NIHL Weekend Action

Sutton fly high as Warriors suffer road defeat

Sutton Sting           4

Whitley Warriors   2

Due to the recent suspension of player-coach David Longstaff, enforcer Andre Payette and bench coach Dave Holland, Whitley Warriors made the trip to Ice Sheffield with just twelve skaters as they prepared to line up against Simon Butterworth’s steely Sutton Sting. Missing first choice netminder Dmitri Zimozdra, goal scoring forward Lloyd Gibson and Czech import Martin Finkes, the home team were also unable to ice a full squad.

Photo Credit: IceHockeyMedia - Colin Lawson

A test of endurance for both teams, the two outfits readied themselves for the first period as Sutton’s back up netminder Zack Brown and Whitley shot stopper Richie Lawson claimed their spots at either end of the ice. Faceoff over, it was the Warriors who were able to take possession in the early stages of the game to challenge the Sting’s defence but Sutton were quick to intercept play, causing the Hillheads outfit to renew their efforts only to be stopped in their tracks by Brown. With the first call of the game made against Whitley forward DJ Good on 4:18, the Sting soon found themselves on a power play but were unable to capitalise against the organised Warriors. His punishment over, Good made his return to the ice to involve himself in some strong creative play alongside team mates Callum Watson and Dean Holland. Despite these opening efforts, not to mention several wrist shots from blue liner Harry Harley which were coolly collected by Brown, the Warriors could not alter the scoreboard which gave Sutton time to counter this attacking play; alternate captain Ryan Johnson rushing into Whitley’s defensive zone whilst forward Scott Morris and ‘D’ man Chris Wilcox also posed a threat as they set their sights on goal. As the game progressed, Whitley’s Craig Johnson incurred a minor for interference but again, Butterworth’s men were unable to make the most of the additional man. Shortly after the termination of this penalty, Sutton took their turn to serve time as Morris found himself side-lined for hooking. Frittering away their advantage, the Warriors were then made to pay for their inability to find the back of the net on the power play as the Sting were restored to full strength only for Morris to assist defenceman Mark Turner just under a minute later. The score line 1-0 in Sutton’s favour, the Warriors had nothing to show for their earlier domination and their deficit was soon doubled when captain James Spurr punished Lawson on 18:17 with support from young prospect Charlie Thompson. With the first period fast coming to an end, there was just enough time for Warrior Jordan Barnes to pick up an interference penalty before the break as his team headed in two goals down. 

Photo Credit: IceHockeyMedia - Colin Lawson

Recognising the need to reduce their deficit, the Warriors returned to the ice with four men as Barnes remained in the sin bin but it was clear that Sutton were not about to let up. Returning to full strength unscathed, Whitley then continued to hunt for their first goal of the game but to no avail. A little beyond the halfway point of the period, a hooking call against James Goodman was then followed by a clash between Spurr and Warrior Shaun Kippin who each earned themselves two minutes in the sin bin. As these roughing penalties were coincidental, the Warriors found themselves on a power play as Goodman’s minor presented the visitors with the advantage. With these penalties served, referee Paul Staniforth then showed Watson to the sin bin for hooking. Again, the Hillheads outfit were able to kill the penalty but, two minutes after Longstaff’s lineup returned to five men, a collision just outside of Whitley’s defensive zone resulted in an interference penalty for Holland. Unhappy with this decision, Watson then confronted Staniforth only to earn himself a ten minute misconduct penalty on 39:25; a huge blow for the Warriors as they headed in at the interval.

