The Dynamic Property Services-sponsored Solway Sharks wrapped up their five-game road trip Sunday evening in Bristol. After a narrow defeat to the Swindon Wildcats, the Sharks were determined to finish their demanding two-week stretch on a high note.

The Sharks struck first just over five minutes in, as Connor Henderson displayed great composure entering the offensive zone before threading a perfect pass to Callum Boyd, who beat Bristol netminder Tommy Nappier cleanly. However, the lead was short-lived as Bari McKenzie capitalised on space in the Sharks’ zone, placing his shot past Jordan Marr to level the score. With under five minutes remaining, the Sharks reclaimed the lead when Kyle Carruth set up Joey Coulter on a 2-on-1, and Coulter made no mistake finishing the play. Tensions flared in the final minute as Lewis Young and Reece Cochrane dropped the gloves in a spirited fight.

Bristol found themselves in penalty trouble early in the second, but despite multiple power plays, the Sharks were unable to capitalise on the Pitbulls’ lack of discipline. Midway through the period, Bristol equalised through a brilliant individual effort from Bayley Harewood. The momentum then shifted as the Pitbulls took the lead on a power-play goal from import forward Mitch Walinski. In the dying moments of the period, Rhys Smetham extended Bristol’s lead to 4-2, giving the home side a two-goal cushion heading into the intermission.

 The final frame saw both teams exchanging opportunities, but it was Bristol who struck first, as Walinski netted his second of the night to make it 5-2.

With just over 10 minutes remaining, the Sharks’ persistence paid off. Lewis Young found the back of the net after a slick passing play between Boyd and Mason Alderson. Energized by the goal, the Sharks closed the gap further when Alderson converted on a power play. With under five minutes left, Alderson continued his standout performance, scoring another hard-working goal to tie the game at 5-5. The Sharks’ resilience forced overtime, completing an impressive comeback.

Solway dominated the extra frame, generating high-quality chances through John Dunbar, Nolan Gardiner, and Boyd, but Nappier stood firm in the Pitbulls’ net. In the dying seconds, Stenton and Dunbar had one final 2-on-1 opportunity, but Dunbar couldn’t convert, sending the game to a shootout.

In the penalty shootout, both goaltenders put on a stellar display. Dunbar struck first for the Sharks, but Harewood quickly answered for Bristol. Mason Lipsey then gave the Pitbulls the advantage, only for Dunbar to respond again. Walinski edged Bristol ahead with a precise low glove-side shot, leaving Gardiner in a must-score situation. However, Nappier made the decisive save, securing a thrilling 6-5 victory for the Pitbulls.

John Dunbar earned Man of the Match honours for the Sharks, thanks to his overtime efforts and shootout heroics, while Cam Hamill took the award for Bristol for his relentless, high-energy play.

The Sharks now return to home ice this weekend, hosting the Hull Seahawks on Saturday, February 15th. Doors open at 5:30 pm for a 7:00 pm face-off. The game will be extra special as the Sharks take the ice in their Valentine’s Day-themed jerseys. After the match, fans are invited to Sharky’s Bar for a live auction to bid on their favourite player’s specialty jersey.