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.”

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

NIHL Weekend Preview

WEEKEND

PREVIEW

NIHL NORTH DIVISION 1 MORALEE CONFERENCE

Saturday 17th December 2016

Sutton Sting vs. Whitley Warriors

Sunday 18th December 2016

Whitley Warriors vs. The Dragons 

Billingham Stars vs. Sutton Sting

As Solway Sharks break for the Christmas period earlier than their competition in the Moralee Conference, David Longstaff’s Whitley Warriors face a tricky double header this weekend whilst title contenders Billingham Stars are set to host Sutton Sting for what will be their last home fixture of 2016.

Photo Credit: IceHockeyMedia - Colin Lawson

First to take to the ice, Whitley Warriors will make the trip to Ice Sheffield for an encounter with Simon Butterworth’s resilient Sutton Sting on Saturday afternoon. With both teams now on eleven points following Whitley’s recent points deduction, there is little to separate the two teams in the league standings, with the Warriors just out in front due to better form; Longstaff’s line-up have tallied six wins, six losses and a draw from thirteen games, whereas the Sting have taken five wins, eight defeats and one draw from fourteen games by comparison. Though making this trip for the first time this season, the Warriors have already taken Sutton on twice at Hillheads, recording 4-2 victories on both occasions. Typically low scoring games, these fixtures have certainly been difficult ones for Whitley to deal with this campaign, particularly as the Sting’s tight knit defence and exceptional netminding never fail to pose a threat to the success of their opposition. Despite Sutton’s efforts, the Warriors’ persistent offence has prevailed in their last two meetings, with long-serving forward Callum Watson grabbing four goals against the side whilst team mates Lawson Glasby, Harry Harley, Jordan Barnes and DJ Good have also collected a goal each when faced with Butterworth’s team this season. Hoping to repeat their recent success against Butterworth’s team, the Warriors must confront the Sting’s combined youth and experience, with Sutton likely to ice talented youngsters Joe Colton and Charlie Thompson alongside knowledgeable on-ice leaders James Spurr, Ryan Johnson and James Goodman. Just how the points will be shared on Saturday is anyone’s guess as the two teams anticipate another close contest which could see the Sting move into fourth place should they claim at least a draw, meaning victory for the Warriors is essential if they are to cling to their present position. Speaking to NIHL Northern Trio, Warrior DJ Good shared: “I’m looking forward to the weekend. With no game last weekend, everyone is fresh and looking to get back into things. We trained well last night and will do the same tonight and hopefully get the points this weekend.”

Photo Credit: IceHockeyMedia - Colin Lawson      

Travelling back to Hillheads after this game, Longstaff’s men will then host Scott McKenzie’s Dragons as the Welsh outfit make the trip to Whitley Bay Ice Rink for the first time this season, having already suffered an 11-4 home defeat to the Hillheads outfit last month. Working hard to build up some good form, the Dragons go into this game on the back of two consecutive defeats to league leaders Solway Sharks and title contenders Billingham Stars. Though suffering some heavy losses this campaign, McKenzie’s side have also shown their ability to contend with their opposition in the Moralee Conference. Defeating Telford Tigers at home and on the road, recording a 6-3 win against Solihull Barons and claiming a 9-4 victory over Blackburn Hawks are just some of the side’s achievements this season. It is due to the Dragons’ goal scoring ability that the Warriors will need to make a snappy start on Sunday to ensure that they are not caught out by their visitors as the game progresses. However, the Warriors have a strong squad and will no doubt aim to show that their fortitude is unshakeable in the wake of recent adversities whilst forward Shaun Kippin will personally hope to snatch two points from his former club, having already scored a hat trick against the side this season. As with the Sting, there is little separating the Warriors from the Dragons in the league table at present and a victory could potentially see McKenzie’s outfit displace Whitley from their current league position should Saturday’s results also go in their favour. Considering Whitley’s double header, Warrior Shaun Kippin noted: “We are expecting two tough games this weekend. After the two point deduction, we are playing the two teams below us now and they are right behind us. Sutton is a tough place to go and get a result and the Dragons have been a real surprise this season, getting some good results against top teams.”

