NIHL Weekend Action

Sharks eclipse Stars to hold onto top spot

Solway Sharks    2

Billingham Stars 1

Travelling to Dumfries to face Martin Grubb’s Sharks after last weekend’s 4-3 overtime cup loss to Solway, Billingham Stars were aiming to avenge this narrow defeat with a victory of their own on the road. With backup netminder Mark Watson absent in the wake of James Flavell’s injury woes, it was the turn of young shot stopper Callum Reynolds to take his place between the pipes whilst forward Jack Davies made his return to the side, having parted company with the Stars late last season. By comparison, the Sharks boasted the same line-up as in recent weeks, with in-form forward Iain Bowie, first choice netminder Calum Hepburn and Czech imports Marek Charvat and Vaclav Kolarik amongst those at Grubb’s disposal.

Photo Credit: Duncan Speirs 

From faceoff, both teams were keen to get ahead and it showed as play switched between zones with rapidity. Whilst Billingham’s Latvian import Deniss Baškatovs battled to test netminder Hepburn, and forwards Chris Sykes, James Moss and Michael Bowman were amongst those striving to carve out some offensive opportunities for the visitors, Solway were equally quick to challenge the Stars’ eighteen-year-old netminder as top point scorer Bowie, left winger Steven Moore and hardworking alternate captain James Hutchinson aimed to make an impact on the game. Despite several efforts from both outfits, neither could find the back of the net, though Solway outshot the Stars by thirteen to eight. With the score line 0-0 after twenty minutes played, the two sides headed in with the knowledge that this game was going to be the challenge that they had anticipated.

Photo Credit: IceHockeyMedia - Colin Lawson

With nothing separating the sides on their return to the ice, both were eager to take the lead but it was Billingham Stars who made the most of their chances early in the second period to go ahead of the home team, alternate captain Sykes on the scoresheet yet again as his partnership with line mate Baškatovs paid off on 23:59. Disappointed to concede with the game having been so close in the first period, the Sharks were relentless in their efforts to draw level, peppering Reynolds with their many attempts but the young netminder remained strong between the pipes to ensure his side’s lead was not immediately torn away from them. Solway then found themselves with the advantage when Stars’ ‘D’ man Dave Thomas was sinbinned for hooking as referee David Emmerson made his first penalty call of the evening on 30:35. Placed on the power play, Solway set their sights on goal but Billingham defended tirelessly to prevent the home team from equalising. It was not long after that Grubb’s men were presented with a second chance however, this time former Shark Darren Stattersfield making way for roughing on 36:07. With one chance having already slipped by, the Dumfries outfit were not about to let another opportunity pass without capitalising so it was little surprise when the Sharks continued to apply pressure to Reynolds’ net to finally make their mark on the game; left winger Moore the man on target courtesy of defenceman Charvat and two-way player Connor Henderson. The game now level at 1-1, the Stars were dismayed to have been punished as a result of their momentary lack of discipline and were quick to set their sights on goal again but the Sharks were equally relentless in their offensive efforts to see the game become a stalemate with neither team able to add to their tally before the break.

Photo Credit: IceHockeyMedia - Colin Lawson

Returning to the ice with the points still hanging in the balance, the Stars were hopeful that they could avoid a repeat of last weekend’s crushing defeat whilst Solway aimed to complete their comeback. Though both teams continued from where they left off, it was the turn of Solway to go shorthanded as young forward Daniel Abercrombie was sidelined for a high-sticks offence to award Billingham the power play. Despite their attempts to challenge Hepburn, the Stars found their efforts quashed by the Sharks and were immediately made to regret their inability to punish Solway, the home team returning to full strength only to hit home eighteen seconds later through Bowie as he buried the rebound of Lewis Houston’s shot. Elated to take the lead in such a close game, Solway began to enjoy their possession though they struggled to claim a two-goal cushion whilst Billingham were not without their own chances and desperately looked to draw level. With time fast running out and the Stars still searching for an equaliser, Billingham opted for a timeout on 59:08 which resulted in the side pulling Reynolds from his net to allow for the additional skater in the last thirty seconds of the game. As such, the Teessiders began to push for overtime whilst Solway eyed an empty net goal but, as neither situation materialised, the final buzzer confirmed the Sharks’ 2-1 home victory, leaving the Stars frustrated to have missed out yet again.

Photo Credit: IceHockeyMedia - Colin Lawson

Reflecting on this game, Head Coach Martin Grubb took time to comment: “Saturday was another close game against the Stars but, if I’m honest, I thought it was a poor game, low in quality from both teams. It wasn’t up to the usual standard of these games. I thought we were very poor but I’m happy we got the win.” Meanwhile, alternate captain Chris Sykes shared his thoughts on Billingham’s defeat: “One game and it was just the cup. It was a tough ask when we found out both goalies were missing for the game which obviously puts us on a back step. But young Callum Reynolds stepped up and played a great, solid goaltending game, so fair play. The game was a well-fought, end-to-end game and both teams had chances but both goalies played well. Solway nicked it and we just couldn’t grab a second goal. It was a good cup game and something we used as a building step. Onto next week!”

  

Warriors extinguish Dragons’ fire to go fifth

The Dragons          6

Whitley Warriors  11

  

Making the trip to Deeside Leisure Centre to take on Scott McKenzie’s Dragons on Sunday, Whitley Warriors were hopeful to build on last weekend’s promising performances against Solway Sharks and Blackburn Hawks, having contended closely with both sides to claim a point from their opening weekend. Though forwards Callum Watson, Adam Finlinson, Anthony Wetherell, Jamie Ord and last season’s first choice netminder Richie Lawson were amongst those making up Whitley’s absentee list, player-coach David Longstaff found himself with a strong squad at his disposal as forward Shaun Kippin made his return following his two-game suspension whilst long-serving captain Dean Holland, Canadian import Phil Edgar and shot stopper Mark Turnbull were amongst those raring to make an impact for the Hillheads outfit. The Dragons, meanwhile, proved to be almost equal in number with seventeen skaters besides experienced netminder Graeme Bird who took his place between the pipes for a second time since signing for the club last week.

