The Demon Force, the Demons Skater Hockey Clubs senior first team, finished in an excellent second place in the NSHL Senior Puck Tournament at Harlow Sports Centre on Sunday.

The Dunmow based team took part in the tournament along with teams from their own NSHL league as well as those from as far afield as Warrington and Wigan.

The Force's first game was against league rivals the Colchester Cougars.

The Force's started slowly, but soon got into the game and ended 9-1 victors, including goals from Jason Khan and Stuart Mitchell, who was making his debut in a senior tournament.

The Force's second game was against London based SL Legends, and the Legends ran out comfortable 6-0 winners.

But the Force's were not depleted and, determined to gain a place in the semi-finals, convincingly beat Cambridge Lightning 6-2 in their third match of the day.

The Demon Force's final game of the group was against the Predators from Warrington.

It was a fast and physical game but the Force rose well to the challenge and the 3-3 draw ensured that the team took a well deserved place in the semi-finals. Stuart Mitchell scored two of the Force's goals.

In their semi-final the Force once again faced the Predators.

The game was more highly charged that their previous encounter with both teams putting in 100 per cent effort to try to secure their place in the final.

With just a minute to go the Force were 3-2 ahead after goals from Jason Khan and Chris Giunta.

Their captain, Jason Khan, was then sent off, leaving the Force short-handed to defend themselves against and threatening Predators team.

But the defensive duo of Giunta and Peter Harper held strong to ensure their teams place in the final.

In the final the Demon Force faced the mighty Wigan Werewolves who had not conceded a game throughout the day.

Two early slap shot goals saw the Werewolves go ahead before the Force pulled the score back to 2-1.

But despite moments of excellence from all of the Force team they could not hold back the Wigan attack and finally lost 5-1.

Despite losing in the final the Force displayed some exciting and breathtaking moments of hockey throughout the tournament.

The player of the tournament award went to Stuart Mitchell who on his debut in a senior tournament was a great asset to the team.

The Demon Force team was: Catherine Jones (manager), Captain, Jason Khan (captain), Chris Giunta (assistant captain), Mac Fisher (goalkeeper), Sam Elijah (goalkeeper), Peter Harper, Stuart Mitchell, Toby Jones, Matt Jones, Ross Bishop and Gavin Bishop.

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