Stormers @ Sheffield Squeelers.

A hot afternoon meant puddles on the big Sheffield ice and knowing quick shifts would be essential to keep everyone fresh. The game was a struggle from the start and we never really got a chance to test their keeper early on. A few chances both ways went mostly wide of the net until Kyle netted one at the 15 minute mark. End of the first a slim 1-0 lead.

The second period brought more of the same as we tried to get our heads down and make the puck do the work by passing it about. We kept a good amount of possession but were still really struggling to get good offensive zone time or shots on goal. Ash got the only goal of the period 10 minutes in on a great top shelf shot. 2-0 going into the third.

The Squeelers came out pushing a little harder this period but the Stormers defence kept them at bay for ten minutes until we finally conceded our first of the night. With a renewed vigour the Squeelers pounced and netted another within a minute to tie the game up. We pressed on desperate to break the tie but some defensive slip ups let a few too many break away chances and odd man rushes which the Squeelers were able to capitalise on with another two goals coming with only 1:30 left to play. Never to be defeated we played our socks off and rallied to get one back by Ian Clarke with seconds left on the clock. Stian hatched an all out attack plan for the remaining 12 seconds but alas it was too little too late as the buzzer ended our afternoon before we had a chance to show our true form.

Final score 4-3 to the Squeelers in a somewhat lacklustre performance which seemed to struggle to get out of first gear. Still there were positives to bring away as there were some excellent passing plays and some good use of the bigger ice, at several times in the game keeping the Squeelers hemmed in their own zone whilst getting shots from the point men, something Jonny has been pushing us to look for all year! Morale never faltered either and we kept on pushing til the end.

Man of the match – David Michael Naylor
Captains Choice – Kyle Mitchell-Quinn

Thanks to the Squeelers for a good tight game and thank you also to those that made the effort to come and watch.