Photo Credit: IceHockeyMedia - Colin Lawson

Taking to the ice with a desire to make their presence felt in the opening stages of the first period, Whitley Warriors picked up from where they left off last weekend, demonstrating some excellent offensive play as defenceman Harry Harley and forward Ben Richards worked together to test Dragons’ shot stopper Bird at the earliest opportunity. Close to scoring on this occasion, the Warriors continued to play with high intensity to trouble the home team and it was therefore little surprise when player-coach David Longstaff hit home on 2:34, following neat passing play between Richards and former Dragon Shaun Kippin. With the Dragons stunned by this early goal, the Warriors looked to double their lead and did so approximately four minutes later, this time Edgar’s partnership with Kippin paying off to see the latter grab the first goal of his 2017-18 campaign. Realising their need to reply, the Dragons began to counter the Warriors’ attacking play and were handed the advantage shortly afterwards as Holland headed to the sinbin for roughing. Though unable to score with the additional man, captain James Parsons opened his side’s account to spur his team on just seconds after Whitley returned to full strength. This goal appeared to have the desired effect as the Welsh outfit then set their sights on a second, alternate captain Andrew Chappell beating Turnbull to level the scoring at 2-2 with just over two minutes of the period remaining.

Photo Credit: IceHockeyMedia - Colin Lawson

A tripping call against Bird running into the second stanza, the Warriors returned with nineteen seconds of their power play remaining but hopes of reclaiming their lead faded fast as the Dragons sustained their momentum to score shorthanded just seven seconds in, this time McKenzie going it alone to present his team with a one-goal advantage. Moments later, power forward Jordan Barnes awarded the Dragons their second power play when he made way for roughing, forward Geoff Wigglesworth punishing the Warrior’s misdemeanour just ten seconds later with an unassisted effort to make it 4-2. As Whitley battled to recover lost ground, the Dragons’ two-goal lead did not last long as Kippin grabbed his second of the evening to alter the scoreboard on 24:43, Richards and Longstaff arriving in support of their line mate. Determined to chip away at their deficit, Whitley drew level just before the halfway point in the period as Kippin sealed his hat trick, long-serving Warrior DJ Good linking up with Richards on this occasion. However, just over two minutes later, the Warriors conceded a fifth as McKenzie and Bannon teamed up to see player-assistant coach Mickaël Brodin slip past Whitley’s defence. Shortly after this goal, the Dragons managed to get the puck over the red line once again but a scramble in front of Turnbull’s net saw referee Roy Hamilton disallow this effort. It was not long after though that the Warriors fell behind by two goals once more, a tripping call against Holland allowing the Dragons to make the most of their additional man when Bannon received the puck from experienced forward Brian Worrall to send Shaun Dippnall through on goal. The score line 6-4 ahead of the third period, the Hillheads outfit went in at the break with a two-goal deficit to overturn.

Photo Credit: IceHockeyMedia - Colin Lawson

Preparing for the ultimate comeback, Whitley returned with their spirit intact as they immediately focused their efforts on Bird’s net, with success arriving just twenty four seconds into the period, Richards printing his name on the scoresheet with help from Kippin and Harley. Matters were made worse for the Dragons when Parsons was shown to the sinbin for tripping thirty three seconds after this goal which presented Holland with an opportunity to equalise, the captain unleashing a shot on the power play as Longstaff and Harley picked up assists. Forty five seconds later, Brodin joined Parsons in the sinbin to present Whitley with the advantage of a five-on-three situation. Not about to waste this golden opportunity to get ahead in the game, Holland’s superb work rate paid off soon after, Longstaff and Richards respectively picking up their third and fourth assists. This goal prompting a timeout from the Dragons, Whitley could sense that they now had the upper hand in this contest and it began to show as Kippin hammered home his fourth goal of the game to make it 8-6 before working with Longstaff to assist Richards who added a ninth to the Warriors’ tally just seventeen seconds later. With just over ten minutes remaining in the period, and a change of netminder for the Dragons as Jonah Armstrong replaced Bird, it was the turn of Edgar to get in on the action, the Canadian’s persistence paying off as Good and Richards collected assists. It was after this goal that Longstaff opted to call a timeout to ensure that his side remained composed though they were four goals ahead, the player-coach not taking any chances with the knowledge that the Dragons have a reputation for fighting until the final buzzer. Having waited so long for a goal in this game, Edgar’s second then arrived just twenty three seconds after Whitley’s timeout, Good once again on hand following link-up play from Barnes. The game now well and truly beyond the Dragons with the score line 11-6, the Warriors saw out the game comfortably, with respective penalties of boarding and interference for Dragon Ryan Jones and Warrior Kyle Ross in the latter stages of the period having no impact on the final outcome of the game.

Speaking to NIHL Northern Trio, player-coach David Longstaff shared: “I thought we were great for the first ten minutes, then absolutely shocking for the next thirty. We regrouped in the period break and we were excellent in the last period.”

  

Lions’ pride unshakeable as Sharks hunt down points 

Nottingham Lions   3

Solway Sharks        5

Travelling to the National Ice Arena with fourteen skaters, besides netminder Calum Hepburn and backup shot stopper Chris Rae, Solway Sharks were aiming to maintain their excellent form, having yet to suffer a defeat in NIHL North’s Division One. However, Martin Grubb’s men were aware that this would be no easy task, particularly as newly promoted side Nottingham Lions put up more than a fight against two former EPL outfits in recent weeks. Lining up for this fixture, Matt Bradbury’s twenty-two-man squad appeared a formidable one, with former Elite League forward Warren Tait, two-time EIHL champion Marc Levers and Czech forward Ondrej Pniok amongst those available for the team.

