The Dynamic property services Solway Sharks travelled south to take on the Tigers after a string of home games, taking a 5-2 defeat despite claiming 2 points the previous evening.

The Sharks lined up with 17+2, retaining the same squad from the evening prior, missing #55 Owen Rae, #16 Bailey Thomson and #17 Joe Lynch due to 2-way commitments. Telford iced with 18+2 including #15 Josh Crawley who made his home debut for the hosts but were missing #23 David Thomson. Solway opted for #33 Jordan Marr between the pipes, matched up with #30 Brad Day for the Tigers.

1st period

Sharks headed to the penalty kill early in the game as #9 Mason Alderson sat for slashing at 1:19 but Solway returned to full strength with the score still tied despite multiple efforts from Telford. Tigers returned the favour shortly after as #77 Scott McKenzie was handed a kneeing call at 5:05, but Telford kept Solway to the boards on the powerplay, maintaining a goal-less scoreline.

The hosts claimed the opening goal at 12:52 after #28 Devon Skoleski tipped the puck over Marr’s shoulder following the strike from #3 Ryan Leese. However, the Sharks quickly answered back through #10 Liam Stenton with a rocket from the blue line following the feed from #9 Mason Alderson at 13:42, posting the score at 1-1. Solway returned to the PK at 16:58 as #9 Mason Alderson was called for interference which was followed by #26 Deakan Fielder sitting for cross-checking at 19:23 but neither team capitalised on the man advantage.

2nd period

Telford killed off the remainder of Fielder’s penalty but were later landed with another infraction at 23:21 after #8 Jake Price was called for cross-checking. Despite Sharks having the advantage, #77 Scott McKenzie claimed the loose puck as Marr was splayed out in his crease to put the Tigers ahead once more at 24:22.

Solway continued to search for ways to level the scoreline through their offence, but Day matched their efforts to maintain the lead for the Tigers for the majority of the middle frame. Telford’s #28 Devin Skoleski claimed a breakaway for the hosts but was brought down by #12 Kell Beattie resulting in a penalty shot at 34:13. Canadian import #28 Devon Skoleski fired the puck wide of Marr’s catcher to extend the lead for Telford on the opportunity.

Seconds later at 34:55, #49 Liam Danskin was called for holding the stick which allowed #49 James Smith to fire past Marr on the powerplay, assisted by #4 Adam Harding to put Telford 3 goals clear. Tigers’ #38 Tom Byrne was called for holding at 37:20 which was cancelled out at 38:10 when #10 Liam Stenton sat for tripping. The hosts’ discipline slipped as #8 Jake Price returned to the box, this time for hooking at 39:35. The Sharks failed to capitalise early posting the score at 4-1 heading into the final period.

3rd period

The ice cut saw momentum shift in Solway’s favour as #43 Nolan Gardiner fired a one-timer from the slot after the feed from #22 John Dunbar just 21 seconds into the period on the powerplay, reducing the deficit to 2 goals. The Sharks had yet another chance to punish Telford on the man advantage as #18 Joe Aston was called for tripping at 45:07 but the hosts posted a strong PK unit once more.

Telford fired their 5th goal across the line at 49:17 with a strike from #4 Adam Harding, assisted by #18 Joe Aston to regain their 3-goal lead approaching the final 10 minutes of play. Solway continued to create chances in order to get back into the game, but Day made the stops between the pipes for Telford.

Tensions which had been brewing for most of the game eventually spilled at 58:36, seeing #68 Callum Boyd drop the gloves with #8 Jake Price resulting in over 50 PIMS being dished out equally between the 2 combatants. A further burst came at 59:43 as both #63 Joey Coulter and #18 Joe Aston were called for roughing and elbowing respectively, maintaining 5on5 play. The final PIMS of the evening were handed to #12 Kell Beattie on the buzzer at 60 minutes for abuse of officials, finalising a 5-2 victory for the Tigers.

MVPs were awarded to #6 Stuart Kerr for his valiant effort on the blue line for Solway. Meanwhile, #11 Eric Henderson earned the title for Telford after his offensive pressure.

STATS –

Solway Sharks: Liam Stenton 1+0, Nolan Gardiner 1+0, Mason Alderson 0+1, Scott Henderson 0+1, John Dunbar 0+1

Telford Tigers: Devon Skoleski 2+0, Adam Harding 1+1, Scott McKenzie 1+0, James Smith 1+0, Ryan Leese 0+1, Finley Howells 0+1, Austin Mitchell-King 0+1, Harry Ferguson 0+1, Vladimir Luka 0+1, Joe Aston 0+1

The Dynamic Property Services sponsored Solway Sharks return to home ice this Saturday, December 28th, for an important matchup against the Leeds Knights. After a brief Christmas break, both teams will be eager to hit the ice running, promising an action-packed evening you won’t want to miss. This game is not only a thrilling matchup but also the final home fixture of 2024—and kids’ tickets are just £1!

Doors open at 5:30 PM, with the puck dropping at 7:00 PM sharp. Get your tickets now at the Sharks’ official website, sharksihc.com/tickets, or purchase them in person at the Dumfries Ice Bowl.

Don’t miss out—we can’t wait to see you there for all the action!