SLOUGH Jets have extended their incredible winning streak in the National Ice Hockey League to 15 matches this season after victories against Chelmsford Chieftains and Guildford, writes Rob Stevens.

The Jets returned from their Christmas break to beat league leaders Chelmsford 4-3 in overtime at the Slough Ice Arena on Saturday, before a 5-4 victory away at Guildford on Sunday.

The wins mean Slough have moved up one place to second position in the table and now just two points behind Chelmsford with a game in hand on the league leaders.

Smital told the Observer: "It was a great win for us at Chelmsford. The team played really well and showed great character to chase the game and eventually run out winners in overtime.

"We've worked hard to create a team that plays for each other and the badge on your chest first and foremost. Everything else falls into place after that in terms of winning games and getting out of uncomfortable situations in matches.

"It was a tight game and could've gone either way, and it came down to individual performances in the end. It gave us the opportunity to chase the game and the guys were determined to equalise, and that's what happened.

"This kind of thing comes down to the guys on the ice at the time and the little things that go un-noticed like a battle in the corner to set up goal scoring opportunities

"We had a long winter break and had not skated for a little bit, but the feeling in the room was good and the team is still growing, which is great to see. It was great to see the boys perform the way they did."

Looking back on the win at Guildford, he added: "It was another tough game and as I've said before our toughest match of the season because they work hard with a young team on a big rink.

"It could've gone the wrong way for us because Guildford always prepare well but we didn't underestimate them and got the job done.

"We executed our chances to control the game in the key areas and it was great to get the four points."

The Jets return to the Slough Ice Arena for the visit of Haringey Huskies this Saturday (5.45pm) in the first meeting between the two sides this season.

"I will do my research on how they play but we will not treat them any differently.

"There could be an upset in any game in this division so we've got to make sure that doesn't happen and hopefully we will get the result on Saturday."