Photo Credit: IceHockeyMedia - Colin Lawson

Filing onto the ice for the first period, Solway Sharks were keen to gain a head start in this contest but it was no mean feat as they came up against the Lions’ sturdy defence who were able to fend off attacking play from the Dumfries outfit in the early stages of the game to enjoy some chances of their own, though Hepburn remained strong between the pipes. However, Solway were persistent in their efforts to get on the scoresheet and it was not long before they did so, left winger Steven Moore picking out Czech defenceman Marek Charvat who was able to beat netminder Thomas Hovell from the blue line on 6:55. Refusing to back down, Nottingham continued to test Hepburn’s reflexes and it was not long after that they were able to execute a goal of their own as former Tiger Joseph Ashton picked out Tait who fired home with close to ten minutes played to level the scoring in spectacular style. Growing in confidence as a result of this goal, the Lions were quick to double their tally as import Pniok slotted home just thirty eight seconds later to catapult his side into the lead, this time Levers and fellow forward Paul Stanley with the assists. Stunned by this turn of events, the Sharks looked to get back on track and were presented with the perfect opportunity to equalise when Levers headed to the sinbin for a hooking offence on 17:40 but Solway found it difficult to compete with the Lions’ penalty kill and, as such, Nottingham were able to head in with a narrow lead, but a lead nonetheless.

Photo Credit: CHUD Photography

On their return to the ice, the Sharks found the game to be a lot closer as Nottingham guarded their lead with fervour, causing Solway to struggle to capitalise on their creative play. Whilst Moore continued to cause problems for the Lions alongside forwards Struan Tonnar, Ross Murray and Iain Bowie, Levers and Tait shone for the home side and it was little surprise that Nottingham were able to establish a two-goal cushion around the halfway point of the period when young forward Cameron Pywell hit home following neat link-up play from forwards Ruskin Hughes and Joe Humphries. Worried by their increasing deficit, the Sharks retaliated just under two minutes later as defenceman Kyle Horne integrated Murray into play to allow the alternate captain to setup Moore who made his effort count to keep his team in the game. A tripping penalty for youngster Daniel Abercrombie soon followed to hand Nottingham a power play but Solway remained focused on the penalty kill to return to full strength unscathed. With time fast running out in this period and neither team adding any further to their tally, the Lions left the ice with a goal separating themselves from the Sharks.

  

Photo Credit: IceHockeyMedia - Colin Lawson

Aware that more would be needed to overcome Nottingham in their home rink, Solway immediately piled the pressure onto Hovell after faceoff to claim an equaliser with just twenty eight seconds played, this time Bowie the man on target courtesy of Moore and young blue liner Stuart Kerr. Disappointed to see their lead slip from their grasp, the Lions gave their all to keep the Sharks at bay but their efforts were to no avail as Solway grabbed the lead for a second time, Connor Henderson beating Hovell with support from Abercrombie and young prospect Scott Henderson on 44:24. The score line still close, Nottingham continued to demonstrate their ability to thwart Solway’s offensive play and were soon handed the advantage when Charvat was shown to the sinbin for boarding on 52:38. Placed on the power play, the Lions set their sights on Hepburn’s goal but the Dumfries outfit were not about to part with their lead having worked hard to achieve it and were restored to five men without further concession. With Solway only just ahead by shots on goal, firing fifteen at Hovell in comparison to the fourteen that Hepburn was faced with, the points hung in the balance going into the final minute of the game which prompted a timeout call from the Lions. Pulling netminder Hovell in a bid to grab an equaliser and subsequently take the game into overtime, it was a gamble that Nottingham needed to make but it was not one that paid off as Connor Henderson found fellow forward Joe Coulter who bagged himself an empty net goal with twenty seconds to spare. The result 5-3 in Solway’s favour, Grubb’s men now find themselves top of the table with six points from three games and a better goal difference than that of Telford Tigers who sit in second place.

Adding to his earlier comments, Grubb shared: “This was a high-paced game and Nottingham played very well. I didn’t think we were at our best for forty minutes and the Lions punished our mistakes but we regained our composure and showed our character in yet another game to come from behind and win. We set out for four points and got them and that is what matters but we need to improve.”

For more photos from IceHockeyMedia, please visit: http://www.icehockeymedia.co.uk/.        

NIHL Weekend Preview

WEEKEND

PREVIEW

NIHL NORTH DIVISION 1 (MORALEE)

Saturday 16th September 2017

Solway Sharks vs. Billingham Stars (National Cup)

Sunday 17th September 2017

The Dragons vs. Whitley Warriors

Nottingham Lions vs. Solway Sharks

Fixture:    Solway Sharks vs. Billingham Stars        

Date:        16^th September 2017

Venue:     Dumfries Ice Bowl   

Faceoff:  7:00pm   

Photo Credit: IceHockeyMedia – Ian Hanlon

After facing each other at The Forum last Sunday for an NIHL National Cup clash, Billingham Stars and Solway Sharks prepare to confront each other again this weekend as the Teessiders journey to the Dumfries Ice Bowl where the two sides will go head-to-head once more, though this time Billingham will be out for revenge after last weekend’s crushing overtime defeat on home ice. Finding themselves with a three-goal advantage last Sunday after twenty six minutes played, the Stars’ lead was placed under threat in the second period and then snatched from them altogether early in the third. As the 3-3 score line on the final buzzer prompted overtime, the Sharks went on to claim a road victory as forward Iain Bowie fired home a winning goal with close to sixty two minutes played. Losing in such a manner to one of their closest rivals was hugely disappointing for the Teessiders and, as such, the side will hope to seize their opportunity to make amends when they hit the road on Saturday.

