The Dynamic property services Solway Sharks completed their weekend of road games with a thrilling 4-5 overtime victory against the Bristol Pitbulls in the Pound on Sunday evening, featuring a stellar performance from #22 John Dunbar.
The Sharks travelled with 14+2, the same squad as the previous evening in Swindon, still missing key forwards #9 Mason Alderson and #21 Torran Anderson through injury, whilst #68 Callum Boyd and #30 Calum Hepburn were unable to travel. Meanwhile, Bristol faced challenges of their own, lining up also with 14+2 as their top points scorer #52 Nick Pryce was sidelined due to injury and #59 Ewan Hill was struck with illness. Solway opted for regular starter #33 Jordan Marr, whilst #33 Tommy Nappier got the nod between the pipes for Bristol.
1st period
Sharks won the initial face-off and maintained puck possession, controlling the tempo of play early through Stenton and Beattie. Solway created multiple chances, eager to take the edge, but Nappier made the difference for Bristol who struggled to find their way in the opening minutes. However, Pitbulls Captain #24 Tanner Butler claimed a wraparound goal against the run of play at 12:44 to give the hosts the lead.
Solway then gave away the first penalty of the evening after #12 Kell Beattie was called for cross-checking at 15:46. However, just 5 seconds later the penalty was cancelled out as #77 Bayley Harewood sat for the same offence. Neither side could capitalise through 4on4 play and the score remained 1-0 in favour to the hosts after the opening 20 minutes of play.
2nd period
Sharks set out to equalise early and did just that through #22 John Dunbar who fired the puck past Nappier through traffic after a scramble in the crease, assisted by #43 Nolan Gardiner at 20:50. Both sides battled to claim an edge, resulting in #53 Kian Shevlin sit for unsportsmanlike conduct at 26:02 after breaking through the zone and firing on Nappier from the right wing. Within the same minute, #77 Bayley Harewood fired a tight angle shot onto Marr which found its way across the line, assisted by #24 Butler at 26:31 on the powerplay.
Sharks looked to level the score again through both their offence and defence, but Nappier matched their efforts to retain the lead for Bristol. Tensions rose between the defensive units, resulting in both #5 Olivier Arseneau and #73 Sam Smith sit for roughing, whilst the Pitbulls defender was also called for holding putting Solway on the PP.
Despite being a player down, #77 Bayley Harewood claimed his 2nd of the evening for Bristol with a SH marker from close range on Marr, assisted by #23 White-Sey and #9 Bari McKenzie at 35:51 to extend the Pitbulls’ lead to 3-1. However, the extension was short lived as #22 John Dunbar hit the backbar to answer back for the Sharks via #43 Nolan Gardiner and #6 Stuart Kerr at 37:35. Just 32 seconds later, Solway’s top goal scorer #43 Nolan Gardiner fired the puck top shelf past Nappier, assisted by #22 John Dunbar and #25 Connor Henderson at 38:07 to level the score 3-3.
Discipline slipped for the Pitbulls in the closing moments of the middle frame, as Captain #24 Tanner Butler headed back to the changing rooms early at 39:55 after receiving 5+game penalty for a check to the head.
3rd period
Although Solway started the final period with a man advantage during Butler’s major penalty, the Sharks failed to punish the hosts who returned to full strength without conceding. However, after consistent pressure, #22 John Dunbar claimed his hat-trick goal at 47:37 after catching Nappier off-guard to put Solway ahead for the first time.
The Sharks handed Bristol a chance to equalise as #53 Kian Shevlin was handed a hooking penalty at 51:37 but a strong PK unit for the Solway kept their advantage intact. The visitors kept control of the puck heading into the closing minutes, however a poke check by #6 Rhys Smetham allowed him a breakaway chance on Marr, sending the puck low into the bottom right corner to tie the scoreline at 56:32 unassisted.
Both sides threw everything they had into the closing minutes of the period in an effort to grab maximum points, but neither were successful, forcing the game into 3on3 overtime.
Solway sent out Canadian imports #22 Dunbar and #43 Gardiner, with the addition of Captain #10 Stenton for the initial overtime face-off, who claimed puck possession instantly. Sharks D-man #5 Olivier Arseneau worked multiple chances in close on Nappier, but it was #22 John Dunbar who rifled the puck across the line on the rebound to seal an all-important bonus point for Solway and clench his 4th marker of the evening.
MVPs were awarded to Solway’s #22 John Dunbar after his 5-point performance and involvement on all 5 goals, including claiming the game winner. Meanwhile, #6 Rhys Smetham received the title for Bristol after his strike which allowed Pitbulls to push the game into extra time.
STATS –
Solway Sharks: John Dunbar 4+1, Nolan Gardiner 1+3, Connor Henderson 0+2, Stuart Kerr 0+1, Liam Stenton 0+1, Olivier Arseneau 0+1
Bristol Pitbulls: Bayley Harewood 2+1, Tanner Butler 1+1, Rhys Smetham 1+1, Bari McKenzie 0+2, Jacob White-Sey 0+2, Cameron Hamill 0+1
Canadian import forward and Head of Hockey Operations, John Dunbar had this to say regarding the weekends results:
Saturday brought a challenging start to the weekend against a strong Swindon team in a tough environment. It’s no secret that we’ve been playing shorthanded for a few weeks, and I think that fatigue was evident in Saturday’s performance. However, Sunday showcased our resilience and character as a team, as we fought hard for a gritty road win against a determined Bristol squad.”
The Sharks are back on home ice this weekend for an exciting double-header against the Berkshire Bees. These games mark the second and third meetings between the teams, with the Sharks eager to bounce back and claim redemption after falling short in their initial encounter.
The first game kicks off on Saturday, Dec. 14, with doors opening at 5:30 PM and puck drop at 7:00 PM. The action continues on Sunday, Dec. 15, with doors opening at 3:30 PM and puck drop at 5:00 PM.
Saturday’s game will also feature the Sharks’ annual ‘Hurl-A-Hug’ event. Fans are encouraged to bring a new teddy bear wrapped in a clear plastic bag to toss onto the ice after the Sharks score their first goal. Don’t worry if you forget—teddy bears will be available for purchase at the merch stand on game day.
Tickets are available now at the Sharks IHC website (https://sharksihc.com/tickets/) or in person at the Dumfries Ice Bowl. Don’t miss this weekend of thrilling hockey action and community spirit!