Oli Endicott has called on the Leeds Knights to build on their perfect six-point weekend as they prepare for a challenging double-header against the Bristol Pitbulls.
The Knights head into this weekend full of confidence after securing three wins in four days, taking maximum points against the Sheffield Steeldogs, Solway IHC and Swindon Wildcats.
It was a demanding schedule for the team, but Endicott was delighted with the way the squad came through it, highlighting the importance of the results both on the ice and in the Cup standings.
“[I’m] very pleased. Obviously, six points is massive. Huge games. Solway, obviously, tough game to go and play away. Sheffield have been doing well this season and Swindon have been on the back end of a five or six-game win streak as well, so to beat them all was huge,” he said.
“Six points right now for us and, obviously, Leeds Knights as a team and club, it's massive to get us right back up there in the Cup standings as well.”
The Knights had to manage a busy schedule with little training time, but Endicott believes the team's ability to come through it with maximum points was important.
“We only trained once. We knew it was going to be a tough weekend, obviously, with a lot of tired bodies coming towards the end of the week, but we managed to pull through and get it done. It's absolutely massive and hopefully we can keep that going.”
Of the three victories, Sunday's 3-2 win over Swindon stood out most for Endicott, given the circumstances surrounding the game.
After opening the weekend with a 4-1 home victory over Sheffield on Thursday, the Knights travelled to Solway on Friday night, before taking on the reigning League Champions back at home on Sunday.
Endicott feels the final game of the weekend was probably the toughest test saying: “Probably the Swindon game because of the order being the last game.
“Obviously, Thursday night, some guys coming from work, getting a massive win against Sheffield who are a good team, was huge.
“Then to go to Solway the following night and with a few penalties and situations that happened meaning we got home later than normal, to get up the next day and go again, and then do another game for a three-game in four days, was pretty huge, especially against a Swindon team who are really good. So, yeah, massive, massive win.”
The challenge now is to maintain that level as the Knights face Bristol home and away this weekend.
Endicott is expecting two difficult games, particularly with the Pitbulls having plenty of motivation to turn their recent form around.
“They're not playing amazing right now, but I think they're a team that needs to find a way and needs to get a win, so we can't take them lightly,” he explained.
“You've got to take away their last three or four games, forget about that. You can only beat what's in front of you, and I think they're going to be a team now that's hungry to turn the page.
“We need to make sure we can keep our train rolling and, hopefully, get four points this weekend.”
Facing the same opposition twice in quick succession also presents an opportunity for the Knights to identify areas to exploit between the two fixtures.
“Depending on the result, you can pick up different things on different players and key guys. We know who their key players are that you've got to watch out for, but you can always pick stuff up and figure out different things for the home leg.”
The Knights also welcomed back Innes Gallacher last weekend who marked his comeback after eight months out with two goals in Friday's victory over Solway. Endicott was full of praise for the forward and the impact his return has already had on the team.
“Unreal. Having him back in the line-up is massive. Our team is different with him on the ice. We've missed that big six-foot-two, two-way forward who finishes his hit, scores goals and goes to the net. He does all the little things right, and it's nice to play with him as well. He's a great guy and a good team-mate.”
Sunday's home fixture will also carry special significance with the Knights hosting their annual Remembrance game at The Castle. The occasion will see the club and supporters come together to pay tribute to members of the Armed Forces and those who have served.
“I feel honoured to be a part of that game. It's really nice that we can pay tribute to the Armed Forces and a lot of the guys will be down here for the game, so hopefully it'll be a special game.”
With four points on offer across the weekend, the Knights will be looking to carry their recent momentum into both encounters and continue their push in the cup standings.