In the opening games of their season, Billingham have shown themselves to be one of the larger squads in NIHL North’s Division One, lining up with a total of twenty players last weekend which included netminders Mark Watson and Callum Reynolds. Once again, import forward Deniss Baškatovs demonstrated his skill in front of the net, scoring two goals against Solway whilst his fellow Latvian team mate Artūrs Ozols picked up an assist. By contrast, Solway’s squad is not as many in number, though the outfit continues to pose a threat to their opposition; Iain Bowie notably racking up six goals and three assists so far in this competition, three points of which were tallied against the Stars last Sunday. Always highly competitive, this is a matchup that will no doubt prove to be enthralling from faceoff.

Looking forward to this cup game, Head Coach Martin Grubb told NIHL Northern Trio:

“I’m sure this will be another tight game between two good teams who like to play offensive hockey. I wasn’t happy at how we started last week in Billingham so we must improve on that and ensure we stick to the system or we will get punished. We should take confidence from how we finished the game and the character we showed, and we will need to be at our best to pick up another win.”

Adding to this, Stars’ alternate captain Chris Sykes shared his thoughts on Billingham’s upcoming third consecutive cup fixture: 

“It’s an away trip for a cup rematch reverse fixture with Solway following the overtime loss last week. We know what we did wrong and we know how to rectify that. It’s a one-game weekend so we have to leave everything out there on Saturday for a cup win and get the ball rolling. We’ve dominated areas of play against everyone we’ve played; we just need the results now.”

Fixture:    The Dragons vs. Whitley Warriors  

Date:        17^th September 2017

Venue:     Deeside Leisure Centre

Faceoff:  5:45pm  

Photo Credit: IceHockeyMedia - Colin Lawson

After last weekend’s spectacular introduction to the new look NIHL North, Whitley Warriors will hope to build on their immensely competitive overtime loss to Blackburn Hawks with a victory, having secured the first point of their campaign in front of a home crowd last Sunday. Travelling to Deeside for their first encounter with Scott McKenzie’s Dragons this season, Whitley will aim for the same work ethic as shown in last weekend’s games, the Hillheads outfit having kept the scoring close in Solway to only lose out by three goals to one before missing out in overtime to the Hawks. The Dragons, meanwhile, have endured a tricky start to their season, collectively conceding twenty four goals against Billingham Stars and Solway Sharks. Seemingly beginning to turn their fortunes around with an excellent win over Solihull Barons last Sunday, McKenzie’s men will, as always, be aiming to give this game their all and will no doubt contend with their visitors.

Whilst last season’s score lines may say otherwise, The Dragons proved a difficult match-up for the Warriors and, though Whitley were able to record a comfortable 11-4 victory over the side last November, this was soon followed by a closely contested 4-2 home win for David Longstaff’s men one month later. Backed up by a strong showing from The Dragons on their second visit to Hillheads in January, the side only lost out by two goals yet again and bettered this feat with an 8-2 triumph on home ice in the latter stages of their 2016-17 campaign. With goals aplenty and strong competition, meetings between these two sides rarely disappoint and Sunday’s fixture will certainly be an interesting one as the two team’s go head-to-head yet again. 

Sharing his thoughts on Whitley’s second road trip of their season, player-coach David Longstaff noted:

“They had a great result last Sunday so it’ll be a very difficult game for us, but we had a decent weekend and played well on Sunday too.”

Meanwhile, Warriors’ forward Shaun Kippin indicated his expectations of the game as he makes his return to the side following a two-game suspension:

“We’re expecting a tough game. The Dragons beat Solihull last week who have one of the best teams in the league. It was frustrating watching last weekend but the team played really well. We need to do the same this weekend and get some points on the board.”

Considering the contrast between the Dragons’ opening games and their 4-3 victory over Solihull Barons last weekend, player-coach Scott McKenzie shared:

“I think the main difference was obviously our netminding. Jonah Armstrong has been thrown in at the deep end and those games against Billingham and Solway don’t reflect the ability of the kid. Being a goalie is tough, but being a seventeen-year-old playing in NIHL Division One with no backup to support you is a very difficult position to be in. It adds a weight of pressure onto you. So bringing in Graeme Bird just added the experience we needed, to not only help the squad but to help Jonah too. The guys grew in confidence with every save that Graeme made and, when we are confident, we are a very tricky team to play against. Whitley, this weekend, will be tough but again, we do feel like we have enough to beat them. I’m sure it will be another close game but I’m confident in my team that we can get the valuable two points that we need.”

Fixture:    Nottingham Lions vs. Solway Sharks

Date:        16^th September 2017

Venue:     National Ice Centre       

Faceoff:  6:00pm   

Photo Credit: CHUD Photography 

Heading into their third league game of the season, Solway Sharks will prepare to face Matt Bradbury’s Nottingham Lions for what will be the first ever meeting between these two sides, with the Dumfries outfit having played in the Northern League whilst Nottingham iced in the then-named English National League. Heading to the National Ice Arena on Sunday, Solway will make the trip with the knowledge that they will be in for a huge challenge. Only just making their return to NIHL North’s Division One after suffering relegation from the ENL in 2012, the Lions have battled their way through two games already against former EPL clubs Telford Tigers and Hull Pirates. Though recording losses in both games, the Lions achieved two highly respectable score lines, notching defeats of 5-2 and 5-3 against these outfits.