Photo Credit: IceHockeyMedia - Colin Lawson

Also playing on Sunday, Billingham Stars are set to ice against Sutton Sting as Simon Butterworth’s men pay a visit to The Forum for their last game of 2016. Encountering the side once already this season, the Stars were disappointed to lose out to the Sheffield-based outfit on the road last month, particularly as the game ended in a narrow 4-3 defeat for the Teessiders who were unable to make the comeback they were hoping for following Lloyd Gibson’s first period hat trick. Losing out twice to the Sting last season, Head Coach Terry Ward and his men will be hoping that their defeat against Sutton in November was merely a slip in form, the Stars having won four consecutive games prior to this fixture before going on to collect maximum points in all competitions since this loss. Though forwards Michael Elder and Swedish import Dennis Boström were both on the score sheet for Billingham in their previous encounter with the Sting, Ward will be hoping for more from his team this weekend, especially as the Stars have a hardworking, skilled and experienced offence who are more than capable of testing Sutton’s netminders at the very least, whether the side are faced with first choice shot stopper Dmitri Zimozdra or back up, Zack Brown. Whilst Butterworth and his men will give their all for maximum points in the hope that they can pile the pressure onto Whitley Warriors and The Dragons, both of whom are in close proximity to the Sting in the league standings at present, Billingham will stop at nothing to claim victory, this game providing the perfect opportunity to further close the gap between themselves and title rivals Solway Sharks who do not have a fixture this weekend. Whether or not the Stars can narrow the gap to six points at the top of the table remains to be seen though as the home side face quite the challenge against sturdy Sutton Sting. Looking forward to playing against his former club once again, Star Chris Sykes told NIHL Northern Trio:“We’re back on home ice this Sunday and it’s the last fixture of 2016 for the Stars. We are on a roll and playing well at the minute. We are finishing our chances, things are clicking and we are getting the bounces so hopefully we can finish the year with another win and grab two more points in the league table. We have only practiced once this week due to the panto on at The Forum so we will be working hard when we get into practice and work on as much as we can in the time we have ready for Sunday.”

For those hoping to attend a game this weekend, Sutton Sting host Whitley Warriors from 2:00pm at Ice Sheffield on Saturday. Meanwhile, on Sunday, David Longstaff’s men clash with The Dragons on home ice from 5:00pm whilst Billingham Stars encounter the Sting from 6:30pm at The Forum. Can’t make it to a game? Fear not! Please find listening details for NIHL Radio below.

NIHL Radio Listings

Saturday 17th December

5:45pm on NIHL Radio 1

Blackburn Hawks vs. The Dragons

Sunday 18thDecember

5:00pm on NIHL Radio 1

Whitley Warriors vs. The Dragons

6:30pm on NIHL Radio 2

Billingham Stars vs. Sutton Sting

Click on the link to listen: http://tunein.com/.                   

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

NIHL Weekend Action

Sharks extinguish Dragons’ fire with victory

Solway Sharks    3

The Dragons           1

Hoping to bounce back from last weekend’s defeat to Billingham Stars, Solway Sharks were under no illusions as to the difficulties of this encounter, the side finding themselves up against Scott McKenzie’s Dragons who went into this game with much momentum after their 9-4 victory over defending champions Blackburn Hawks last Sunday. With Duncan Speirs, Jordan Buesa and Connor Henderson missing this weekend due to Team GB duties in Budapest, the Sharks took the opportunity to introduce forwards Richard Thorp, Callum Blair, Tom Johnston and Kieran Hair to the NIHL whilst The Dragons travelled with a strong line-up which included two-way player Bradley Betteridge, the team’s newest signing.

