NIHL Weekend Action

Close call for Pirates as Warriors wreak havoc on road

Hull Pirates              4

Whitley Warriors      3

Travelling to Hull with a strong line-up of eighteen skaters and netminders Richie Lawson and Mark Turnbull, Whitley Warriors went into this game with the objective to make amends for their recent road fixture against the Pirates which saw the outfit concede eleven unanswered goals. By comparision, Jason Hewitt’s team headed into this game looking to recover from Friday’s 8-3 cup defeat to close rivals Sheffield Steeldogs as the side took to the ice with top points scorer Matty Davies, skilled right winger Bobby Chamberlain and shot stopper Adam Long at their disposal.

Photo Credit: IceHockeyMedia - Colin Lawson

Aiming to grab a goal in the opening moments of the first period to unnerve their opposition, the Pirates beat netminder Lawson with less than three minutes played as Jordan Fisher presented his team with the lead following a neat pass from fellow forward Aaron Lyon. Building on their offensive play after this goal, Hull were keen to double their tally but hard work from Whitley’s defence and neat netminding from Lawson prevented the Pirates from doing so. A penalty for Fisher on the ten-minute mark presented the visitors with the advantage but, despite the Warriors’ efforts to equalise, David Longstaff’s line-up found their play broken up by the Pirates who killed the penalty to stay ahead in the game. Having enjoyed possession though, Whitley turned their attentions to a goal of their own and it was not long before they were rewarded for their determination as captain Dean Holland teamed up with Canadian import Philip Edgar to see forward Ben Richards grab his ninth league goal of the season on 14:23. However, just two minutes after drawing level, the Warriors were forced into defence as Edgar headed to the sin bin for slashing to hand the Pirates a power play. Though Hull maintained their pressure on Lawson’s net, the side were unable to capitalise on the advantage and were dismayed to have outshot Whitley by nineteen shots to nine only to head in at the break on level terms.

Photo Credit: IceHockeyMedia - Colin Lawson

Realising their need to once again get ahead in the game, Hewitt’s team were quick to find the target on their return to the ice, this time Lyon receiving the puck from defenceman Chris Wilcox to incorporate Josh Gent into play, the forward adjusting the scoreboard to 2-1 on 23:51. Refusing to be despondent following the concession of this goal, the Warriors rallied to trouble netminder Long at the other end of the ice and, just under five minutes later, the puck was again in the net but this time for the visitors as player-coach Longstaff played a pass to experienced defenceman Sam Zajac who was able to achieve his second league goal of the season on 28.34. Continuing to press for another goal in an effort to snatch the lead for the first time in the game, the Warriors battled against the Pirates who were equally as resolute which meant both netminders were called into action throughout the stanza. Striving for a third goal, Whitley were able to make their ambition a reality when Harry Harley fired home courtesy of Richards and Holland with close to four minutes remaining in the period. However, Whitley found that they were not ahead for long as Hewitt netted to tie the game at 3-3 following support from ‘D’ man Wilcox. The deadlock restored, Whitley looked to regain their lead whilst the Pirates sought another to recover lost ground but neither team were able to score before the second interval and filed from the ice ahead of an important third period.

Photo Credit: IceHockeyMedia - Colin Lawson

Returning to the ice with the aim to take both points from this game, the Pirates sought to control possession to test Whitley’s defence even further. As such, the Warriors’ were forced to dig in deep as the home team looked to snatch away their foothold in the game and were able to maintain their composure to still be in with a chance of victory. A hooking penalty on 48:24 for Warrior Josh Maddock saw Whitley reduced to four men and the side again called upon to defend against Hull’s onslaught. Though having few shots on the Pirates’ net, the Warriors strove to create some offensive opportunities of their own and, just as the game looked like it would be going into overtime, Hull were able to achieve a fourth goal as Davies printed his name on the scoresheet on 55:28 following an assist from Hewitt. Shortly afterwards, a slashing penalty called against alternate captain Jordan Barnes led to the Pirates going on the power play but, effective in their defence of Hull’s advantage, Whitley returned to full strength without further concession and called a timeout just seventeen seconds after Barnes’ return to the ice. Deciding to pull netminder Lawson to ice an additional skater in search of an equaliser, the Warriors set their sights on a fourth goal and overtime but, try as they might, the outfit could not tie the game, allowing the final buzzer to call time on their narrow 4-3 defeat.

Hawks’ wings clipped as Sharks seize points

Solway Sharks            9

Blackburn Hawks             2

Heading out in front of a home crowd, Solway Sharks took to the ice against Blackburn Hawks with a compact squad of sixteen players which included netminder Calum Hepburn, who was available to start in net after returning from injury, and left winger Steven Moore, who missed out last weekend due to work commitments. Likewise, Steven Duncombe’s Hawks were as equally shortbenched as the side made the trip to Dumfries with one less player than that of the Sharks, missing forwards Chris Gee, Thomas Parkinson and player-coach Duncombe who took part in Blackburn’s warm-up but did not ice due to injury.

