After a number of seasons struggling in the English Premier League, the Wightlink management decided to drop a level and return to the English National League this season, with an aim to rebuild. 

Enjoying the Island(Photo by Tim Bowers)

Boasting a traditionally solid fan base and a transparent management team, Cornish was pleased to take the opportunity to be player coach for the Raiders and to be part of the ENL:

“I have always wanted to coach and this job has been great so far. Our owners have been upfront and honest with me since we met last summer and that is very hard to find in the hockey community,

“It has been a bit of a culture shock to what I am used to. The rinks first of all are the biggest difference, people say that ours is one of the worst, but I think that there are a lot worse rinks in our league and I’m happy to play out of the Ryde Arena. The league is fun to play in and competitive, whilst the top teams have been surprisingly good. I think there is definitely a wide gap between these and the bottom teams where the skill level is lower,

“Obviously with the Raiders this year being a new team, I feel the best is yet to come. The last two or three weeks, I have seen a great improvement in our team play and the guys are making better decisions on the ice more frequently”

 

Sarno left last week (Photo by Tim Bowers)

There is no doubt the Raiders have shown signs of improvement lately. A four point weekend over Chelmsford and then a tough win on the road in Oxford have given Wightlink fans hope that the Raiders can make an impact in the upcoming play offs. Unfortunately this good form has been tempered by two big blows to the playing roster. Import forward John Sarno returned home after a family bereavement and then defenceman Dan Scott was ruled out for the rest of the season with injury following last weekend’s game against Bracknell. Both were a cruel blow to a small tightly knit squad but Cornish believes that this presents the perfect opportunity for other members of the squad to step up to the plate:

“Sarno was a big loss. I honestly don’t have much to say on the matter, I feel bad that he has recently lost his grandfather, but the way he went about leaving wasn’t the best. We as a club were supportive of him leaving, and him not coming back wasn’t the plan. It gives the rest of us the opportunity to come together and contribute more, but I would be lying if I said we weren’t going to miss him,

“Dan’s injury is very serious and not only will he be missed on the ice, he is one of our leaders in the locker room. Danny’s experience and skill have helped us win games this season and I hope he heals up good for next year”

 

Cornish v Watchorn (Photo by Lewis Cleveland)

Another trend that has become apparent to fans of ENL hockey is the willingness for players to suddenly drop the gloves with the Raiders coach. Having previously only fought Gareth Rowlands of Cardiff so far this season, the 6ft 4 inch winger recently dropped the gloves with Brad Watchorn of Bracknell and was reportedly offered a scrap in Invicta by Grant Baxter last week. Undoubtedly the toughest guy in the league, Cornish could rightly fancy his chances against most ENL players but insists he will only drop the gloves when he feels the time is right:

“I haven’t had anyone ask me to fight this year, but I truly don’t see a place for it in the league for guys like me. I have a great opportunity to coach a team and play lots of minutes. I have had a lot of fights in the last ten years and just focusing on winning and playing has been a major change for me. With saying that, fighting has been a major part of my game and if a challenge comes up, I won’t be turning it down”

 

Dan Hughes made Captain (Photo by Lewis Cleveland)

Wightlink fans are known across British hockey for their friendly support, and players always speak highly of the hospitality they are shown by the islanders and fans when playing for the Raiders. The Isle of Wight is buzzing with tourists during the summer months, but in the winter the residents rely on their hockey team to bring warmth and joy. Hockey has always been a big draw on the island, but after a few years of struggle, one of the main selling points of the Raiders playing ENL hockey this year, was to put out a winning team. Cornish has opted to live on the mainland for the time being and commute across the Solent, but this isn’t a case of keeping his distance. Despite a stuttering start he is enjoying his time with Wightlink, and has even engaged fans on the team’s official website forum:   

“I am currently living thirty miles outside of Portsmouth, but half of the team travel over together. My wife and I go over together every Saturday for games,  and we have enjoyed our time on the island when we do stay over. Our fan base is very friendly and they have been incredibly supportive of our new team and league,

“It’s hard reading the forums sometimes. People are free to their own opinion but it’s still hard to read it. Steve and Geoff (Raiders management team) mentioned it may be a good idea to join it and I have enjoyed answering questions to the fans. I haven’t had any negative responses directed towards me and I have tried to be as honest as possible”

 

No wonder he likes the play offs (Photo Jeremy Cornish)

Currently placed sixth in the league with games in hand, Wightlink have pretty much qualified for the play offs which gives Cornish fresh impetus and a clean slate to boot. Play off hockey is very different from the regular season and with a solid close knit team, nobody would write off Wightlink to make an impact. Non plussed by who the groupings could pitch his team against, the Raiders Player Coach simply cannot wait:

“I don’t care at all (who the groups are). I just want to win as many games as possible down the stretch and hit the play-offs playing our best hockey. The play-offs are my favourite time of year and the guys will be very motivated to do well”

 

Matt Colclough stepping up (Photo by Lewis Cleveland)

So despite the setbacks, the Raiders season is not over by a long shot, they have the play offs to look forward too and in the longer term, Cornish is focusing on building for the future. The Raiders have a strong core of players and you get the feeling that with some sensible recruitment over the summer they can really challenge in the league next year. It is a tough task to recruit given the geography of the island, but for any good young player looking for a fresh start, they could do worse than sign up for a season or two on the Isle of Wight with the stability they appear to have now. The ENL needs a strong Wightlink side, just as much as Wightlink need a strong ENL to build their crowds.  Regardless of what happens, the ‘Roddas Cornish Clotted Cream’ sponsored Jeremy Cornish is philosophical about his year at the helm:

“The guys have been great and a pleasure to coach. I just hope whatever happens in the future, they take what I have taught them to their next teams”

Thanks for reading and stay safe.

Carrsy

Contact the author david.carr@prohockeynews.com