Published: Thursday, 24th December, 2009 1:00pm

Jets powering on

by Patrick Corlett

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Ice hockey

PETE Russell is delighted with the start his Slough Jets outfit has made to the English Premier League campaign as they lie third with games in hand.

The head coach only took over in the summer after Steve Moria departed to join EPL newboys Basingstoke Bison, with many former Jets going with the Player of the Year to Hampshire.

However, Russell has recruited a lot of Bracknell Bees as well as other talent while keeping some of the Slough players, including captain Blaz Emersic.

"I think everybody thought when Steve Moria left and took his players off with him we were doomed but we are 10 points ahead of them," commented Russell who has hugely appreciated the backing of owner Zoran Kozic.

"We have put together a new team so there is a lot more to come and we have been excellent so far. I have really enjoyed it so far, working with Zoran (Kozic), it has been really easy for me. They have let me get on with it.

"I have not got a bad word to say about my time here, we are third in the league and in the cup semi-final.

"I have been away for two games and it's nice to know that everyone is sticking together. I think we have got a really good team here and there is definitely a lot more to come from this team."

The Jets are currently third on 37 points with Milton Keynes leading the way on 43, a point ahead of Manchester Phoenix - who were just thrashed 7-1 at the Hangar on Saturday - but Slough have two games in hand on the teams above them.

Speaking about the possibility of bringing home a trophy in the second half of the season, which will begin on Saturday, January 2 (6.30pm face-off) at home to Sheffield Scimitars with a trip to Manchester the following day, Russell commented: "Who knows what will happen? I just think we will take every game as it comes, try to stay in touch with the top team and work really, really hard whether it's in the cup, league or play-offs - every game we play.

"We have got to respect all the teams in this league, keep working hard and playing hard - I think that is the key. If we stay in the top four, who knows what will happen, I don't."