Photo Credit: IceHockeyMedia - Colin Lawson

Starting the third period on the power play, the Sting were quick to make the most of the situation, scoring just thirty four seconds in, this time Wilcox lighting the lamp following an assist from Spurr. Restored to full strength as a result of this goal, the Warriors continued to battle in and around the Sting’s offensive zone but still the team found it difficult to get off the mark. Outshooting their opposition, the team showed no signs of wavering and were eventually able to reap the rewards of their persistence when Good hammered home on 49:09 to make it 3-1 courtesy of Holland. Sixteen seconds later, Watson made his return to the ice and was eager to make his mark on the game but it was not long before Whitley were then handed the perfect opportunity to grab a second; Benjamin Jones boarding Holland to award the visitors a power play. Working hard to make their advantage count, Good was able to sneak the puck past Brown for a second time with help from line mates Holland and Watson, leaving the Sting disappointed to concede with only twelve seconds of their penalty kill remaining. This goal prompted a timeout from the home team on 56:11 as Whitley applied additional pressure to Sutton’s net in the hope that they could snatch a draw. With their efforts failing to make an impact, the Warriors were then forced to pull Lawson from his net as the side headed into the final minute of the period but a sudden onslaught from the Sting sent the shot stopper hurrying back to his goal before finally making his way to the bench. It was not long before Sutton claimed possession once again however, and a pass from Wilcox saw Goodman rush towards the empty net, unleashing a shot which wrapped up the game at 4-2. 

Dangerous Dragons worry Whitley but Warriors battle back

Whitley Warriors    4

The Dragons         2

Travelling to Hillheads for the first time this season, Scott McKenzie’s Dragons were hopeful that they could take something from this fixture, having lost out to Solway Sharks and Billingham Stars last week. Making the trip with a short bench of twelve skaters and young netminder Jonah Armstrong, the Welsh line-up was certainly not lacking quality as player-coach and former EPL forward McKenzie took to the ice alongside skilled imports Markus Kankaanranta and Filip Supa, not to mention Hull Pirates’ Bradley Betteridge and junior Cain Taylor. The Warriors, by comparison, were again lacking the experience, skill and leadership of player-coach David Longstaff further to the presence of enforcer Andre Payette, forward Ben Richards and defenceman Joe Stamp.

Photo Credit: IceHockeyMedia - Colin Lawson

Opening the game with much vivacity and dynamism, the Dragons immediately bewildered the Warriors to take an early lead with only fifty five seconds played, Slovakian forward Supa turning the puck past netminder Richie Lawson to present his side with the lead, following assists from captain James Parsons and forward Ryan Kemp. Stunned by this early concession, the Warriors were hopeful that they could draw level and were handed an opportunity to do so with a little over six minutes played when ‘D’ man Ross Kennedy picked up a minor for interference. Despite this advantage, Whitley saw the best of their chances fended off by Armstrong who calmly dealt with each attempt made on his goal. Restored to five men, the Dragons countered the Warriors’ attack with some creative play of their own as McKenzie, Kankaanranta and Supa worked to test Longstaff’s blue line. Playing against his former club, forward Shaun Kippin had ideas of his own but the Warrior was ultimately unable to execute his chances, leaving the score line at 1-0 after a strong start from the visitors.

Photo Credit: IceHockeyMedia - Colin Lawson

Hoping to have a more productive start to their second period, the Warriors were still searching for an equaliser to ensure the game did not skip away from their grasp but the Dragons’ offence did not let up and it was much to Whitley’s dismay that McKenzie’s team were able to double their lead when a pass from Kankaanranta found talented youngster Taylor who was quick to slot home. Desperately seeking an avenue to get back on track, the Warriors began to bombard young shot stopper Armstrong with shot after shot; the Hillheads outfit outshooting their opposition by thirty one to seven in this period. After several failed attempts, it was perhaps ironic that former Dragon Kippin should find the back of the net against his old club whilst power forward Jordan Barnes and defenceman Harry Harley picked up assists. The score line 2-1, the Warriors continued to trouble Armstrong but were also forced into action in their own defensive zone as McKenzie’s skill shone through. Aware of the threat posed by the player-coach, the Warriors battled back against this play, causing Barnes to collide with McKenzie and thereby earn himself a minor for holding on 36:52. Working hard to kill the penalty, the Warriors did not falter with four men as Watson found himself through on goal but unable to capitalise ahead of the break.

