The season is under way for Ice Hockey and with the Under 18s picking up an early season win, it was over to the U16s.
Chelmsford's U16 team started their season off with the toughest possible test. Hosting local rivals Romford, in a game they weren't expected to win. Romford were heavy favourites heading into the game, but Chelmsford had other ideas.
From the very first puck drop Romford were stronger, faster and more agile than Chelmsford were. Chelmsford were able to keep the scores level and at 9:52 of the first period the home team were able to take the lead after Taylor Ross scored from a Lawrence Reffell assist. Romford were shocked, but regrouped to keep the pressure on. Chelmsford however, spurred on by their goal were able to hold their lead heading into the first intermission.
It was Chelmsford who were able to come out the faster in the second period. They doubled their lead after gaining a powerplay, which wasn't able to produce the two goal lead the boys so desired.. The atmosphere of the game changed, with play from both becoming more and more intense body checks become harder and the game become a lot more physical.
Chelmsford were able to gain a further foothold on the game, when Bailey Chittock scored from James Diamond. Romford stepped up their efforts almost instantaneously and used their size and speed advantage to reduce the gap to 2-1. It was the remaining moments of the second period which likely had the biggest effect on the result. Romford were desperate to tie the game up, but despite their efforts they would head into the third still 2-1 down.
Onto the third and both teams came out to try and win the game, which was still very much in the balance. The next goal would be vital for the momentum of the game, should Chelmsford get it, they could go on and hold out for victory. If Romford were to get it, then Chelmsford would have seen their lead destroyed for the first time in the game and hand Romford the initiative. It was Chelmsford who got the goal and they did more than just hold on for the win!
After just two minutes of the final period, Ollie Baldock (assisted by Bailey Chittock) put Chelmsford up by three goals to one and they never looked back. Romford were rocked and just never recovered, their heads were gone and they were taking penalties at an alarming rate. This allowed Chelmsford to run away with the game.
Goals four, five six and seven were added before the end, with Ollie Baldock and Bailey Chittock adding a second each, with Lawrence and Ellis adding to the tally. Romford angered by the situation spent more time in the penalty box and directed their anger towards the officials, with players being awarded misconduct penalties, which meant Chelmsford were easily able to round out a 7-1 victory.
It is a wonderful way to start the season for Chelmsford, not only were they able to beat their local rivals, they were able to batter them and gain a mental advantage moving forward. Everyone involved will be able to take a lot away from this game, as they look forward to building on it.