Whilst Solway’s top three points scorers in the league continue to be forward Iain Bowie, Czech defenceman Marek Charvat and two-way player Connor Henderson, the Lions’ main assets in front of goal have so far been experienced two-time EIHL champion Marc Levers and former Barons’ forward Richard Slater who have collectively contributed seven points in just two games, whilst captain Elliot Perrin, Czech import Ondrej Pniok and skilful forward Warren Tait each have two assists to their name. Ready to confront any team in Division One it would seem, Nottingham look set to test themselves against the defending champions and, as such, the result of this match-up will be eagerly awaited, with Solway Sharks hoping for a third successive league win now that they sit at the top of the NIHL North standings with four points in two games ahead of this weekend’s fixtures.

Commenting ahead of Solway’s clash against the newly promoted Lions, Sharks’ Head Coach Martin Grubb highlighted:

“This will be our first game against Nottingham and we know this will be a very tough game. I like the energy that they play with and they have a good mix of youth and experience so we will need to ensure we match their tempo and are good on the puck. The results that the Lions have had prove that they will win games in this league and we need to make sure that it’s not against us.”

Also looking ahead to this contest, Lions’ experienced defenceman Adz Andrews shared:

“This weekend’s game against last year’s league champions is going to be yet another challenge for us in this league. We have shown we can compete and all that’s missing is points for our efforts now, something we’re hoping to challenge for this Sunday against Solway. We have had a tough start but what better way to test yourself against two of last year’s EPL sides in preparation for Solway. Losing 5-2 and 5-3 is a respectable score line when others would have predicted more of a cricket score. It’s going to be a long season with many twists and turns. We just need to learn from every game and continue to work hard each week, and the points will come.”

For more photos from IceHockeyMedia, please visit: http://www.icehockeymedia.co.uk/.        

NIHL Weekend Action

Blackburn take shine from Stars as Hawks swoop to cup victory

Blackburn Hawks  3

Billingham Stars    2

Heading into this game following last weekend’s closely contested league defeat, Billingham Stars were more than aware of the challenge awaiting them as they made the trip to Blackburn Ice Arena on Saturday. Travelling with a strong squad of eighteen skaters and two netminders, the Teessiders were pleased with the addition of Stars’ player-coach Richie Thornton in defence, although injured shot stopper James Flavell was once again unable to ice whilst forward Luke Brown sat out the first game of his two match ban. Likewise, there were few changes to Steven Duncombe’s line-up, the only key differences being the addition of youngster Kyle Haslam, the absence of forward Aaron Davies and the decision to start netminder Stuart Ashton between the pipes with Niks Trapans as back-up in the absence of Stephen Fone.

Photo Credit: IceHockeyMedia - Colin Lawson

With both sides intending to make their presence felt from the off, it was not long before referee Richard Belfitt dished out the first penalty of the game; Hawk Lee Pollitt earning himself two minutes for roughing on 3:13 to award Billingham a power play. Striving for a goal with the additional man, the Stars set their sights on Ashton’s net but their efforts were to no avail as the home team battled to prevent the Teessiders from taking the lead. However, Blackburn found themselves placed under even more pressure when a hooking penalty for forward Chris Gee followed just over four minutes later to again hand Billingham the advantage. Though import Deniss Baškatovs and forward Chris Sykes were amongst those with attempts on Ashton’s net, the netminder and his defence remained strong to kill the penalty. Blackburn’s lack of discipline hindering their offensive play, the Hawks incurred a third penalty on 10:28, this time captain Ollie Lomax sidelined for a slashing offence which again went unpunished by the Stars. Realising that they needed to have a more positive impact on the game, Duncombe’s men returned to full strength, empowered by their third successful penalty kill, and drove the puck into Mark Watson’s net just fifty five seconds later, James Riddoch playing fellow forward Rick Bentham through on goal. Eager to add another to their tally, the Hawks rallied to test Watson further but Billingham’s defence held strong and the visitors were not without their own chances, recording nine shots on Ashton’s net to the ten that Watson was faced with. Neither side able to add to the scoreboard before the break, the Hawks went in with a narrow 1-0 lead, knowing the Stars were far from out of the contest and without player-coach Duncombe who was forced to leave the ice after suffering a broken finger.

Photo Credit: IceHockeyMedia - Colin Lawson

Heading into the second period, it was the turn of Billingham Stars to find themselves in the wrong as enforcer Callum Pattison headed to the sin bin for a crosscheck on 21:56. Disappointed to find themselves on the penalty kill, the Teessiders would not be beaten by this setback, instead finding a superb equaliser as Sykes slipped beyond the Hawks’ defence to unleash a shorthanded shot which levelled the scoring at 1-1. Undeterred, Blackburn began to pile the pressure on Billingham’s blue line once again and, just over three minutes later, Bentham propelled his team into the lead for a second time, though on this occasion with an excellent unassisted effort. The play end to end, neither side showed signs of slowing down and, as such, tensions began fray as Pattison clashed with Lomax to earn himself 2+2 for roughing whilst the Hawk also sat out two minutes for the same offence. Just over a minute later, young defenceman Darren Stattersfield received two minutes for delaying the game to add to the visitors’ penalty woes but the Stars were effective in defence to hold off Blackburn’s offensive play and it was only moments after both teams had returned to full strength that the Hawks added a third to their tally through alternate captain Luke Boothroyd, establishing a two-goal cushion in the process. Continuing to battle with Blackburn for possession, the Stars sought out an opportunity before the interval but, as time ran out, the visitors filed from the ice, trailing by three goals to one.

