The Solway Sharks faced league champions, Leeds Knights at the weekend for the first game of their 24/25 season campaign, taking an 8-5 loss.
1st period –
The Sharks started the game strong creating multiple chances; however, #33 Finn Bradon fired the first past Marr at 9:57 on the power-play after #92 Caly Robertson sat for slashing. Solway maintained a strong defensive display for the majority of the opening period to restrict the Knights. Robertson picked up another slashing penalty in the closing minute of the 1st period allowing #73 Matt Bissonette to slot the puck under Marr at 19:31 to give the visitors a 2-goal lead.
2nd period –
Solway were determined to narrow the scoreline early and did so through Canadian import #43 Nolan Gardiner at 21:13 with a backhand flick. However, just 10 seconds later, #14 Lewis Young was called for hooking, causing the Knights to capitalise on the advantage through #54 Noah McMullin at 22:52. Despite Leeds being handed a delayed penalty chance, the puck found its way into the Leeds net at 25:47 after a defensive mistake by the Knights.
However, Leeds were clinical once more through #37 Matt Barron at 27:07 as #10 Liam Stenton sat for tripping. The Sharks quickly answered back via #43 Nolan Gardiner at 27:29 after linking up with Robertson on the left wing, posting the score at 3-4. Solway landed themselves on a 3on5 PK at 29:35 as both #21 Torran Anderson and #27 Callum Boyd were handed cross-checking and holding penalties.
The Sharks returned to 4 skaters, but #41 Oli Endicott fired a rebound over Marr’s shoulder at 31:24 before #11 Matt Haywood sat for slashing at 32:10. The Sharks made the visitors pay as #43 Gardiner fired his hat-trick goal top-corner at 32:35. Both sides picked up multiple penalties for the remainder of the period but neither team could capitalise leaving the score posted at 4-5.
3rd period –
Leeds returned for the final period eager to extend their lead which saw #95 Mac Howlett strike past Marr at 40:25 just as the Sharks returned to full strength following a call on #89 Scott Henderson. Just 40 seconds later, #33 Bradon fired his hat-trick goal into the Sharks net to give the visitors a strong 3 goal lead. Tensions flared between both sides seeing a multitude of players head to the box, including Leeds’ #33 Bradon for slashing at 55:16.
After multiple assists, #92 Caly Robertson claimed a goal of his own at 55:38 on the rebound, following a shot from #22 Dunbar. The Sharks opted to pull #33 Jordan Marr in favour of the extra attacker, allowing #9 Jordan Buesa to fire into the empty net at 59;46, sealing a 5-8 victory for the Knights.
MVPs were awarded to hat-trick hero #43 Nolan Gardiner for the Solway Sharks, meanwhile #95 Mac Howlett claimed the title for the Leeds Knights after his quick-fire goals in the final frame.
Solway Sharks vs Telford Tigers 15.09.2024
The Solway Sharks travelled to Telford Sunday to Face-Off against the Tigers in their first regular season road game.
The Telford Tigers proved to be a problem for the Sharks last season as they were the only team in the NIHL that they couldn’t secure a win against. The game started off with a bit of a sluggish pace from the Sharks and they gave up an early goal through a Harry Ferguson one-timer.
Heading into the second period the Sharks found their stride and got the score back even through an Olivier Arseneau goal. Not long after, Mason Alderson gave the Sharks their first lead after a fantastic power move around a Tigers’ defender. The remainder of the game saw plenty of back and forth with both teams trading chances. The Tigers were eventually able to get the score line back even, but the Sharks stretched their lead through another Mason Alderson goal and two Nolan Gardiner Goals. Final Score 5-4 in favour of the Sharks.
The Sharks are back at home this Sunday when they face-off against the Hull Seahawks. Doors open at 3:30 pm and puck drops at 5:00 pm. Don’t miss any of the action by securing your tickets now either via the clubs website, https://sharksihc.com/tickets/, or in person at the Dumfries Ice Bowl.
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