Photo Credit: IceHockeyMedia - Colin Lawson

Facing off against Blackburn, the Sharks immediately set out to test Hawks’ netminder Stuart Ashton and began to build up some strong offensive play to make life difficult for their visitors. Working hard in the first half of this period, Solway battled for success in front of the net whilst Blackburn strove to counter their attacking play to carve out a couple of chances in the Sharks’ defensive zone. As such, it was only with 12:24 on the clock that Martin Grubb’s men were able to open their account as forward Duncan Speirs teamed up with alternate captain Ross Murray to see Czech defenceman Vaclav Kolarik net to make it 1-0. Finding it difficult to execute their many chances, the Sharks continued to contest the Hawks’ defence but it took the side six minutes to double their lead, this time Speirs the man on target as Murray received the puck from left winger Moore to assist his line mate. Disappointed to have conceded another so close to the break, the Hawks were further stunned when, just thirty two seconds later, Shark Connor Henderson made it 3-0 as Kolarik turned assist alongside Scott Henderson to add to Blackburn’s woes ahead of the interval.

Photo Credit: IceHockeyMedia - Colin Lawson

Looking to pick up from where they left off having sensed that the momentum was very much in their favour, Solway returned to the ice and were able to punish Ashton for a fourth time as Speirs surpassed the Hawks’ defence courtesy of Murray and Kolarik on 23:16 and just three minutes later, Speirs bagged his hat trick to dishearten Blackburn further as Murray racked up his fourth assist of the evening. With the Sharks now comfortable in their lead and the Hawks striving to get back into the game, Solway’s netminder Hepburn found himself called upon far more than in the first period, this time the visitors outshooting the home team as they looked to achieve a foothold in the game following the rapid growth of their deficit. Eventually though, the lack of success for the Hawks caused frustration for the visitors and it was not long before the sides clashed as captains Struan Tonnar and Ollie Lomax dropped the gloves to each earn themselves 2+2 for fighting on 35:07. With the atmosphere becoming rather fraught, conflict between Blackburn’s Finnish defenceman Kim Miettinen and Sharks’ two-way player Josh Grieveson soon followed to see power forward Murray and Hawks’ blue liner Bobby Streetly exchange blows, causing referee David Emmerson to dish out a penalty of 2+2 for fighting to both parties before the break brought an end to the period.

Photo Credit: IceHockeyMedia - Colin Lawson

It was only when both teams were restored to the ice that the puck was turned into the net for a sixth time as Kolarik linked up with Speirs to help Moore onto the scoresheet with forty three minutes played. Just over a minute later, Kolarik took possession of the puck to fire home an unassisted effort to accomplish the eleventh league goal of his campaign to make it 7-0. Utterly helpless, Blackburn opted to switch netminder Stuart Ashton for shot stopper Niks Trapans to provide the former some reprieve and the latter with some valuable ice time. Relentless in their offensive efforts though, Grubb’s men then added an eighth to Blackburn’s deficit as Moore notched his second of the evening following passing play between Speirs and Kolarik; Solway scoring three goals in the space of approximately two minutes. Battling back against their heavy concession, the Hawks were spurred into action and passing play between blue liner Lewis Baldwin and forward Lee Pollitt resulted in Aaron Davies burying the puck beyond Hepburn to make it 8-1 on 49:40. Despite this, the Sharks continued to dominate and Blackburn were unable to deny Solway a ninth goal as Czech defenceman Marek Charvát set up Tonnar to see his captain capitalise on this opportunity. Again though, the Hawks showed some fight to grab a second goal as Davies claimed another on 55:54, this time alternate captain Luke Boothroyd and Slovakian import Jozef Ištocy with the assists. However, with time fast running out, Duncombe’s men were resigned to their fate, though the side were handed a power play on 58:49 when two-way defenceman Josh Grieveson made way for crosschecking. Working hard to kill this penalty for the remainder of the game, the Sharks had little to worry about as the clock counted down to allow the final buzzer to call time on their 9-2 victory.

Reflecting on this clash, Sharks’ Head Coach Martin Grubb shared: “I was really pleased with our performance against a Blackburn team who are always a tough team to play against. Once we got ourselves in front we were in full control and scored some nice goals. It was also pleasing to see us play on both sides of the puck and to stick to our system all night, especially as the Hawks never stopped working. We can move forward with confidence after that game.”

