to improve, is an exciting prospect. I have very high hopes for this season.'
Whitley are back in action on Sunday, when the Telford Tigers make the return journey to Hillheads. After a difficult but productive weekend last time out, I'm sure everyone will be looking for a more comfortable victory.
Another bumper crowd has been predicted for the game, with supporter numbers up to levels not seen in over a decade. With that in mind Richie had a short but important message to tell the fans.
'Warrior hockey is back.'
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