The Dynamic property services Solway Sharks faced the Peterborough Phantoms for the 2nd consecutive evening in the Sharktank on Sunday evening, taking a narrow 2-3 loss to the visitors who picked up a 4-point weekend on the road.
Solway iced a squad of 17+2 as defenceman #53 Kian Shevlin was added into the lineup and #71 Craig Peacock laced up for the final time in anticipation for the GB Sharks’ returns. However, the Sharks were without #15 Kieran Hair and #55 Owen Rae in addition to the 3 GB u20 forwards. Peterborough lined up with 18+2 as #29 Cameron Hough returned back onto the first line after serving his ban. Both starting netminders got a rest on Sunday evening as the back-ups; Calum Hepburn and Luke Clark were given the start for either side.
1st period
The Phantoms got off to the best start possible as #38 Duncan Speirs cleaned up the rebound after #91 Nathan Salem’s original shot to put the visitors ahead at 1:01. Peterborough’s early pressure forced #68 Callum Boyd to sit for hooking at 3:19 but the Sharks utilised a strong PK unit to withhold a 1 goal deficit. The Phantoms then repayed the favour at 6:28 after #24 Austin Mitchell-King was called for hooking #68 Boyd on the breakaway, but similarly to their opponents, Solway failed to convert their chance.
Solway looked to make use of their shaken-up line formations, but #50 Luke Clark soaked up Gardiner and Alderson’s attempts. Peterborough reversed the flow of momentum and created chances of their own, but Solway’s #10 Liam Stenton applied the hip check on #8 Louie Kynaston to deny his offensive threat.
Sharks found themselves on the PK once more in the opening period as #9 Mason Alderson was called for cross-checking at 17:32, but a series of huge stops from #30 Calum Hepburn ensured Solway remained only a single goal behind Peterborough after 20 minutes.
2nd period
Solway looked to answer back quickly, but Clark made various saves to retain Peterborough’s edge on the scoreline. The hosts were handed a prolonged powerplay opportunity after #91 Nathan Salem sat 5 minutes for boarding at 26:14. The Sharks cycled the puck around the zone and capitalised through #71 Craig Peacock, claiming his first goal since his brief return, after he cleaned up the rebound from #43 Nolan Gardiner’s initial strike from point to level the score at 28:38.
Solway eagerly looked to take the lead as Salem still sat out, but #9 Mason Alderson returned to the box for interference at 30:56, forcing 4on4 play before a shortened powerplay for the Phantoms. Neither team could capitalise on the man advantage and play soon returned to 5on5 with both netminders making the stops to maintain a level score.
The Phantoms clenched a late marker in the 2nd period after a breakaway was converted over Hepburn’s pads by #24 Austin Mitchell-King following the feed from #38 Duncan Speirs at 38:02. Solway’s #43 Nolan Gardiner fired a final shot on Clark, but he made the catcher save to allow Peterborough to take a single goal lead into the 3rd period.
3rd period
The Sharks controlled possession early in the final frame and capitalised on the run of play after a saucer pass from #22 John Dunbar was slotted past Clark by #43 Nolan Gardiner at 44:23, levelling the game once more. However, Solway handed Peterborough a chance to recover their lead shortly after as #10 Liam Stenton sat for high sticks at 46:59, but another strong defensive performance was enough to deter the Phantoms forwards.
Solway fired multiple efforts on Clark and upped the offensive pressure, forcing Peterborough to ice the puck several times in quick succession. Sharks landed themselves with another penalty to kill at 53:21 after confusion on the changes resulted in a too many men call. Just 30 seconds later, #96 Jarvis Hunt slotted the loose change past Hepburn after the shot from #29 Cam Hough on the right wing to give Phantoms a 2-3 lead. However, Peterborough then found themselves a player short at 55:59 as #24 Austin Mitchell-King was called for hooking a second time.
Solway continued to fire shots on Clark, but he made the stops for his side although moments later, he picked up an infraction himself after taking the net off at 58:35. Sharks then called a brief timeout, opting to leave #30 Calum Hepburn on the bench to go 6on4 whilst #13 Connor Glossop sat for Peterborough. Sharks came agonisingly close to an equaliser after #12 Kell Beattie let one rip from point, but again Clark made the stop to secure a 4point weekend for the Phantoms on the road.
MVPs were awarded to #71 Craig Peacock after scoring in his final game with the Sharks, whilst #38 Duncan Speirs picked up the title for Peterborough following his consistent offensive pressure.
This weekend, the Solway Sharks are back at the Shark Tank, ready to take on the Bristol Pitbulls in what promises to be an electrifying clash. Having faced each other three times already this season, the Sharks hold the upper hand with two victories and will aim to extend their winning streak against the Pitbulls.
The action kicks off at 5:30 pm, with the puck drop set for 7:00 pm sharp at the Dumfries Ice Bowl. Tickets are on sale now—grab yours online at sharksihc.com/tickets or in person at the Dumfries Ice Bowl.
Don’t miss the chance to rally behind the Sharks as they fight to bounce back after a challenging weekend. Bring your energy and passion to the stands, and let’s create an unforgettable atmosphere to fuel the Sharks to victory!