Lachowicz: I think the Flames play a style that suits me

Photo: John Uwins

Robert Lachowicz will be starting his 14th Elite League season tonight when Guildford take on Coventry in the Premier Sports Challenge Cup, but it will be his first in new surroundings for a very long time after joining the Flames from Nottingham this off-season.

First up, what's it like having new surroundings?

"It's the first time in about 26 years because I played all of my juniors in Nottingham, so it's going to be a little different," began the 32-year-old, who came through the Nottingham junior development system. "I've been in Guildford for just over a week now and got settled in, and am looking forward to getting started with the games.

"It is a bit more expensive down south! But I've settled in well, figured out where everything is, and most of our team live on the same road so the guys that have played here before are helping out with whatever we need."

For the first time in his career, the forward is the oldest player on his team's roster. "I don't feel like I am so I kind of take it with a pinch of salt!" explained Lachowicz. "It's kind of surprising to see as I still feel like I'm one of the younger guys. Back when we first started signing guys in Nottingham that were born in 1990 that made me feel a bit old, so I guess this is the next step in that. I'm sure it's expected of me, but of course I want to lead by example."

Lachowicz made his Panthers debut in 2007 and has played for the team every season since, with a brief spell with the then Manchester Phoenix a league below in 2009/2010. Did it take a while to sink in that he wasn't going to be with the Panthers this year? "I could kind of see it coming, to be honest," admitted the GB international. "I hadn't spoken to the club since the end of the Elite Series whereas every other season we'd signed a new contract very quickly after the previous season so it wasn't a big shock and was something that had developed over time.

"I spoke with 'Digger' (Flames Head Coach Paul Dixon) and things fell into place with Guildford. I think the Flames play a style that suits me so I'm in a good spot here."

While the pressure was always on with the Panthers to win trophies, the Flames have quietly gone about their business since joining the Elite League - making the Challenge Cup Final and Playoff Final Weekend in 2019, won a conference title, and have never finished outside of the top six. "I think Guildford are a team that's building. They didn't go all out to try and win everything straight away when they joined the league, and have kept getting better," said Lachowicz.  "Although some players have moved on they have a good group of guys that have been here for several seasons, and we've seen that with teams like Cardiff who've been very successful on the ice through keeping a core of players together."

Finally, Lachowicz played in the 2021 Elite Series and IIHF World Championships with no fans in attendance, but is now relishing the chance to be back in front of them. "I think everyone's looking forward to having the fans back. We've seen them at football games and the atmosphere feels better than it was before, and I'm sure that's what we're going to see ourselves too!" he concluded.