RAF Champs 2007

On Friday 9th November 2007 the Royal Air Force Ice Hockey Championships took place at the Dundee Ice Arena. The tournament consisted of 5 Station teams battling to become crowned the RAF Champions for 2007. Throughout the day, all 5 teams would play each other, gaining 3 points for a win and 1 point for a draw. Eventually these points were added and the top two teams were to be pitted against each other in the Championship finale. After which, an RAF Aces team was to be formed to play an exhibition match against the Dundee Michelin at 23:00hrs later on.

The tournament comprised teams from; RAF Odiham, RAF Brize Norton/Benson, RAF Leuchars, RAF Lossiemouth and an accumulative team called the Eastern Crusade (encompassing; RAF Cottesmore/Wittering/Cranwell/Marham/Waddington).

The first game of the day saw RAF Lossiemouth Jets take on RAF Odiham. Being the opening match of the day this turned out to be a well-fought contest resulting in a 2-1 win for the Jets.

Following a two game break, the next match for the Jets was against the RAF Brize Norton/Benson Blue Wings. Although a reasonably strong team with a class Goaltender, the Jets eased to a 3-0 victory, setting their sights for the next game.

Again, a two game break and it was time to take on our bitterest rivals, the RAF Leuchars Knights. Rivalry between the two clubs in the past has been second to none and both teams took to the ice with an urge to win in style. With the home crowd behind them the Knights surged towards the Jets goal, only to be stopped by an outstanding Jets keeper in Daz Williamson. With a stern team talk by the Coach` Andy Harris during the breaks, the Jets bombarded the Knights net, eventually pulling off a 3-0 win, with some outstanding Hockey from a young Chris Wright and experienced Mark Searby.

Eventually it was the Jets turn to take on the `new` boys in RAF Ice Hockey; the Eastern Crusade. Led by Sqn Ldr Keith Hildred, the Crusade had given the Leuchars squad a fright beforehand, narrowly losing 1-0 to the Knights. The Jets approached this game with an air of slight unease until the first goal went in. Noting that these were the new kids on the block and having an outstanding Goaltender behind them, the floodgates finally opened slightly and the Jets eased to a comfortable victory. In addition during the last 10 minutes, the Jets gave their 2nd Keeper, Ronnie Corbett a run out `between the pipes`.

Having set the benchmark throughout the tournament, the Lossiemouth Jets were in the RAF Championship Final. Their opponents, the Leuchars Knights - of course!. With the OIC RAF Sports Board in attendance, the puck was dropped and battle between the two rivals began in earnest. Respect was given by both teams knowing that the potential for a year long barracking from the winning side would be inevitable, should they lose. Eventually the Jets took the game to the Knights and struck home gaining a 1-0 lead. Again, the Jets approached with caution and with outstanding teamwork and skill demonstrated by all and led by Andy Harris and Jamie McKilroy the Jets scored again. The Knights rarely had an answer and were dumbfounded when they were 3-0 down. After this score the floodgates really did open. With some outstanding play by Chris Woodward in defence, the forwards had a shooting gallery set-up against the Knights keeper. Cumulating in a final score of 7-0, the Knights looked bewildered indeed. Not only had they been beaten by the Jets, but they had been beaten well !!. The Jets team had given the tournament spectators a display of Ice Hockey class and were clearly worthy of being crowned the RAF Champions 2007.

So the cup was ours and with a grin wider than the Severn Bridge, Coach Andy Harris went up and received the Chalice from the OIC RAF Sports Board. Ironically this was the last time Andy would lead the Jets to a victory as he is now posted…….to RAF Leuchars! (No doubt with ambition to win it back now!!)

After formalities and a meeting of the newly formed RAF Ice Hockey Association, the RAF team to play Dundee was picked from all teams. For the Jets it was Andy Harris, Mark Searby, Daz Williamson (Keeper), Jamie McKilroy and Chris Wright. With an impressive line up the RAF took to the ice at 11pm. With a fiery start the RAF Aces looked good together, playing some good Ice Hockey. Unfortunately this wasn’t to last very long, with Dundee taking first blood. Working hard and with tired legs, the Aces managed to equalize quickly, only to be piped back by another goal by Dundee. The Aces keeper Daz Williamson pulled of some blinding saves, earning him Man of the Match, but he was to be beaten a further 6 times. Indeed a good match to watch, but after a long day, the festivities were to end.

Overall, it was a fabulous Ice Hockey tournament. The Lossiemouth Jets really pulled out the stops during most of their games, often showboating the crowds with some crisp and accurate passing and quality goal scoring. Consequently the Jets now have the RAF Championship under their belts and have definitely deserved it. On a more sombre note we all at the Jets, wish Andy Harris all the best at Leuchars and look forward to seeing him on the Ice, all be it wearing that `lovely` light blue Hockey Jersey!!

J T Corbett
Sgt
RAF LJIHC