Leeds Knights 7 Peterborough Phantoms 2 - Jake Witkowski back with goals and 'calm' to boost Knights' NIHL National title bid

JAKE WITKOWSKI marked his return to action for Leeds Knights in style with two goals but it was his “calming influence” that coach Ryan Aldridge was pleased to see as much as anything else.
By Phil Harrison
Published 18th Feb 2024, 11:42 GMT
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The 27-year-old American had been forced to watch from the sidelines for six games after being judged to have made an illegal check to the head in the 3-2 win against NIHL National title rivals Milton Keynes Lightning last month.

But he worked off his frustrations at Elland Road Ice Arena on Saturday night when his double strike and an assist helped his team to a comfortable 7-2 win against Peterborough Phantoms.

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The two teams locked horns again on Sunday night in Cambridgeshire, but it was a case of job done on home ice by the Knights - much to the satisfaction of head coach Aldridge.

BACK IN THE GAME: Leeds Knights' Jake Witkowski marked his return to the team with two goals and an assist in the win over Peterborough Picture: Aaron BadkinBACK IN THE GAME: Leeds Knights' Jake Witkowski marked his return to the team with two goals and an assist in the win over Peterborough Picture: Aaron Badkin
BACK IN THE GAME: Leeds Knights' Jake Witkowski marked his return to the team with two goals and an assist in the win over Peterborough Picture: Aaron Badkin

“We were good again tonight, but then I feel we have been for the last three games,” he said. “We were better on the puck, good on the defensive side of the puck but also confident on the puck going forward and hungry around the net.

“It was good to see Jake back, I was really pleased with him. He’s a calming influence on the team, especially in pressure situations during a game - and his shot is somehow harder than last year!”

It looked at one stage as if the Knights would repeat the 6-0 win they produced at home against Telford Tigers last Sunday, but two strikes in the last 10 minutes from Leo Markey and Luke Ferrara against Harrison Walker - in for Sam Gospel for the third period - put paid to that.

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