Photo Credit: IceHockeyMedia - Colin Lawson

Returning to the ice for the third period, the Stars were eager to increase their offensive efforts to make Ashton work between the pipes but the side were perhaps a little too zealous as they incurred a bench minor for icing too many men on 43:34. Despite this, Billingham’s pressure did not let up and, less than two minutes after their return to full strength, Blackburn were prompted to call a timeout. With both teams relentless in their attempts to challenge their respective netminders, the game remained close and neither could make an immediate impact on the score line. A boarding penalty for Stattersfield just beyond the halfway point of the period saw the Hawks enjoy a power play but still the side could not extend their lead. Picking up a penalty of their own just over two minutes later, this time Bentham called to the sin bin for tripping, Blackburn handed Billingham the additional man and, though the Stars failed to score on the power play, they were able to create enough momentum to bag themselves a goal fifty three seconds after the Hawks were restored to five men; Sykes collecting his second of the game following linkup play from skilled forward James Moss. The score line narrowed to 3-2, the Stars were hopeful that the result would be different to that of last weekend’s league game and pulled netminder Watson seconds later before opting for a timeout on 59:10. Desperately searching for an equaliser to take the game into overtime, the Stars increased their offensive play but their efforts were simply not enough and it was with disappointment that the Teessiders made the trip back to Billingham having lost out to the Hawks for a second consecutive week.

  

Warriors battle on the road but Sharks seize points

Solway Sharks       3

Whitley Warriors     1

Travelling to Dumfries for the first game of their NIHL North campaign, Whitley Warriors found themselves without several key players including first choice netminder Richie Lawson, forwards Callum Watson, Adam Finlinson and Shaun Kippin, defenceman Craig Johnson and youngsters Jamie Ord and Anthony Wetherell. As such, the side made the trip with fifteen skaters and opted for shot stopper Mark Turnbull between the pipes whilst Martin Grubb’s Solway Sharks matched their visitors in number; Czech defenceman Vaclav Kolarik taking his place in the team alongside Houston brothers Luke and Lewis who were also available to ice.

Photo Credit: IceHockeyMedia - Colin Lawson

With Whitley keen to start their season in the best possible way and the Sharks seeking two points to build on last weekend’s victory against The Dragons, both teams were eager to make an early impression on the game but it was the home team who were quickest off the mark as in-form forward Iain Bowie snatched the lead after some skilled play from left winger Steven Moore with 6:32 on the clock. The game unfolding at a rapid pace, the Warriors sought to level the scoring and a holding call against new signing Kolarik seemed like the perfect opportunity. However, though battling against the Sharks’ defence, the Warriors could not place the puck beyond Calum Hepburn, even with the hard work of some of their most skilled forwards, including import Philip Edgar and captain Dean Holland. Solway were restored to full strength just past the halfway mark of the period, both teams continuing their fight for possession, but the Sharks just edged shots on goal, firing eleven at Turnbull in comparison to the eight that Hepburn was faced with. As Grubb’s men struggled to extend their lead and the Warriors found it difficult to get back on level terms, the two sides headed in at the interval with only a goal to separate them.

Photo Credit: IceHockeyMedia - Colin Lawson

Realising their need to create a two-goal cushion, Solway returned to the ice with their sights set firmly on the target and it was not long before the puck was slotted behind Turnbull for a second time as Bowie turned assist for Czech defenceman Marek Charvat on 22:07. Resolute though their deficit had increased, the Warriors continued to test netminder Hepburn but soon suffered a setback when blue liner Harry Harley found himself sinbinned for tripping. Finding themselves on the penalty kill and under pressure, the Warriors worked had to ensure that they did not concede and successfully returned to full strength unscathed, only to grab a goal of their own just under two minutes later as alternate captain Jordan Barnes linked up with import Edgar to see the Canadian achieve his first league goal for the Warriors on 30:46. Though their deficit was reduced to just one goal, the Warriors’ joy was extremely short-lived as Solway hit back just sixty seconds later, this time alternate captain Ross Murray receiving the puck from forward Joe Coulter to set Bowie up for his second of the evening, restoring the Sharks’ two-goal cushion in the process. Shortly afterwards, captain Struan Tonnar found himself sidelined for a slashing offence on 33:57 to hand the Warriors a power play. Despite this, the Dumfries outfit were able to kill the penalty well and, just twenty two seconds from its termination, were given some reprieve when Holland made way for slashing. As such, the visitors then found themselves under fire as Turnbull was called upon to deal with the Sharks’ offensive play and, whilst they were able to kill this penalty, Holland was restored to the ice for all of twelve seconds before he was shown to the sin bin once more, his offence hooking on this occasion. Holding onto their two-goal deficit, the Warriors returned to full strength thirteen seconds before the break and, as such, the home team were happy to head in with the lead for a second time.

Photo Credit: IceHockeyMedia - Colin Lawson

The score line 3-1 heading into the third, the Warriors were hopeful that they could recover lost ground whilst Solway were aiming to hold onto their lead and to add to it if they could. It was little surprise then that both sides threw themselves into this period to play end-to-end ice hockey. Increasing their offensive on Hepburn’s goal, the Warriors were able to test the netminder far more than in the first and second periods whilst the Sharks were consistent in their forward play. Whilst Edgar, Barnes and Holland were amongst those trying their luck for Whitley, the Sharks continued to make use of forwards Bowie, Murray, Moore and Tonnar whilst defensive imports Kolarik and Charvat demonstrated their skill to pose a threat in front of goal. Though the period was fast-paced and play switched zones with rapidity, both netminders dealt with the shots they were confronted with and, realising that they needed to alter their play to grab a second goal, the Warriors called a timeout on 58:32. Pulling shot stopper Turnbull from his net in the final minute of the game to ice an additional skater, Whitley strove to reduce their deficit but were also on their guard as Solway sought an empty net goal to hammer home their victory. With neither team having any success in these respective pursuits, the final buzzer sounded to see the Sharks handed two points and the Warriors pleased with their opening performance in spite of their loss.

Considering the Sharks’ home victory, Head Coach Martin Grubb shared: “We knew it was going to be a tough game and that was the case. I felt we played pretty well defensively but I would have liked us to be better with our decision-making and create more clear cut chances. It was an open game and we were happy to get the win in our home opener in the league.”

