Match Report: Solway Sharks V Bristol Pitbulls Sun 07/01/2024

The Hercules Ice Hockey Apparel sponsored Solway Sharks faced off against the Bristol Pitbulls for the second time in two nights on Sunday afternoon, looking for a repeat of the night before’s 6-4 win, Sharks made a few changes to their roster with the addition of Kian Shevlin and Kyle Carruth returning to the line up and Calum Hepburn getting the start in net.

It was the home side that started by far the brighter and got their deserved rewards at 4.29 when, on the powerplay Nolan Gardener latched onto a Craig Peacock pass at the back door and fired passed a helpless Norton as the sharks looked to continue where they left off the night before. Sharks doubled their advantage at 7.32 with Peacock again the provider, finding John Dunbar in close, and the Canadian made no mistake from close range. Only 20 seconds later Sharks found a 3rd this time Mason Alderson latched onto a deflected puck in front of Norton and converted from close range at 7.55. The sharks seemed to be on easy street going 3 goals up in the opening 8 minutes but the Pitbulls had other ideas and a minute and a half later pulled one back through Brennan Feasey when he latched onto a loose puck and fired low past a helpless Hepburn. The Pitbulls reduced the deficit before the end of the first period Feasey again converted on a well worked powerplay move for the Pitbulls at 14.33 to make it 3-2 at the break.

Into the second period and the Sharks with a 3-2 lead both teams had opportunities but neither able to convert, even with 2 powerplay opportunities for the Pitbulls both netminders were the happiest of the players leaving the ice at the end of the second period and the score lines remained the same.

It was all still to play for in the 3rd period and both teams got themselves into a bit of penalty trouble, the sharks unable to convert on a 5 v 3 powerplay, before the Pitbulls would have one of their own, the difference being they were able to convert with Bailey Harewood finding space in close and was able to convert high over Hepburn and tie things with the goal timed at 52.45. Both teams had chances to take the lead in the closing stages but it was the home side that would convert. With Mason Alderson putting pressure on McKenzie and forcing him into his own net, Norton could only block the initial shot before Alderson lifted the puck high over the two Pitbulls whilst himself flat out on the ice and give the sharks a one goal lead at 56.53 Gardener and Henderson with the helpers. With only a minute to go, Pitbulls looked to do the impossible as Norton headed to the bench for the extra skater but for the Sharks it was Caly Robertson who done well to block the initial pass on the blue line, control the puck down the ice and slot home into an empty net at 59.34 and seal a 5 – 3 victory for the Solway Sharks.