   

Warriors pipped to post as Pirates pillage points

Whitley Warriors           3

Hull Pirates                  4  (OT)

Following Saturday’s narrow 4-3 regulation time defeat to Hull Pirates, Whitley Warriors were raring to go for the second game of their double header against Jason Hewitt’s team and had at their disposal a skilled and resilient line-up, though missing forwards Ryan Sample, Callum Watson and stand-in defenceman Martin Crammond. Meanwhile, Hull made the trip with fifteen skaters and netminders Adam Long and Joseph Gent; their only absentees shot stopper Ashley Smith and injured defenceman Lee Haywood.

Photo Credit: IceHockeyMedia - Colin Lawson

Starting the period well, it was clear that Hull were prepared to make this game a difficult one for the Warriors as the Pirates immediately sought to get some shots on netminder Richie Lawson’s goal with Whitley’s defence called upon to gather possession quickly to mount an attack at the other end of the ice. A crosschecking penalty handed to Hull’s defenceman Thomas Stubley on 4:28 saw Whitley go on the power play and, though trying to make most of their advantage, the Warriors were unable to capitalise. Building on this possession however, David Longstaff’s line-up grew in confidence to pose a real threat to their visitors as the game continued to be end-to-end and as such, it was the home team who were able to break the deadlock on 8:10 as Canadian import Philip Edgar pounced on a loose puck which had fallen behind Long after a shot from captain Dean Holland. Both teams utilising their intensity with play continuing to be end-to-end, neither netminder Long or Lawson could rest as the puck was moved from one zone to another at a rapid pace. The Pirates always looking dangerous, Lawson was required to make save after save at one end of the ice whilst the Warriors were forced to defend with speed and accuracy to ensure that they did not let their lead slip from their grasp. Persisting in their own efforts to move the puck forwards, Whitley’s effective defensive work soon paid off as the outfit moved into their offensive zone to see Edgar capitalise on the rebounded shots of Holland and experienced defenceman Sam Zajac to present the Warriors with a two-goal cushion on 14:24. Try as they might to reduce their deficit, Hull were unable to beat Lawson who was outstanding between the pipes to ensure that his team headed in with their 2-0 lead intact at the break.

Photo Credit: IceHockeyMedia - Colin Lawson

Returning to the ice with the understanding that they needed to get on the scoresheet, Hull were quick off the mark as defenceman Stubley set up hardworking forward Lee Bonner who executed his shot with skill to beat Lawson just over a minute and a half into the period. Buoyed by this goal, it was not long after that the Pirates drew level as player-coach Hewitt teamed up with top points scorer Matty Davies to support Bobby Chamberlain’s effort on goal, the right winger tying the game on 25:43. Shortly after this goal, Warriors’ alternate captain Jordan Barnes was then shown to the sin bin for holding to award the Pirates a power play and, digging in deep to defend on the penalty kill, Whitley were faced with some tricky play from their opposition to provide some nerve-wracking moments. In spite of Hull’s relentless efforts on goal, the Warriors returned to full strength unscathed and battled to create some opportunities of their own which culminated in Edgar completing his hat trick on 34:45 to make it 3-2 when forward Adam Finlinson weaved his way into the Pirates’ defensive zone following a pass from Holland. It was shortly after this goal that the period was brought to a close to allow maintenance to the plexi-glass to take place with 4:44 still to play.

Photo Credit: IceHockeyMedia - Colin Lawson

Returning to the ice to play the remaining moments of the second stanza, Whitley were able to keep their opposition at bay to prevent an equaliser from the Pirates to head into the third period with their 3-2 lead unharmed. Striving to add to their tally with the score line still too close for comfort, the Warriors sought to find a way beyond Long but without success whilst Hull continued to prove a great threat at the other end of the ice to see Lawson pull off some fantastic saves. It was not long before Whitley found themselves challenged one too many times though, as player-coach Hewitt raced up the ice to equalise, Chamberlain turning assist alongside Davies on this occasion. Just over three minutes later, a hooking penalty for forward Jordan Fisher saw Hull reduced to four men to allow the Warriors a power play but, struggling to make the most of this opportunity, the home team could not alter the scoring with the additional skater and as play continued to move swiftly between zones with the period in its final stages, neither team could make their shots count to avoid overtime.

Photo Credit: IceHockeyMedia - Colin Lawson

As such, three-on-three overtime ensued and Warriors Sam Zajac, Kyle Ross and Josh Maddock attempted to take control of play; Zajac first trying his luck on goal before the puck fell to Maddock but the blue liner’s shot was wide of the target. Changing lines, it was the turn of Hull to gain possession and this time alternate captain Samuel Towner linked up with captain Jamie Chilcott to pick out player-coach Hewitt who raced through on goal to beat Lawson on 60:51, thereby claiming both points for his side whilst Whitley could content themselves with a point from another strong performance against Hull on home ice. Speaking after this game, Whitley’s player-coach David Longstaff shared his thoughts: “We battled well tonight. We’ve struggled over the last couple of weeks with a sickness bug and I think you could tell tonight. We looked tired and made more mistakes than we normally do at home but it’s a credit to the players to get something out of the game.”

