Kieran Brown, captain of Leeds Knights, expected to maintain his ‘predator mentality’
The 23-year-old faced a challenging beginning to the 2024-25 NIHL National season regarding his points tally when compared to his prior performances.
While achieving seven goals and nine assists over 11 matches is commendable for many in the UK’s second division, it fell short of Brown’s typical scoring proficiency.
However, over the last weekend, he elevated his point total by a remarkable one-third in just two matches, finishing with five goals and three assists from victories over Sheffield Steeldogs and Swindon Wildcats.
During the home match against Swindon, he displayed his classic form, netting the first four goals for his team as they rallied from a 3-0 deficit and also assisted Matt Barron on the decisive goal in a 5-4 victory.
Knights’ head coach Aldridge believes his team has yet to showcase their highest potential this season, despite being two points ahead of their closest competitors, Milton Keynes Lightning. He expressed his satisfaction in witnessing his captain return to a more familiar form.
“This season has been quite challenging for Kieran,” commented Aldridge. “He experienced the excitement of attending the GB training camp, followed by the setback of an early injury; then, the joy of returning from that injury was overshadowed by the annoyance of a two-game suspension.
“He hasn’t truly found his groove – the entire team has found it a bit challenging. Yet, last weekend he exhibited that predator mentality back, something he’s possessed over the previous years.
“He plays a crucial role within our team and is integral to our success over the past two seasons. I hope he can carry on from where he left off on Sunday. I believe he will; he has certainly shown more of his true self in practice this week.”
The Knights will host Berkshire Bees at The Castle on Saturday, followed by their inaugural match of the season against Peterborough Phantoms on Sunday.
Both contests also serve as National Cup fixtures, with the Knights needing to secure two points to emerge as the top seed, which would afford them the opportunity to select their semi-final opponent.
This format is not one that Aldridge favors.
“We would certainly prefer to enter the semi-finals at the top of the table, but I don’t think having the option to select a team is ideal,” he remarked.
“It creates a rather odd situation for whatever team you choose; there is always the risk that you are perceived as having chosen them because you believe they are the weakest.”
“There are numerous factors involved, such as players’ performances, travel considerations, and other elements that influence that decision, yet I just find it to be a peculiar scenario where a team gets to make a selection.”
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