The Dynamic property services Solway Sharks travelled South to face the Peterborough Phantoms after a secure 8-1 win in the Sharktank the previous evening over the Pitbulls. However, they failed to clench revenge on the Phantoms following their prior losses, taking a 4-1 defeat to the home side after a clinical powerplay performance, despite opening the scoring.
Solway travelled with a short-benched squad of 13+2 as #14 Lewis Young and #25 Connor Henderson stepped out of the lineup from the previous evening. Meanwhile, the Sharks also several key players due to injuries and 2-way agreements. On the other hand, Phantoms iced a squad of 18+2 as Zaine McKenzie was switched out for Brad Bowering from the previous meeting between the 2 sides. Solway gave #33 Jordan Marr the start in his former home rink, matched up against Canadian import #30 Hayden Lavigne.
1st period – (0-1)
Peterborough won the initial face-off and immediately fired shots on Marr through #62 Janne Laakkonen, however these were quickly counted by the Solway first line in the opening minutes. Despite the long bus journey, Sharks dominated the opening period as #30 Hayden Lavigne made the difference for his side to retain a goal-less scoreline.
However, the Sharks were soon rewarded for their offensive threat as Solway’s top points scorer, #43 Nolan Gardiner slotted the rebound off his initial shot wide of Lavigne’s catcher after a well-worked effort from #12 Kell Beattie, to keep the puck in the Phantoms zone on the blue line at 12:58.
The Sharks were soon handed an opportunity to double their lead at 14:56 as #91 Nathan Salem was handed the first penalty of the evening for slashing. Although, the Phantoms forced Solway to the boards, killing the penalty successfully. Peterborough created some offensive pressure in the final moments through #19 Luke Ferrara and #38 Duncan Speirs, but Marr stood tall to retain a 0-1 lead to his side after 20 minutes.
2nd period – (1-0)
The Phantoms continued their offensive plays in the Sharks zone as their 2nd line connected nicely, yet Marr made the stops against his former side. Solway’s #89 Scott Henderson came close with a shot in the crease, but Lavigne reacted quickly to prevent a 2-goal edge for the visitors.
Both sides continued to battle for the puck in the neutral zone and fire shots on either netminder, although they both matched the forwards’ efforts retaining just a single goal scoreline as the game surpassed the halfway mark.
The Sharks headed to the penalty kill for the first time in the game at 37:02 as #22 John Dunbar sat for tripping #19 Luke Ferrara. Seconds later, #29 Cam Hough slotted the puck past Marr on the backdoor following the feed from #62 Janne Laakkonen at 37:31 to equalise the score to 1-1. The Sharks looked to answer back quickly, but Lavigne made the stops to maintain a level scoreline heading into the final frame.
3rd period – (3-0)
The visitors were eager to reclaim their initial lead and were given an opportunity as #2 Tom Norton was called for interference at 43:01, yet the Phantoms defence held strong. Solway then returned the favour as tensions spilled in the Sharks zone, resulting in a tripping call for #89 Scott Henderson on 46 minutes.
Yet again, Peterborough’s powerplay unit converted on the man advantage as Captain #19 Luke Ferrara fired from the slot, beating Marr through traffic at 47:24, giving the hosts the lead. Solway restarted their offensive threat, however the discipline slipped once more at 51:11 as #12 Kell Beattie sat for slashing.
Peterborough retained their 100% powerplay conversion rate at 53:07 after Phantoms’ top goal-scorer #29 Cam Hough, claimed his 2nd of the evening who sent the puck bottom corner as Marr was screened in the crease. Solway gave away another call at 54:48, landing them on the PK again as #89 Scott Henderson returned to the box for tripping. It was 4th time lucky for the visitors as the defence tied Phantoms up against the board to kill Henderson’s penalty and immediately return to attacking play.
The Phantoms were called for icing, causing a break in play which allowed Solway to call #33 Jordan Marr to the bench in favour of an extra forward. However, the risk failed to pay off as #29 Cam Hough claimed his hat-trick with an empty netter at 58:44 despite #6 Stuart Kerr’s best effort to dive infront of the shot. The Sharks were awarded a final opportunity at 59:05 as #92 Barnabas Sarí sat for hooking, yet they failed to punish Peterborough completing the game with a 4-1 win to the Phantoms.
MVPs were awarded to #33 Jordan Marr for Solway against his former team. Meanwhile, #29 Cam Hough claimed the title for Peterborough after his hat-trick performance.
The Dynamic Property Services Solway Sharks are back on home ice this weekend, ready to face off against the Berkshire Bees. This marks the fourth meeting between the two teams, with the Sharks coming out on top in two dominant victories during their previous encounters.
This match promises to be extra special as the Sharks will take to the ice wearing their specialty Pride jerseys. After the game, fans are invited to Sharky’s Bar for an exciting live auction, where they’ll have the chance to bid on these limited-edition jerseys. Among the coveted items is the #71 Craig Peacock jersey, with all proceeds from its sale going directly to support LGBT Youth Scotland. The match takes place on Saturday, January 25 with doors opening at 5:30 pm for a 7:00 pm faceoff.
Don’t miss this thrilling evening of hockey and celebration! Secure your tickets now through the club’s website at https://sharksihc.com/tickets/ or in person at the Dumfries Ice Bowl.