The Solway Sharks travelled to Sheffield and then welcomed the Sheffield to Dumfries Ice Bowl for another weekend of ice hockey.
The Sharks defeated the Steeldogs 4-2 in preseason action at Bauer Arena, and they
were trying to replicate that winning feeling this past weekend. Following an early goal
by the Sheffield Steeldogs, the Sharks battled back and showed perseverance to get
back into the game with Craig Peacock’s first goal of the season and in a Sharks Jersey
in front of a boisterous travelling support that made the trip to Sheffield.
After tying the game, the Sharks created chances and put pressure, but the Steeldogs
stormed back and scored three goals to take the two points and a win on night one.
Speaking after the game, Solways Sharks Head Coach Martin Grubb said, “The best thing
is we’re back on the horse on Sunday; we have a game against the same team at home,
and we owe the supporters and the club. If we come to work hard, roll our sleeves up,
and do the little things right, we have a chance to win”.
The Sharks took the game to the Steeldogs and got back on the horse, starting the
game at a frantic pace and early creating chances that generated an electric atmosphere
at the Shark Tank.
The team’s efforts were rewarded when John Dunbar scored to open the scoring. They
were unlucky not to gain another goal and were deadlocked when the Steeldogs
equalised.
Despite being tied, the Sharks didn’t give up and went on to retake the lead. Craig
Peacock once more scored, giving him two goals for the weekend. The Sharks had
opportunities to score, but the Steeldogs were the next side to do so, tying the score
going into the game’s final period.
Both sides were looking for the next goal, which kept the game interesting and enjoyable
for the fans at the Ice Bowl and viewers watching online. The Steeldogs scored the
game-winning goal, bringing the Sharks’ weekend to a close as they continue their
journey in the NIHL competition.
Solway Sharks forward Bari McKenzie said after the game. “We as a team are bitterly
disappointed after not picking up any points this weekend. We have to look at the
positives, and our performance on Sunday evening was substantially better than
Saturday in Sheffield. We need to keep building as a team, and once we get the first win,
we will be able to play with ease and not have the burden of still not winning a league
game.Right now we aren’t getting puck luck, but if we keep working hard and getting better
each day, the luck will change, and we will kick on and start winning.”
The game ended 2-3 at the Shark Tank as the Sharks fought hard in the closing moments but were unable to score to tie the score.
Sharks MoM – Kyle Carruth
Steeldogs MoM – Daniel Crowe
The Dumfries Ice Bowl will host the Solway Sharks vs. Bracknell Bees on Saturday,
October 7 at 7 p.m. (Doors open at 17.30 p.m.). Purchase your tickets at
https://sharksihc.com/tickets/.
