Leeds Knights defenceman Sam Cooper is looking for the team to build on last weekend’s victory as they prepare to welcome Solway IHC on Saturday before travelling to face thed Telford Tigers on Sunday.
The Knights return to home ice following a demanding weekend on the road, which saw them suffer a defeat against the Swindon Wildcats before responding with a victory over the Basingstoke Bison in League/Cup action on Saturday night.
For Cooper, the win in Basingstoke was an important step forward for the group as they look to build momentum heading into another crucial weekend.
Reflecting on the trip to Swindon, Cooper believes the Knights created opportunities but were unable to make them count.
“I think we had chances but unfortunately we didn’t capitalise on, some of them didn't go our way, and that's a hard building to go into and play Swindon away,” he said.
The response against Basingstoke was particularly important, with Cooper highlighting the significance of the League/Cup fixture and the confidence the result could bring.
“I think Saturday in Basingstoke was good for us as a group. We're starting to find our feet a bit more, and I think the group really needed that win. Fingers crossed, it will carry over into this weekend and moving forward after that.
“The game was a cup game as well, so it was a must-win game. I think it's all steps in a positive direction for the team and for the group we have.”
The Knights welcome Solway IHC on Saturday, with Cooper expecting a tough test against an opponent who has been performing well recently.
With the two sides yet to meet this season, the focus for Leeds will be on their own preparation and delivering the standards required to secure the result.
“Solway have been good recently. They're a good team and, the same as we should every weekend, we just need to work hard in practice and buy into how Ryan wants us to play,” Cooper explained.
The defenceman also made clear the importance of the games ahead as the Knights look to put together a strong run of performances.
“For us now, every game is a play-off game. We have to win every game coming up. Just work hard, do the small things well and build day by day.”
Saturday's fixture also gives the Knights the opportunity to return to home ice, something Cooper believes can make a significant difference to the team.
He said: “It makes such a difference, honestly. At the weekend away, we lose that seventh person on the ice. Having the Knights fans behind us honestly makes such a difference.
“We always say in the locker room, the more we can get the team going and The Castle loud, the better we are on the ice. So, the louder those fans are, the better we'll be.”
Sunday brings another challenge as the Knights travel to face the Telford Tigers, with Cooper anticipating a different style of game on the road.
“I think Telford are a good team as well. I think it will be good for us to go down and play them.
“It's a smaller ice pad, so it's a slightly different game, a bit more physical, I would say, but, again, I'm really looking forward to it.
“It's two good opportunities for us to put in performances this weekend and make another positive step forward.”
With two different opponents across consecutive days, the Knights will be looking to carry the confidence from their Basingstoke victory into both fixtures.
Cooper was encouraged by the team's work in practice and believes the group is beginning to move in the right direction.
“Good practice today. I think the boys are going. I think it's really, really vital we had that win on Sunday.
“We're moving the right way forward and confidence is good. I think we're going to start to see the Leeds Knights hockey we all know and love coming back now. I'm really looking forward to the weekend ahead.”
The 22-year-old praised the backing the Knights receive and is hoping for another loud atmosphere at The Castle as the team targets a positive start to the weekend.
“Leeds Knights fans are the best fans in the league. There's no question about it,” he said.
“It's really good to be back at home this weekend, back playing in front of everybody.”
With confidence building after the victory on Saturday, the Knights will be aiming to turn that momentum into performances and results against Solway IHC and the Telford Tigers this weekend.
