The Dynamic property services Solway Sharks travelled South to face the Leeds Knights on Sunday in search of a 4-point weekend in the push for playoffs. However, the hosts claimed the NIHL League title for the 3rd consecutive season with a 4-2 victory, despite the Sharks leading 0-1 after 20 minutes.

Solway travelled with 15+2, as #25 Connor Henderson was missing from the previous evening’s lineup, whilst all 2-way agreement players and injured forward #15 Kieran Hair remained out of lineup. Meanwhile, the Knights iced a squad of 19+2 as 2-way players #36 Danny Harrison and #23 Michael Danecko returned into the lineup. Solway opted for #33 Jordan Marr between the pipes, whilst #31 Sam Gospel retained his start for the 3rd evening on the bounce.

1st period – (0-1)

The Sharks won the initial face-off and fired shots on Gospel early through #10 Liam Stenton, but he made the stop to prevent Solway taking the lead. Both sides created chances, forcing play end-to-end yet Sharks had arguably the better opportunities through their first line of Dunbar, Gardiner and Robertson.

The visitor’s persistent pressure offensively forced #19 Innes Gallacher to give up a tripping penalty at 10:43, putting Sharks on the first powerplay of the evening. After maintaining possession, #22 John Dunbar broke down the right wing to deke past the defence and fire top-corner at 12:24, assisted by #5 Olivier Arseneau.

Tensions started to boil between the 2 sides as #6 Stuart Kerr and #9 Jordan Buesa exchanged words following an offside call on the Sharks. Moments later, the visitors put their lead at risk late in the period as #92 Caly Robertson sat for boarding at 18:33. Despite a strong effort from Bissonnette, Leeds failed to capitalise on their advantage seeing Solway take a goal advantage into the middle frame.

2nd period – (3-0)

Solway aimed to double their lead early in the 2nd period, yet the forwards were denied on each occasion by #31 Sam Gospel for the Knights. Leeds forward #95 Mac Howlett created a threatening chance on a wraparound, but Marr made the stop to retain his side’s lead. Solway were awarded another opportunity to convert on the powerplay as #6 Ethan Hehir was called for boarding, but Gospel made the difference for his side.

Within the same minute of returning to full strength, Leeds equalised through #73 Matt Bissonnette after a low shot from the crease at 29:49, assisted by #37 Matt Barron. Momentum shifted in favour of the Knights, resulting in #95 Mac Howlett claiming the lead with a strong shot over Marr’s shoulder at 31:28, after the connection with #11 Matt Haywood.

Sharks coped well with the continued offensive threat from the Knights to deny them a 3rd goal in quick succession as they struggled to break out of their own zone. Words were exchanged initially between #68 Callum Boyd and #44 Jordan Griffin, before former teammates #21 Torran Anderson and #19 Innes Gallacher also joined in after Gospel gloved Carruth’s shot. Sharks then headed to the PK at 36:02 as Anderson and Griffin both sat for roughing, whilst Boyd was called for an initial cross-check.

Seconds later, Leeds capitalised on the powerplay via a wrap-around from #11 Matt Haywood, assisted by #9 Jordan Buesa at 36:38 to extend the lead to 3-1. The Knights’ 3rd line put the Sharks defence under pressure late in the period, but they performed well to ensure the visitors remained within fighting contention heading into the final frame.

3rd period – (1-1)

The Knights were relentless from the opening face-off of the final frame, testing #33 Jordan Marr early but he matched their efforts successfully. Solway’s discipline slipped once more as #14 Lewis Young sat for hooking at 41:21 handing Leeds a chance to pick up another powerplay goal. After a battle to retain the puck in the zone, #8 Bow Neely fired and sent the puck wide of Marr after traffic in the crease to send Leeds 3 goals clear after 42:31 of play.

The Sharks defence were repetitively tested by the Knights forwards and coped well with the pressure as the visitors were eager to reduce the deficit, pushing for a 4-point weekend. Solway created chances as the game approached the final 10 minutes of play but failed to work a successful opportunity past Gospel.

Consistent offensive plays for Solway saw #24 Dylan Hehir head to the box for tripping at 53:13 which handed Solway a major chance to answer back, but they failed to convert. However, the penalty flipped momentum for Solway, allowing #16 Bailey Thomson to slot the rebound from #43 Nolan Gardiner’s initial shot under Gospel’s 5-hole at 56:50 to claim his 2nd goal in as many games for the Sharks.

The visitors called a timeout in the final seconds of the game to re-discuss tactics and opted to keep #33 Jordan Marr on the bench in favour of the additional forward. However, Gospel stood tall for his side to ensure a 4-2 win which saw the Leeds Knights crowned NIHL League Champions for the 3rd consecutive season.

MVPs were awarded to #68 Callum Boyd for the Sharks, following his consistent offensive threat for Solway. Meanwhile #6 Ethan Hehir picked up the title for Leeds after creating chances for his side.

STATS –

Solway Sharks: John Dunbar 1+0, Bailey Thomson 1+0, Olivier Arseneau 0+1, Nolan Gardiner 0+1, Liam Stenton 0+1

Leeds Knights: Matt Haywood 1+2, Bow Neely 1+1, Matt Bissonnette 1+0, Mac Howlett 1+0, Matt Barron 0+1, Noah McMullin 0+1, Jordan Buesa 0+1, Oli Endicott 0+1

The Dynamic Property Services-sponsored Solway Sharks return to the Shark Tank this Saturday, March 22nd, for their final home game of the season against the Milton Keynes Lightning. After a thrilling home victory over the Sheffield Steeldogs last weekend, the Sharks remain firmly in the playoff hunt. They’ll need a full-team effort—and the energy of a loud and passionate home crowd—to keep their postseason hopes alive. So, come out, make some noise, and show your support! Puck drops at 7:00 PM, with doors opening at 5:30 PM. Secure your tickets now at sharksihc.com/tickets or in person at the Dumfries Ice Bowl.