Match Report: Solway Sharks vs Leeds Knights 28.12.24

The Dynamic property services Solway Sharks faced the reigning league champions, Leeds Knights in the Sharktank following a brief festive break and took a 3-5 loss, despite a valiant effort throughout the 60 minutes by the hosts on Saturday night.

Solway lined up with a squad of 17+2, as both #16 Bailey Thomson and #55 Owen Rae returned back into the line-up. However, #25 Connor Henderson missed out through injury, whilst #68 Callum Boyd sat his game ban following last week’s altercation in Telford. Meanwhile, the Knights travelled with 19+2 as #41 Oli Endicott made his return back into the squad. Solway opted for #33 Jordan Marr between the pipes, matched up against #31 Sam Gospel for the Knights.

1st period

The first period opened with high intensity as both sides searched for an early opener. Both sides created chances through offensive pressure but the netminders matched the forwards’ efforts to maintain a goal-less scoreline. Sharks were handed the first penalty at 7:28 as #43 Nolan Gardiner sat for cross-checking but a strong PK unit for Solway denied the Leeds firepower.

Caly Robertson came close for Solway at 12:40 but #8 Bow Neely applied a sliding block to prevent a 2on1 chance for the hosts. Similarly, Marr made a huge block down the opposite end after #95 Mac Howlett claimed a breakaway following a face-off win in the defensive zone for Sharks. Both teams maintained a fast-paced period but failed to claim the first marker on the scoreboard during the opening 20 minutes of play.

2nd period

The Knights eventually worked the opening goal through Captain #12 Kieran Brown who slotted the puck past Marr at 23:03, assisted by linemates #37 Matt Barron and #9 Jordan Buesa. Just 36 seconds later, the Skipper fired the 2nd past Marr for Leeds to double the lead after the feed from #37 Matt Barron. The Sharks quickly looked to answer back but Gospel stood strong for the Knights to retain their lead.

The visitors clenched a 3rd at 29:10 after #44 Jordan Griffin tucked away the rebound off Marr on the back post via #12 Kieran Brown to extend the lead. Sharks were handed their first powerplay opportunity of the evening as #18 Krisjanis Fugalis sat for holding at 32:04. Solway capitalised on the advantage at 33 minutes after #43 Nolan Gardiner flicked the puck backhand into the top corner of Gospel’s net from the crease posting the score 1-3 and reducing the deficit.

The hosts continued to create chances in the Leeds zone but quick reactions from Gospel denied the Sharks forwards from adding to the scoreline. Leeds restored their 3-goal lead at 37:24 after #19 Innes Gallacher cleaned up the loose change following the rebound off Endicott’s initial strike from point seeing the visitors take a healthy clearance into the final period.

3rd period

Sharks were given an opportunity again on the powerplay early in the final frame as #11 Matt Haywood was called for holding. Just as the Knights returned to full strength, #10 Liam Stenton fired the puck top shelf on the back door at 43:39, following the feed from #9 Mason Alderson who deked through the defence to reduce the deficit.

Leeds were credited with a penalty shot after #12 Kell Beattie took down #19 Innes Gallacher on the breakaway at 46:36. Captain #12 Kieran Brown stepped up for his side and fired the puck wide of Marr’s blocker to post the score 2-5 in favour of the Knights and claim his hat-trick simultaneously. Tensions between the defensive units began to rise, seeing both #49 Liam Danskin and #18 Krisjanis Fugalis sit for roughing at 49:44 maintaining 5on5 play.

Leeds defenseman, #44 Jordan Griffin dropped the gloves on #89 Scott Henderson at 53:55 resulting in a 3minute powerplay for Solway after Henderson sat 2minutes for tripping whilst Griffin sat the extra minutes for fighting. However, #5 Olivier Arseneau was called for hooking at 54:02 forcing 3on4 play momentarily.

Leeds returned back to the penalty kill at 56:55 as #95 Mac Howlett was handed a hooking call after #5 Arseneau attempted to go through 4 Knights in the offensive zone. The Sharks were clinical on the powerplay once more as #10 Liam Stenton claimed his 2nd of the evening with a low strike from the blue line to put the Sharks back into fighting contention at 57:56. Solway opted to pull #33 Jordan Marr at 59:01 but failed to find a way past Gospel despite the extra attacker finishing the 60 minutes with a 3-5 score in favour to Leeds.

MVPs were awarded to both number 12s for their respective sides, Kell Beattie and Kieran Brown after their strong performances across both ends of the ice.