Owen Sobchak enjoyed a memorable night at The Castle on Saturday as the Leeds Knights put nine past the Peterborough Phantoms, with the forward scoring four times in a 9–2 victory.
Sobchak was quick to credit his linemates for helping him find the back of the net on a night when everything seemed to fall into place.
“Yeah, it was a fun night. I guess the puck just wanted to go in and I'm not going to complain about that.”
The 9–2 victory was a complete team effort, according to Sobchak, who highlighted the work of those around him.
“Obviously, my linemates did a lot of hard work, getting me the puck and Bali on the first one absolutely destroyed that guy with the hit to get us going. But yeah, I think it was a full team effort and couldn't do it without the linemates, obviously.”
There was also an opportunity for some of the younger players coming through the Knights' set-up to gain valuable minutes, particularly during the third period.
Sobchak said it was great to see the young players developing alongside the more experienced members of the squad.
“Yeah, it's definitely a cool experience, especially for them. They came in and won a trophy at the end of the year last year, then they're right back to it this year, so it's good to see them develop.”
He also praised the pathway between the junior programme and the Knights.
“And it all comes back to that Juniors-Knights programme. And the Knights II, are doing a good thing and wish them the best going forward.”
The Knights had established an early advantage before Peterborough responded, but Leeds quickly regained control.
Sobchak described the response as an important moment in the game.
“Yeah, I think that's just like Ry said, in between periods, it's a character goal.”
“You don't want to get down on the bench and let them get the momentum and maybe push back. And we went out there and got the next goal.”
That response helped the Knights build their advantage as the goals continued to arrive.
“And then you can see the guys on the bench get up again. And once you get two, you get three. And it seemed we got nine by the end of the game, so I can't complain.”
The Castle was rocking for the 9–2 victory - the atmosphere another major talking point after the game.
Sobchak felt the team owed the supporters a performance after last weekend.
“Yeah, and I definitely think we owe them that from last week and not putting on a performance after showing that video of us winning last year. But yeah, I think we did them justice tonight and gives them a reason to come back next week.”
Attention now turns to next weekend, when MK Lightning will visit The Castle.
Sobchak knows the Knights will need to be ready for another competitive encounter.
“Yeah, definitely. And they beat us last week and so it's our turn to return the favour.”
Leeds Knights vs MK Lightning - Saturday 3rd October, 6:30pm face-off