Photo Credit: IceHockeyMedia - Colin Lawson

With the points hanging in the balance for the Dragons, Whitley were eager to resume their application of pressure on Armstrong’s net whilst McKenzie made his return to the ice following his earlier encounter with Barnes. With Whitley gradually beginning to control the game far better than they did in the opening stages, Watson was able to gain possession following passing play between Holland and Good to try the wrap around, chance playing a helping hand as the puck rebounded off Armstrong’s back and into his net. The score tied at 2-2, the Warriors appeared rejuvenated by this goal and began their search for a third whilst the short benched Dragons battled on valiantly. The home side were then able to get on the score sheet approximately three minutes later as Kippin achieved another when Harley played the puck to Barnes who successfully found his line mate for a second time to see his team take the lead on 51:47. Suddenly feeling the points change hands, the Dragons were spurred into action to test Whitley’s defence with Kankaanranta, Parsons, McKenzie and Supa again posing a threat. With time fast running out and little to show for their efforts, the Dragons then opted for a timeout on 58:12. Resuming play, the Welsh outfit then made the decision to pull Armstrong from his net as they faced off in Whitley’s defensive zone. Winning the faceoff, Kippin integrated Holland into play, the two linking up to find Harley whose accuracy was exceptional once again when faced with an empty net, the blue liner firing the puck from his own zone to see it glide over the goal line. With just forty nine seconds of the period remaining, there was little that the Dragons could do to alter the outcome, meaning the side remain in sixth place with ten points whilst the Warriors reclaim fourth spot from the Sting following Saturday’s loss to the Sheffield-based outfit.

Photo Credit: IceHockeyMedia - Colin Lawson

Having watched both games from the stands, player-coach David Longstaff took the time to share his views on Whitley’s double header: “If ever there was an advert for non-import hockey, this was the weekend. Sutton, the Dragons and Whitley all played shorthanded and, if I’m being honest, the standard was pretty poor. I suggest no import players and 75% of the players have to be under 30 with at least two junior players on the ice at all times. This will mean a mix of good juniors and one or two good senior players.”

Stars strike stubborn Sting in last game of 2016

Billingham Stars    8

Sutton Sting           6

Hosting Sutton Sting in their last fixture of 2016, Billingham Stars took to the ice with a strong squad which included forward Luke Brown who made his return to Terry Ward’s line-up following a lengthy suspension. Meanwhile, Simon Butterworth’s team were again rather depleted, with just eleven skaters and netminder Zack Brown available to make the trip to The Forum.

Photo Credit: IceHockeyMedia - Colin Lawson

Ensuring the best possible start to the game, the Teessiders were the first to get on the scoresheet as returnee Luke Brown found himself on hand to present his side with the lead, following play from forwards Jack Emerson and Scott Ward. Shortly after the concession of this goal, Sutton’s experienced alternate captain Lloyd Gibson headed to the sin bin for a hooking offence to hand the Stars a power play. Struggling to double their lead with this advantage, the home team were unable to grab a second as the Sting managed a successful penalty kill. Returning to full strength, Sutton continued to quash Billingham’s chances as the home side set their sights on goal. Trying his luck in the opening period, player-coach Michael Bowman was certainly not short of opportunities though unable to add to the Stars’ tally, whereas Billingham’s netminder James Flavell prevented the visitors from drawing level as junior Charlie Saunders came close to finding the target. Incurring a minor for hooking, Elder took a seat in the sin bin on 14:19 but Sutton were unable to equalise. Though Billingham were restored to five men with less than four minutes remaining, neither outfit could add to the scoresheet before the break, allowing the Teessiders to head in with their narrow lead intact.

