Leeds Knights defenceman Jordan Griffin is looking ahead to a huge week of action as the Knights prepare for three games in four days, starting with Thursday’s Yorkshire derby against the Sheffield Steeldogs at The Castle.
The Knights head into the busy schedule full of confidence after an impressive weekend saw them record a 5-0 victory over Solway IHC at home before battling to a dramatic 5-4 overtime win away at the Telford Tigers.
After a difficult start to the season, Griffin believes the team is beginning to find its rhythm, with improved performances in training helping the Knights build momentum.
“It was a good weekend for us,” he said. “We’ve had a bit of a slow start and struggled in a few games, so it was nice to get two wins.”
Asked whether the team was beginning to build momentum after three consecutive victories, Griffin added: “Definitely. I think the last few weeks in training have been a lot better and I think we’re starting to build something.”
Sunday’s trip to Telford provided a stern test of the Knights’ resilience, with the Tigers scoring four goals in quick succession to turn the game on its head. However, Leeds regrouped to force overtime and ultimately secure the victory.
For Griffin, the key to responding to such a momentum shift is remaining disciplined and trusting the team’s systems.
“We’ve just got to try and forget about it, as bad as that seems, and stick with what Ry’s telling us to do,” he explained. “It works for the majority of the game, so if they score, it could just be a good play from them. We’ve got to stick to our systems and carry on.”
The defenceman believes the comeback victory was another sign of the progress the team is making this season.
“I think it shows our progression a little bit this year. Obviously, we know we’ve got a good team, so we’ve just got to stick to what Ry’s telling us to do and it should come out the right way for us.”
The Knights’ busy schedule begins on Thursday evening with a home clash against the Sheffield Steeldogs in a Yorkshire derby, adding extra significance to an already important cup fixture.
While Griffin insists he approaches every game in much the same way, he recognises the importance of getting one over on their local rivals.
“Personally, I try and do the same thing every game, but I would say it adds a little bit. We always want to win the games against Yorkshire rivals.”
With the Knights looking to improve their position in the cup standings, Thursday’s encounter presents an important opportunity to build on their recent success.
“We’ve had a bit of a slow start in some of the cup games, so it’d be nice to get the win and move up the table a little bit,” Griffin said.
The derby also marks the first of two Halloween-themed home games at the Castle, with the Knights expecting a lively atmosphere from the home crowd.
Griffin is eager to see as many supporters as possible in attendance, highlighting the impact the fans can have on the team’s performances.
“It’s great. I would say we’ve probably got some of the best fans in the league, so it’s always nice to be in a loud building.”
Following Thursday’s derby, Leeds travel to Solway IHC on Friday, looking to repeat the 5-0 victory they recorded at home last weekend.
Despite the convincing result, Griffin insists the Knights cannot afford to take anything for granted when they face Solway again.
“We’ve got to go and just take it as a new game,” he said. “They might have a few more guys in the line-up with it being a home game, so we shouldn’t worry too much about previous results and just take it as it is.”
The weekend concludes on Sunday afternoon when the Knights welcome Swindon Wildcats to the Castle, giving Leeds the chance to respond to their recent defeat on the road against the Wildcats.
Griffin believes the Knights have the ability to turn the result around but knows discipline will be crucial.
“I wouldn’t say anything massively different [needs changing]. I think penalties cost us a little bit last time, so maybe we need to try and stay out of the box a little bit. I think we’ve proved that if we play our game, we can beat anyone.”
With three important fixtures packed into four days, Griffin is keen for the Knights faithful to get behind the team as they look to continue their winning run and make the most of a huge week.
“Just come down and be loud for us. We always play better in front of a loud crowd, so get as many people down as possible.”
