The Dynamic property services Solway Sharks travelled South to face the Sheffield Steeldogs on Sunday afternoon, following their 7-4 victory over the Telford Tigers in the Sharktank the previous evening. Despite opening the scoring inside the first few minutes, Sharks took a 4-2 loss to the 5th place Steeldogs.
Solway travelled with 15+2, unchanged from the previous evening against the Telford Tigers, still missing all 2-way agreement players from the lineup, injured forward #15 Kieran Hair and suspended #9 Mason Alderson. Meanwhile, the Steeldogs iced a 4-line roster of 19+2 but played their first game against the Sharks without offensive threat #18 Sam Tremblay. Solway gave #33 Jordan Marr the nod between the pipes once more, whilst former Shark #34 Curtis Warburton was awarded the start for Sheffield.
1st period – (2-1)
Sharks dominated possession from the initial face-off and capitalised early as #89 Scott Henderson fired wide of Warburton from the slot, assisted by #43 Nolan Gardiner at 1:10 to put Solway ahead. The visitors came close again shortly after at 02:28 through #5 Olivier Arseneau, but Warburton cut out his pass to #21 Torran Anderson on the back post.
However, Sheffield looked to answer back quickly forcing Marr to make a huge diving save to deny #11 Fin Ulrick. Sharks continued to possess the puck in their attacking zone, although Steeldogs capitalised on the odd man rush. NIHL’s top goal scorer, #8 Walker Sommer came off lucky with an awkward bounce off the plexi, catching #33 Jordan Marr off-guard to equalise at 7:27. The goal shifted momentum towards the Steeldogs, yet Marr reacted quickly to deny a couple of major chances for the hosts.
The Sharks defence was put to work again as #14 Lewis Young was handed a tripping penalty at 9:24, but the Steeldogs failed to capitalise as Solway cut out the offensive chances. However, a strike from #72 Ivan Björkly-Nordström in the slot after the feed from #43 Sam Cooper at 13:25 gave Sheffield an advantage on the scoreline.
Solway were then awarded a powerplay opportunity of their own at 15:13 whilst #71 Jack Brammer sat for delay of game. Sharks D-man #6 Stuart Kerr fired a lovely strike from point, but Warburton matched his effort to ensure his side retained a lead. Sheffield looked for a late marker in the period, although #88 Kyle Carruth denied #42 Tim Smith on both occasions with 2 huge blocks to end the opening period 2-1 to Sheffield.
2nd period – (1-0)
Steeldogs applied the pressure early on Solway, allowing #5 Brady Doxey to land a strike high past Marr’s blocker from the left wing at 21:57, assisted by #6 Ben Morgan to extend the lead to 3-1 for Sheffield. Sharks handed the hosts another chance to add to the scoreline as #43 Nolan Gardiner sat for tripping at 23:58, but a clinical performance in their own zone denied Sheffield.
However, the favour was returned by Sheffield at 25:30 as a bench minor was called for too many players after a mix-up of line changes for the hosts. Despite multiple efforts, Sharks failed to equalise and were sent back to the PK shortly after as #10 Liam Stenton was called for high sticks on 28 minutes. Although, another clinical PK unit for Solway kept the Sharks in fighting contention.
Solway’s first line generated a range of chances, but Warburton matched their efforts to maintain a 3-1 scoreline for Steeldogs. The visitors utilised their PK squad yet again at 38:47 as #14 Lewis Young returned to the box once more for tripping. Sheffield failed to consolidate their lead further before the buzzer, ending the period 3-1 after Doxey’s strike for Sheffield early in the frame.
3rd period – (1-1)
Solway were determined to narrow the deficit as #43 Nolan Gardiner tested Warburton early, but he made the chest save. Sharks were handed a major opportunity to build on the score as #72 Ivan Björkly-Nordström sat for tripping at 44:25 yet Warburton stood tall for his team once more. Tensions spilled over at 47:48 after #43 Sam Cooper checked #63 Joey Coulter in the Steeldogs crease, putting Sharks on another powerplay whilst both #68 Callum Boyd and #81 Charlie Thompson sat for roughing and #42 Tim Smith sat the extra infraction for high sticking.
The visitors finally capitalised on the man advantage at 48:26 thanks to a #12 Kell Beattie one-timer from point following the feed from #43 Nolan Gardiner to post the score at 3-2 to Sheffield. The Sharks continued to test Warburton, but he answered all the questions to retain the lead for his side.
Solway were awarded a major chance in the closing minutes of the game as #13 Morgan Clarke-Pizzo put his side in jeopardy after he sat for a 5-minute major tripping penalty at 54:38. Sharks fired multiple shots and created threatening plays, yet Steeldogs held onto the lead with multiple blocks and clearances.
The visitors opted to pull #33 Jordan Marr whilst play was in the Steeldogs zone, however #10 Liam Stenton was forced to make a huge 2on1 block moments later. Solway’s coach Ross Murray called a timeout at 59:46, keeping Marr on the bench which allowed #8 Walker Sommer to fire a buzzer-beater goal for Sheffield, ensuring a 4-2 victory for his side.
MVPs were awarded to #33 Jordan Marr for Solway after some major blocks for Solway, whilst #37 Elmeri Hällfors picked up the title for Sheffield following his attacking threat.
The Dynamic Property Services-sponsored Solway Sharks are back on home ice this weekend for a crucial double-header against the Romford Raiders. With only a few games remaining and the playoff race heating up, this weekend could be a defining moment for the Sharks.
The action kicks off on Saturday, March 1, with doors opening at 5:30 PM ahead of a 7:00 PM face-off. The excitement continues Sunday, March 2, with doors opening at 3:30 PM for a 5:00 PM face-off. The Sharks need their passionate home crowd more than ever to fuel their final playoff push. Don’t miss out—secure your tickets now at sharksihc.com/tickets or purchase them in person at the Dumfries Ice Bowl. See you there—let’s pack the rink and cheer the Sharks to victory!