Cornish was appointed as Wightlink Raiders coach in 2009

Wightlink Raiders coach Jeremy Cornish says his side can stay unbeaten for the rest of the season after they extended their winning streak to 15 games.

Raiders beat Oxford City Stars 5-1 on Sunday, having not lost a match since their 3-1 defeat by Invicta Dynamos on 7 November.

"It's always a tough feat to put out a run but there's nothing to say we can't do it," Cornish told BBC Radio Solent.

"We are going to have to win every game and we believe we it's possible."

The Raiders are six points clear at the top of the English National Ice Hockey League South Division with just 11 games remaining.

"I can't relax until it's all said and done, we have 11 games left and we can't afford to lose any of them, so when it's over I'll rest a bit," added Cornish.

The Canadian, who has played in the Elite League for Newcastle Vipers and Sheffield Steelers, admits the title is in the Raiders' hands.

"It is ours to lose, but this is still hard to believe because this is not a position I'm used to," said Cornish.

"I've won the play-off championship in the Elite League and was a runner up for Newcastle, but this is the first time as a coach I've been ahead of the game."

Raiders will play Oxford City stars at Ryde Arena this Saturday and despite a comfortable away victory, Cornish expects the home leg to be a tough encounter.

"They've been our bogey team for the last two seasons, they always give us trouble but for some reason on Sunday they weren't on their A game," added the 33-year-old.

"So I'm expecting a much better effort from them on Saturday but Sunday gave us a good confidence builder ahead of the match."

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version