  Hawks claw win as Warriors suffer overtime defeat

Whitley Warriors      2

Blackburn Hawks   3

Hoping to gain the first victory of their opening weekend, Whitley Warriors took to the ice with a strong roster of sixteen skaters, though the side were again without forwards Callum Watson, Adam Finlinson and Shaun Kippin, defenceman Craig Johnson and youngsters Jamie Ord and Anthony Wetherell. The Hawks, meanwhile, also lined up with an equally skilled line-up, missing only first choice netminder Stephen Fone. As a result, shot stopper Stuart Ashton was called upon to take his place between the pipes whilst Mark Turnbull assumed his position at the other end of the ice.

Photo Credit: IceHockeyMedia - Colin Lawson

Fired up for their first home game of the season, the Warriors aimed to challenge Blackburn from the outset, with Canadian import Phil Edgar, captain Dean Holland and forward Ben Richards amongst those setting their sights on a goal early on. With less than two minutes played, Whitley were handed a power play as Hawk Bobby Streetly found himself sidelined for hooking and, though they were eager to get on the score sheet, the Warriors struggled to maintain possession on the power play as the visitors piled on the pressure. As such, the game was an even one in the early stages, as alternate captains James Neil and Luke Boothroyd sought out offensive opportunities for the Hawks whilst Warriors DJ Good, Jordan Barnes and Richards worked hard to fight for possession along the boards. As the game began to unfold at speed, young defenceman Liam Smedley was sinbinned for a slashing offence on 15:03 to award the Hawks their first power play and it took only twenty four seconds for Steven Duncombe’s men to capitalise, Boothroyd scoring his first league goal this season, following neat build up play from experienced forward Aaron Davies and young defenceman Lewis Baldwin. This goal spurring the Warriors on to equalise, the side continued to look dangerous in front of Ashton’s net, with Edgar weaving his way beyond Blackburn’s defence time and again. It was not long before the Warriors were able to draw a penalty call against the Hawks as forward James Riddoch made way for holding sticks on 19:13, leaving David Longstaff’s team on the power play as the sides headed in with one goal separating them.

Photo Credit: IceHockeyMedia - Colin Lawson

Returning to the ice for the second period, the Warriors were determined to make the best of their power play, having let their earlier advantage slip by. Playing with a high tempo in front of Ashton’s net, Whitley were relentless and it took only fifty six seconds for their efforts to pay off, unsurprisingly Edgar finding the net after the puck was whisked through from Longstaff with support from defenceman Josh Maddock. Seven seconds later, a roughing penalty was dished out to Whitley’s defenceman Dan Pye after he caught Baldwin in the head when battling for the puck. This presented the Hawks with the additional man and, though they could not make the most of this opportunity due to the Warriors’ effective penalty kill, the score line did not remain 1-1 for much longer as Blackburn’s ‘D’ man Neil threaded a pass to forward Rick Bentham who did not miss his mark. Tying to bounce back from this goal with difficulty, the Warriors then incurred a bench minor for too many men but successfully ran down the clock to challenge their opposition on their return to full strength. With something of a stalemate developing between the two teams as both competed to a high standard, it was not until around eight minutes later that the puck was again in the back of the net as the Warriors found their second equaliser of the game on 36:21; Richards weaving his way through on goal to bury the puck after blue liner Harley and player-coach Longstaff surged into the Hawks’ defensive zone. The score line level at 2-2, both teams left the ice at the interval with nothing to separate their efforts.

Photo Credit: IceHockeyMedia - Colin Lawson

Starting the third period with energy, both teams picked up from where they left off in their bid to edge ahead in the contest, Hawks’ youngster James Royds continuing to make a positive impact for his side. A tripping call against Riddoch five minutes into the period saw Whitley awarded a power play and, though pressing forward, the side found it difficult to maintain control of the puck in their offensive zone. However, Blackburn conceded a second penalty in quick succession which saw Riddoch leave the penalty box, only for Bentham to take his place following a boarding offence. Despite this four minute advantage, the home team struggled to make their efforts count, losing the intensity that they had shown earlier in the game. With both teams continuing to pursue a goal in the wake of overtime, it was the turn of stand-in alternate captain Martin Crammond to sit out for a slashing offence on 53:25 but, again, Whitley’s rapid line changes on the penalty kill ensured that no damage was done. The dying moments of the game playing out, Edgar tried his luck once more but it was not to be whilst Hawks’ forward Bentham and import Jozef Istocy also failed to execute their chances. Aiming to hold onto the draw to go into overtime and secure at least a point, the Warriors called a timeout on 59:46 to prepare for the challenge ahead and it was not long after that the final buzzer sounded to confirm that the game would run into overtime.

Photo Credit: IceHockeyMedia - Colin Lawson

Opening three-on-three overtime play with Edgar, defencemen Harley and returning Warrior Kyle Ross, Whitley raced towards Ashton’s net and came close to burying the puck before the Hawks regained possession to test Turnbull. Moments later, Crammond then fired past Ashton but the goal was ruled out due to the puck hitting the netminder’s mask. Within a whisker of winning, the Warriors then incurred a penalty as Holland received two minutes for holding following his attempt to prevent Bentham from closing the game. As the Hawks were then awarded the power play, the game resumed with a four-on-three situation and, though giving their all to keep Blackburn at bay, the Warriors eventually suffered defeat when defenceman Lewis Baldwin slipped past Whitley’s defence to hit home a superb overtime winner. Though disappointed to lose out in this fashion, the Warriors gained a point for their efforts whilst the Hawks were equally deserving of their victory in a game which was highly competitive from faceoff to the final buzzer.