Stars dazzle Dragons as Billingham build form

Billingham Stars     14

The Dragons              0

Heading out onto the ice with sixteen skaters and netminders James Flavell and Mark Watson available to them, Billingham Stars found themselves without forwards Jack Davies and Josh Nertney, defencemen Ross Hanlon and Thomas Keeley and alternate captain Callum Davies. The Dragons, by comparison, travelled to The Forum with an incredibly short bench of twelve men which included captain James Parsons, alternate captains Matthew Wainwright and Gavin Austin and shot stopper Louis Edwards.

Photo Credit: IceHockeyMedia - Colin Lawson

With both teams aiming for the points, though the Dragons were aware of the challenge they faced, the opening moments of the period saw both outfits striving for possession but it did not take long for the Stars to begin their domination of the game, the side netting on 5:52 through Latvian forward Deniss Baškatovs who made the most of play from forward Jack Emerson and young defenceman James Hellens to open Billingham’s account. Less than two minutes later, the home team doubled their lead when Michael Bowman teamed up with captain Michael Elder to see fellow player-coach Richie Thornton grab his first league goal of the season. Moments later, Dragons’ defenceman Craig Lutkevitch handed the Stars a power play when he was called to the sin bin for crosschecking. Unable to pass up the opportunity to capitalise, Billingham added a third to their tally, this time blue liner Darren Stattersfield printing his name on the scoresheet courtesy of Baškatovs and Thornton. With the score line 3-0, the Dragons were spurred into action and sought to test Flavell at the other end of the ice which broke up Billingham’s offensive play for a short time, though Edwards was also kept busy between the pipes as the netminder saw off numerous chances from the Teessiders who were able to outshoot their opposition by twenty seven shots to eight in this period. Their work ethic never wavering, the Stars then hit home a fourth goal through Latvian defenceman Artūrs Ozols as Elder and alternate captain Chris Sykes picked up assists on 16:18. Just twelve seconds later, Edwards again collected the puck from his net when Billingham’s forward James Moss played the puck to Baškatovs who snatched his second of the evening to see the Dragons head in with a five-goal deficit at the break.

Photo Credit: IceHockeyMedia - Colin Lawson

Returning to the ice, the Stars picked up from where they left off, taking just twenty three seconds to alter the scoreboard, this time Elder and Bowman working together to set up Sykes. Just forty four seconds later, Sykes then seized his second of the evening with support from Moss and Ozols and shortly afterwards, Baškatovs accomplished his hat trick with Moss again on hand to assist, though alongside blue liner Andy Finn on this occasion. Having conceded three goals in the space of less than two minutes as a result, the Dragons called a timeout to compose themselves whilst the Stars opted to switch Flavell for Watson to allow the backup netminder some valuable ice time. This team talk made little difference to the visitors however, as minutes later, Billingham made it 9-0 with just 25:47 on the clock, this time Emerson the man on target following an assist from forward Scott Ward. With frustrations soon beginning to show as the Dragons continued to fight a losing battle, referee David Emmerson was left little choice other than to sin bin both Ward and Lutkevitch for charging and high sticks respectively just beyond the halfway point in the period. Very much dominating in front of goal to make life difficult for netminder Edwards, the Stars grabbed another on 35:29 as Baškatovs claimed his fourth of the evening with help from Finn. Their efforts on Watson’s net few and far between, the Dragons found it increasingly difficult to grab a goal and as such, Billingham continued to place the side’s defence under pressure to file from the ice at the second interval with a 10-0 lead.

Photo Credit: IceHockeyMedia - Colin Lawson

Their aim now damage limitation, the spirited Dragons returned to the ice and were unwilling to give up in their efforts to counter Billingham’s play but the Deeside outfit soon suffered another setback when the Stars notched an eleventh on 41:10, Sykes sealing his hat trick as Elder and Bowman again arrived in support of the alternate captain. Just fourteen seconds later though, the Dragons were dealing with a twelve-goal deficit as Moss beat Edwards to achieve his fifth league goal of the season. Struggling to counteract Billingham’s play, Gary Shaw’s team were stretched to the limits of their short bench and could not find the back of the net, try as they might. Just before the fifty-minute mark in the period, the Stars bagged themselves a thirteenth goal as young forward Alex Preston got in on the action when Ward received a pass from youngster Ethan Hehir to assist. Outshot by twenty seven to nine in this period, the Dragons continued to seek a consolatory goal but could not achieve one and, just as the clock began to count down the last five minutes of the game, Sykes completed his team’s scoring with his fourth goal of the evening to see the scoreboard read 14-0 when the final buzzer sounded to end the Dragons’ suffering.

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