Photo Credit: IceHockeyMedia - Colin Lawson

Filing onto the ice for the second stanza, the Stars were aware that they would need to improve on their first period performance if they were to claim victory at the end of the night and it took just over four minutes for Ward’s men to alter the scoreboard as Emerson linked up with Swedish import Dennis Boström to play Bowman through on goal. Billingham’s jubilation was short lived however, as the Sting were quick to respond; captain James Spurr lighting the lamp for the visitors courtesy of defenceman Chris Wilcox. This goal suggesting that the visitors were far from out of the game, Butterworth’s men had little time to rejoice before the puck was once again in the back of the net, only, on this occasion, it was the Stars who had cause to celebrate as player-coach Richie Thornton found Chris Sykes to see forward Jack Watkins claim his eighth league goal of the 2016-17 campaign. With the score line 3-1 in Billingham’s favour, the home team soon suffered a small setback as ‘D’ man Scott Cooper was shown to the sin bin for interference to hand Sutton a power play. However, the Stars were not about to let this incident hold them back which became apparent when Bowman slipped the puck past Brown on 30:47 after a neat pass from Elder. Disappointed to concede whilst on the advantage, the Sting attempted to reduce their growing deficit but their efforts were in vain as Bowman secured his hat trick courtesy of strong build up play from Boström and Elder less than three minutes later. Unwilling to accept their fate, Sutton fought back swiftly to double their tally on 34:13 when former Spartan Scott Morris set up junior Oliver Mitchell for his second goal of the season. Outshooting their opponents in this period by nineteen shots to sixteen, the Stars demonstrated an edge over their opposition and were able to hold onto their 5-2 lead ahead of the final instalment of the game.  

Photo Credit: IceHockeyMedia - Colin Lawson

Looking to secure two points in the last section of the game, Billingham were eager to apply further pressure to Sutton and were soon handed an opportunity to add a sixth when alternate captain Matt Jeffcock incurred two minutes for tripping. However, as with the Stars earlier in the game, the visitors were not about to be held back by their penalty kill, instead snatching a shorthanded goal through Morris following good play from Gibson and Spurr. Just over two minutes later though, Brown found himself punished once more as Bowman collected his fourth of the game, Thornton and Elder with the assists on this occasion. The scoreboard now reading 6-3, both teams were aiming to find the next goal and Sutton, to their credit, proved difficult opposition for the Stars. With Billingham appearing even more dangerous in the Sting’s defensive zone, and Brown forced into action, it was little surprise when the home team scored a seventh as Watkins lined Sykes up for the tap in whilst Swedish import Daniel Palmebjörk also picked up an assist. Twenty seven seconds later, the Sting hit back with another to insist that they were not out of the game just yet, Spurr burying his shot beyond Flavell with support from Wilcox and Saunders. It was shortly after this goal that Mark Watson replaced Flavell in nets, the backup shot stopper gaining ice time with a three-goal gap separating the two sides. This gap did not last long though as Mitchell hit home to make it 7-5 following another pass from Wilcox and a helping hand from youngster Joe Colton. Billingham were then able to seal their scoring with another from Sykes as Palmebjörk worked with Watkins for a second time to help his line mate onto the scoresheet. A tripping penalty for Gibson dished out with less than five minutes remaining in the game presented the Stars with one final power play but the Teessiders could not make it count and the Sting returned to full strength with hopes that they could still take something from the game. As Sutton were unable to challenge Watson further, Butterworth was left little choice other than to call a timeout on 59:14 and, though his words appeared to inspire his team, a goal from Colton with three seconds remaining proved to be too little, too late as the final buzzer sounded on an 8-6 victory for the Stars.

Photo Credit: IceHockeyMedia - Colin Lawson

His team now just six points away from the topmost position in the Moralee Conference, Star Chris Sykes reflected: “Sutton was a tricky game. We’ve struggled against them for a few seasons now, and they’ve beaten us already this season, and this game was the same. It was very scrappy and slow. They only brought eleven players and one goalie. It wasn’t much; they came and played well and gave it their all. We struggled to get going because they were killing the game by icing it a lot but we managed to get into swing, had somewhat of a shootout and came out on top with an 8-6 win. A win’s a win and we were happy that we won but disappointed in our performance, though it was a nice way to finish 2016 with a win.”

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