Photo Credit: IceHockeyMedia - Colin Lawson

Competing for possession from the first puck drop, it became clear very quickly that both teams were willing to endure the fight for maximum points, causing those early moments in the game to be closely contested with neither side able to break the deadlock. As Solway’s finest tried their utmost to print their name on the scoresheet, shot stopper Jonah Armstrong proved to be a sturdy match for the Sharks whilst player-coach McKenzie and his men tried their luck at the other end of the ice, though to no avail. With close to eight minutes on the clock, referee Steven Wardell chose to make his first call of the game against Dragons’ ‘D’ man Ross Kennedy who was dealt a minor for hooking. Placing the home side on a power play, the Dragons were called upon to ensure that Solway did not take the lead but the team’s defence remained calm under pressure to keep the Sharks at bay. The game continuing in much the same fashion, with captain Struan Tonnar spurring his team on in the absence of Head Coach Martin Grubb whilst McKenzie and Finnish forward Markus Kankaanranta tested young netminder Calum Hepburn on more than one occasion, the first goal of the game arrived with just eight seconds of the opening period remaining when alternate captains James Hutchinson and Ross Murray teamed up to successfully send Tonnar through on goal.

The score line 1-0 in favour of the home side, the fervent Dragons returned for the second period with hopes of snatching the next goal to avoid a growing deficit. Despite their efforts however, it was not long before the puck was in the net again for the Sharks as Armstrong found himself beaten on 22:03, this time returnee Marc Fowley lighting the lamp with support from left winger Steven Moore and youngster Daniel Abercrombie. This two-goal lead now far more comfortable for the Sharks, the Dragons began to gradually creep back into the game and were finally able to gain a foothold when McKenzie fired home courtesy of dexterous import Kankaanranta on 33:48. With less than seven minutes of the period remaining and the points once again hanging in the balance for league leaders Solway, Grubb’s men looked to challenge Armstrong who pulled off some fantastic saves to ensure that his teammates’ work was not undone. The score line 2-1 at the end of the second period, both teams filed from the ice with little separating them and with the points all to play for in the final instalment of the game.

Photo Credit: IceHockeyMedia - Colin Lawson

Returning for the third stanza, the Dragons were eager to build on the form of recent fixtures with a positive result and, as such, turned their attentions to levelling the game but Solway’s sturdy defencemen made sure this was not possible, with import blue liners Kim Miettinen and Juraj Senko working hard alongside fellow defencemen Stuart Kerr, Stuart Andrews and Hutchinson. As the two teams continued to battle between zones, events soon took a turn for the worst as Murray found himself ejected from the game for a kneeing offence on 47:01. From this incident, a Dragons’ power play ensued as youngster Kieran Hair served the five minute penalty which accompanied Murray’s game misconduct. Biding their time on the penalty kill, the Sharks were then able to punish the Dragons’ inability to capitalise, scoring shortly after the termination of this penalty when Tonnar turned assist alongside Senko to find Moore; the left winger’s skill shining through, the Shark was able to beat Armstrong with less than six minutes left to play. With Solway continuing to pile the pressure onto the Dragons’ young netminder, the Dumfries outfit were able to out shoot their opposition by two to one in this period but Armstrong remained strong between the pipes to execute some outstanding saves, though he could do little to reverse Solway’s 3-1 victory.

Sting lack venom as short benched Sharks bite back

Sutton Sting            1

Solway Sharks    5

Heading into this game on the back of their 3-1 win over The Dragons, Solway Sharks were prepared for another fight against Simon Butterworth’s tricky Sutton Sting but this was not going to be an easy task following the success of the Sheffield-based outfit at Telford Ice Rink on Saturday evening.

Photo Credit: IceHockeyMedia - Colin Lawson

Facing off in the first period, both sides were prepared for a difficult clash and it proved to be so in the opening moments as the teams fought for control with a view to create some effective offensive opportunities. With the game rather uneventful at this point in play, the first real opportunity to arise went to Solway Sharks who were handed a power play on 12:34 following a holding call against Sutton’s alternate captain Matt Jeffcock. The visitors were unable to make the most of this advantage as they continued their fight against the Sting’s sturdy defence and soon found themselves shorthanded when Finnish defenceman Kim Miettinen incurred a minor for interference. This time, Butterworth’s men were unable to get ahead in the game and it was clear that neither team were going to alter the scoreboard before the first interval arrived.

