Jets send out warning to rest of league

A stunning four-point weekend from the Slough Jets has sent a warning to the rest of the English Premier League.

The Jets opened with an unlikely 6-2 win against second-placed Guildford Flames at The Hangar on Saturday.

They then made the trip up north on Sunday to face Manchester Phoenix and produced a remarkable 6-1 victory to complete back-to-back wins over the title favourites.

Head coach Peter Russell believes the results will have shocked their rivals, but warned that his side must keep their feet on the ground.

“No one thought we’d get four points from this weekend,” he told the Express. "But we can’t get cocky and just have to continue playing well.

"To be where we are – fifth and just three points off the top – is perfect.”

Last week, Russell spoke of his disappointment that the Jets were losing their focus at key moments in matches. However, against Guildford and Manchester, his players stuck to the task throughout.

“They were both good games against two of the favourites in the league,” he said. “The guys were focused and we took our chances. Well done to them.

“We had a team meeting on Thursday and spoke about the importance of staying focused for the whole game.

“Guildford and Manchester played better than us in the first period but the guys stayed focused and went on to win.”

Tomorrow (Saturday), Slough entertain Sheffield Scimitars then on Sunday head to Romford to face the Raiders.

Russell warned his side must approach the games as if they were playing a top team again, saying: “The hard part now is to continue our form against the so-called ‘lesser teams’.”

Russell has made a change to the Slough Jets roster this week – signing Slava Koulikov and releasing James Knight.

Russian-born Koulikov, who has Elite League experience, joins the club from Hull Stingrays.

“It’s not every day that players like Slava are available so I am delighted to have got him, he is a strong addition to our team,” explained Russell.

“Slava has skill to burn and can make things happen on the ice. When I knew he was interested in coming I knew I had to make it happen.”

He added: “He’s very, very skilled and I think he can add something to team.”

Knight was released from the roster on Monday to make way for Koulikov’s arrival.