Match Report: Sharks vs Great Britain u20s Friday 6th September 2024

The Dynamic property services Solway Sharks faced Great Britain u20s on Friday evening, securing a 4-3 victory after sudden death penalty shots at Dumfries Ice Bowl.

The GB u20s squad featured some familiar faces to Sharks fans, including Carruth, Shevlin, Lynch and Anderson.

1st period

Despite pressure by Solway in the opening minutes, it was GB who opened the scoring at 08:08 through #22 Torran Anderson, assisted by #5 Tomalin and #9 Shevlin. The Sharks quickly looked to answer back but were denied numerous times by the u20s defence.

The visitors then doubled their lead via a one-timer from #8 Emil Oksanen, following a cross-ice pass by #21 Joe Lynch at 15:16. Solway landed theirfirst power-play opportunity of the evening seconds later at 15:35 as #21 Lynch sat 2minutes for high-sticking. However, the GB defence clenched onto their lead and left the Sharks trailing by 2 goals after 20 minutes.

2nd period

Solway returned for the middle frame with determination to reduce the deficit, eventually forcing #22 Torran Anderson to pick up a holding penalty at 25:03. Thanks to #43 Nolan Gardiner and #22 John Dunbar, #92 CalyRobertson fired the first home for the Sharks from the back door, to post the score at 1-2 after 26:51.

Great Britain u20s were handed an advantage after #27 Callum Boyd received a 2minute tripping call at 32:31. However, this was short-lived after #23 Kyle Carruth sat 5 minutes for boarding #12 Beattie at 32:54. Solwayfired a flurry of shots on the GB net during their power-play, however they remained a goal behind heading into the final frame.

3rd period

Sharks were eager to level the game quickly in the 3rd period as both Gardiner and Dunbar created numerous chances, but De La Bertouchemade all the difference for GB. Solway then landed themselves on a PK for 5 minutes at 46:09 as #9 Mason Alderson sat for boarding.

Great Britain Captain #17 Owen Bruton led by example, slotting the 3rd goal past Marr at 49:39 to extend his side’s lead. However, Solway clenched back a 2nd goal through #22 John Dunbar who fired from point at 52:46, via #92 Robertson and #43 Nolan Gardiner.

The Sharks created a level game after #14 Lewis Young rifled a shot into the top-corner, following an effort from #25 Connor Henderson at 53:40. Despite several attempts, both sides could not be separated after 60 minutes, forcing overtime.

Overtime

The Sharks claimed possession of the puck from the initial face-off butfailed to find a way past De La Bertouche. Meanwhile, #33 Jordan Marr stood tall for the home side and prevented a late winner for GB.

A goal each from GB’s #7 Conner Lee and the Sharks’ #9 Mason Alderson moved the game into sudden death. Assistant Captain #6 Stuart Kerr sent De La Bertouche’s bottle flying to seal a 4-3 OT victory for Solway.