Photo Credit: IceHockeyMedia - Colin Lawson

Hoping for a far better second period, both sides returned with their sights set on claiming the first goal of the game but league leaders Solway Sharks were first to light the lamp as skilled forward Marc Fowley hit the target for a second consecutive game, having only just returned from injury on Saturday. The deadlock broken, the Sharks began to see more opportunities fall their way to apply pressure to netminder Zack Brown. Consequently, it was not long before Solway doubled their lead as guest players Elliot Knell and Alexander Harding teamed up to see fellow Sheffield Senator Nathan Britton find the back of the net. Their hold on the game beginning to slip, Sutton were further stunned when alternate captain James Hutchinson lined Britton up for another a little over three minutes later to make it 3-0. Just fifty three seconds had passed by when a roughing penalty against alternate captain Ross Murray handed Sutton a power play but, again, the side were unable to make it count despite the efforts of hardworking captain James Spurr and former EPL forward Lloyd Gibson. Returning to full strength, normal play was resumed with the Sharks trying to build on their three-goal lead whilst Sutton worked hard to dismantle Solway’s offensive play.

Photo Credit: IceHockeyMedia - Colin Lawson

With this the nature of the game before the break, the two sides filed back onto the ice for the final period, hoping that two points would be within their grasp at the end of the fixture. However, the early stages of this stanza did not go as planned for either side, both suffering penalties just five minutes in as Sutton’s Charlie Saunders and Solway’s Hutchinson made way for holding and hooking offences respectively. Despite this small setback, the Dumfries outfit did not let this hinder their progress and fifty nine seconds later, the puck was again in the back of the net for the side as passing play between Knell and Kerr resulted in Britton’s hat trick, the guest player able to make the greatest impact on the night. It was around four minutes later that the home side were able to respond with a goal of their own as defenceman James Goodman grabbed a goal for the Sting on 52:48 courtesy of versatile team mate Mark Turner. With Solway continuing to out shoot their opposition, the side were disappointed to lose Harding to the sin bin for slashing whilst Sutton’s ‘D’ man Chris Wilcox was also made to serve a minor for roughing. This penalty did not appear to have a great affect for Grubb’s men as left winger Steven Moore sought youngster Daniel Abercrombie whose pass to blue liner Juraj Senko was finally slotted past Brown to make it 5-1. Whilst the Sharks had much to celebrate, Sutton’s alternate captain Ryan Johnson then conceded a tripping penalty seven seconds before Wilcox’s time was up to present the Sharks with a power play as they returned to full strength. Again though, Solway failed to make their chances count as the final moments of the game unfolded, meaning the Sting were able to see out their 5-1 home defeat without further concession before the final buzzer. Commenting after the game, captain Struan Tonnar noted: “I think we took a while to start and started to try and play their style of game. It was a bit of a stalemate, we kept most of the possession but struggled to convert any chances. Once we shook the bus legs off and came back for the second, we started to dictate the game and put our systems into place.”

Stars unearth points in Dragons’ den as title hopes burn on

The Dragons           3

Billingham Stars     9

Travelling to Deeside with a strong line-up of fifteen skaters and two netminders, though without defencemen Will Robson, Andy Finn and Callum Read, Billingham Stars found themselves up against Scott McKenzie’s skilled but resilient outfit who were eager to bounce back from their 3-1 defeat to Solway Sharks on the previous evening.