Photo Credit: IceHockeyMedia - Colin Lawson

Speaking to NIHL Northern Trio after Whitley’s opening weekend of their campaign, player-coach David Longstaff shared: “I really enjoyed both games, even though we only got one point. Sunday’s game was one of the most exciting games at Whitley in years. We were just unfortunate to lose. It was a proper end-to-end game. Even I was excited watching the three-on-three overtime.”

  Stars lose out as rivals Solway snap up overtime winner 

Billingham Stars     3

Solway Sharks          4

Preparing for the second cup contest of their weekend, Billingham Stars took to the ice with an unchanged side from the one that faced Blackburn Hawks in their narrow 3-2 defeat on Saturday, the Teessiders missing injured netminder James Flavell, defenceman Andy Finn and suspended forward Luke Brown. Meanwhile, Martin Grubb’s Solway Sharks made the trip to The Forum with an identical line-up to that which played in the side’s 3-1 league victory over Whitley Warriors in the hope that they could continue with their excellent form.

Photo Credit: IceHockeyMedia - Colin Lawson

These clashes always a feisty affair, it was little surprise when the first penalties of the game were called with only thirty one seconds played, Stars’ defenceman Ross Hanlon heading to the sin bin for interference whilst Shark Connor Henderson was sidelined for a crosscheck. Just under a minute after the termination of these penalties, Billingham’s enforcer Callum Pattison and Solway’s Czech defenceman Marek Charvat were then shown to the sin bin for roughing and tripping respectively. Despite this, the home team did not allow this setback to prevent their offensive play as blue liner Richie Thornton played the puck to forward Deniss Baškatovs who slotted home twenty two seconds later to hand their side the lead. However, this goal did not see the Stars gain discipline and the side conceded another penalty on 6:07; Bowman serving time for delaying the game. Whilst Solway were awarded a power play as a result, their advantage did not last long as forward Joe Coulter made way for slashing soon after. Though Billingham failed to make the most of their short advantage when Bowman returned to the ice, the side were handed another power play opportunity on 12:19 when young blue liner Stuart Kerr was considered guilty of hooking. Applying pressure to Calum Hepburn’s net, the Stars claimed their second goal of the evening with over a minute of their advantage played, ‘D’ man Artūrs Ozols playing a neat pass to forward James Moss who linked up with Callum Davies to see his line mate score. Though the score line was 2-0 in Billingham’s favour, and the Sharks continued to search for a response to their deficit, there was no further scoring in this period with play remaining close; the visitors only just outshooting the Teessiders by ten attempts to nine.

Photo Credit: IceHockeyMedia - Colin Lawson

Returning for the second period, the Stars were aiming to hang onto their lead against last season’s treble winners whilst the Sharks were holding out for a goal to get back in the game. Whilst a tripping penalty for Pattison on 23:00 presented the Dumfries outfit with the chance they were searching for, the side found it difficult to make their chances count against netminder Mark Watson and saw their opportunity wasted, only for Billingham to score just over a minute after returning to full strength, Baškatovs with his second following support from youngster Darren Stattersfield. Stunned to be losing by three goals to nil, Solway were quickly spurred into action just twenty three seconds later as Connor Henderson played the puck to left winger Steven Moore who unleashed a shot past Watson to see his team gain a foothold in the contest. Their lead reduced to a two-goal cushion, the Stars began to be troubled by the Sharks who became increasingly dangerous as the period progressed. In consequence, Billingham were to regret their missed chances as Solway snatched a second goal, Bowie finding the target whilst new signing Vaclav Kolarik picked up an assist. The two sides now separated by a single goal, Billingham were further disappointed when Hanlon was made to serve two minutes for holding with the interval almost upon them.

Photo Credit: IceHockeyMedia - Colin Lawson

Shorthanded for the first forty two seconds of the third period, Billingham killed their penalty but Solway’s momentum was difficult to quash and some fast play from the visitors saw alternate captain Ross Murray place the puck beyond Watson after passing play from line mates Bowie and Coulter just over a minute later to achieve an emphatic equaliser. However, the Sharks’ celebrations were dampened somewhat when the Dumfries outfit received a bench minor for ice interference. Though Billingham found themselves with an additional man as a result of this, try as they might, they could not beat Hepburn who remained sturdy to ensure his team did not lose the lead again. This penalty killed, the Sharks then ran into further penalty trouble around the halfway point of the period when blue liner Scott Cooper incurred a minor for hooking. Again, the Stars were placed on the advantage but, once more, they could not capitalise, though Bowman and Moss were gifted individual chances to make their mark on the game. With neither side finding the back of the net in the dying moments of the third period, overtime loomed and was confirmed on the final buzzer. The game heading into three-on-three overtime, it did not take long for the outcome of the meeting to be decided as the puck trickled to Bowie who smashed his unassisted effort beyond Watson on 61:45 to see Solway leave The Forum with two points whilst the home side had to settle for just one.

Reflecting on Solway’s overtime cup win, Head Coach Martin Grubb observed: “We started very flat and were outplayed in the first thirty minutes by a hungrier team and I felt we were too soft on the puck. Once we scored, the momentum swung a little and we started to play. We said that we had to win both the second and third periods to ensure we at least got overtime and I felt we deserved that. Overtime is something we are comfortable with and got a huge character win but we can’t give teams a three goal lead as it will end up biting us. That said, a four point weekend was what we aimed for and I’m pleased we got that.” 

Meanwhile, looking back on Billingham’s cup action, alternate captain Chris Sykes told NIHL Northern Trio: “The double cup weekend didn’t go as planned; losing 3-2 to Blackburn again, exactly the same as the previous week, and just coming up short in overtime against Solway. We had a lead and we threw it away. We need to learn to keep the lead, to keep going and not just take our foot off the gas. There is plenty of time to rectify this though.”

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