DEE West-Attrill has explained it was a great feeling to win the opening match of the season with the newly-formed Slough Sirens.

West-Attrill created the club to give ladies ice hockey in the area a better future and Slough made the perfect start after a 3-2 win against Oxford Midnight Stars.

The home side led at the end of the first period thanks to a goal from Jodie Attrill, but Oxford turned the tables when Katerina Lossnitzer netted twice in the 25th minute.

Slough equalised through Peri Edmiston before the end of the middle period and secured the points with a goal from player-of-the-match Aniko Gaal in the final stanza.

The Sirens manager West-Attrill told the Observer: “I was really pleased with that and our coaches said we played well.

“It’s new ice for us and the pad is different to our previous one, so initially it felt like an away game.

“We went 2-1 down but we worked hard to get the result and deserved to win.

“To come away with the win is a great feeling and a great way to start the season.”

“The core of the team is the same from last season but we have five new players so there’s a little bit of gelling to do.”

West-Attrill won the league title with Basingstoke Bison last season and aims to repeat the feat with Slough, but she explained it will be a year of development for the Sirens.

She said: “We’re going to aim to win the league again or at least reach the play-offs, which is the top two spots, but this is a development year in terms of growth of numbers and improving ability, so we will see where it takes us.

“We have a few new players and some are good assets that can replace what we’ve lost in terms of ability.

“Others are new to women’s hockey but have played recreational hockey with men before and that experience will stand them in good stead.

“There’s definitely more depth in the team now but we will see how we go. I’m confident but we don’t yet know what other teams are going to bring this season.”

The Sirens return to action with a visit to the Slough Ice Arena from Peterborough Penguins on Sunday 14th October (6pm) and West-Attrill is confident of a home win.

She said: “Peterborough finished bottom last season and struggled for numbers, so it’s a good chance to see if they’ve got any new players or will be the same as last year.”

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