Photo Credit: IceHockeyMedia - Colin Lawson

Aware that a positive start to the game was key if they were to contend with the spirited Welsh outfit, the Stars made the better start to the game, finding themselves on a power play with just over a minute played as former Hawk Jordan Bannon was shown to the sin bin for boarding. Though unable to open the scoring on the advantage, the Stars were able to build on this early possession to capitalise with a goal on 4:19 as Tom Keeley played the puck to forward Daniel Palmebjörk who did not miss his mark, the Swede in good form of late. Before the home side so much as had a chance to consider an equaliser, the Stars then hit the Dragons with another forty five seconds later as alternate captain Callum Davies threaded the puck to Dennis Boström who set fellow forward Michael Elder on course to make it 2-0. This the score line with just over five minutes played, the Stars continued more comfortably before suffering a slight setback just beyond the midpoint of the period when Davies was sent to the box for hooking. Though shorthanded, the Stars were able to turn the situation on its head as, just fifty eight seconds into their penalty kill, the Teessiders were able to add to their tally; experienced player-coach Richie Thornton setting up Palmebjörk’s seventh league goal of the season to make it three for the visitors. Shortly afterwards, a clash between Dragon Geoff Wigglesworth and Star Chris Sykes saw the duo side-lined for roughing on 14:41 to leave their teams continuing their efforts on goal in their absence. Whilst the home side found it difficult to contend with outstanding shot stopper James Flavell, the Stars sustained their possession ahead of the break to prevent their opposition from chipping away at their three goal deficit.

Photo Credit: IceHockeyMedia - Colin Lawson

Having failed to score in the opening period, The Dragons were eager to get on the scoresheet and did so on 25:13 when young defenceman Ross Kennedy troubled Flavell with a superb unassisted shot to beat Billingham’s defence. Quick to retaliate, Terry Ward’s men were able to cancel out this effort with a goal of their own as Boström etched his name onto the scoresheet following neat passing play between Elder and alternate captain Davies. Just seconds later though, events took another turn as a boarding offence from Gavin Austin led to roughing minors for both Boström and Jack Davies whilst the Dragon received the same punishment for his misdemeanour. Undeterred, the visitors returned to full strength only to wreak havoc with their offensive play as player-coach Michael Bowman made it 5-1 courtesy of Sykes and Palmebjörk on 31:09, only for Boström to snatch his second of the game eighty one seconds later with support arriving from ‘D’ man Keeley. Struggling to contain Billingham, the Dragons were aware that they needed to act and were able to add another to their tally with close to thirty five minutes played, this time junior Joshua Richardson lighting the lamp for his side. Less than one minute later, a hooking offence against Matthew Campbell provided McKenzie’s men with another opportunity to make their chances count but this advantage was soon frittered away to see the Welsh line-up head in on the wrong end of the 6-2 score line, despite their twenty three shots on Flavell’s net.

Taking to the ice with much work to do in the final period, the Dragons recognised their need to go on the offensive whilst uniting in defence. Required to show strength across all areas of the ice was no easy task for the trailing team however, and it was little surprise when the Stars stormed into the Dragons’ defensive zone to earn themselves a seventh goal; Keeley linking up with Bowman on this occasion to assist forward Chris Sykes on 45:22. Just over a minute later, the despondent Dragons then conceded another when Boström took control of the puck to see Jack Watkins slot home but, with growing determination, the home side opted to fight back and their resolve soon resulted in a goal of their own as Kennedy’s unassisted shot fired past Flavell just forty seconds later to make it 8-3. With the result beyond doubt, the Dragons continued to defend against the Stars’ attack and were not without their own chances on Matthew Compton’s net, though their efforts proved fruitless. A final addition to Billingham’s tally from skilled import Boström increased the Dragons’ deficit to six, with Thornton and Davies on hand to assist once more. As the period drew to a close, there was still enough time for Davies to pick up a slashing penalty on 57:33 but the home side were unable to grab a consolatory goal on the power play, only to see the Stars leave with maximum points. 

Photo Credit: IceHockeyMedia - Colin Lawson

Remaining in second place, Billingham currently find themselves eight points behind league leaders Solway Sharks whereas the Dragons remain in sixth place with four victories from fourteen games. Reflecting on this encounter, Star Chris Sykes told NIHL Northern Trio: “The Dragons have been making a few heads turn with some good results against some of the other teams but we seem to have got the upper hand against them so far in the meetings this season and it was the same story on Sunday night. We had good control all game and we were clinical in our chances. We went up 3-0 at the end of the first but, coming out for the second, we slowed down a bit and they bagged a couple of goals; it knocked us back into gear and we just powered on from there. We played a good game against a well-drilled side. They’ve brought in some players but we seem to have the beating of them this season. As I said, it was a good road win for us and two more points in the league.”

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