Sharks Drop Important Points

Hercules ice hockey apparel sponsored Solway Sharks entertained the table topping Leeds Knights on Saturday night, it was a tight opening 15 minutes with chances at both ends. As the first period timer ticked down the table toppers asserted their dominance and with just under 5 minutes to play, a slick move across goal found Neely and the Canadian made no mistake from close range.

The second period started the same as the first, with chances at both ends but a combination of good net minding and luck the score stayed the same until a John Dunbar pass found Nolan Gardiner with a blast from the high slot to tie the game, the Sharks got their tails through that goal, but Leeds asserted their dominance again when they turned the puck over in the attacking zone and as the puck bobbled about the goal mouth it was Haywood that got his stick to the puck to force home and retake the lead.

After matching the Knights for the first 2 periods the Sharks came out looking to take another 2 points off the Knights on home ice this season, and despite the opening pressure, it was the Knights that extended their lead again though a Haywood goal. Kieran Brown added another short handed on a break away converting high past Warburton. As the home side piled on the pressure a misplaced defensive pass fell to Ethan Hehir to extend the Knights lead and put the game out of sight of the Sharks. Solway added a consolation in the closing stages when Connor Henderson and Scott Henderson combined, and Scott converted.

The Sharks had to quickly reset and look forward to Sunday’s match as they travelled to Romford to take on the Raiders. The game would prove to be pivotal in the standings as both the Sharks and Raiders fight for an all important playoff spot.

The game started off very tight with both teams trading chances. However, it was the Raiders who struck first through a goal from Anderson. The Sharks reset and came out strong in the second period looking to even the scoreline. Unfortunately, the Sharks found themselves getting into plenty of penalty trouble. A total of 20 penalty minutes were compiled against the Sharks. Despite an honest effort to try and fight back into the game the Sharks were unable to gain much momentum as they spent a majority of the game shorthanded. Raiders were able to secure the two very important points with a 7-3 victory.

There is no time to feel sorry for themselves as the Sharks return to the Shark Tank this weekend on Saturday March 9th where they host the Peterborough Phantoms. Puck drop is at 6:00 pm, the bar and cafe will be open at 4:30 pm. Get your tickets now either via the clubs website, https://sharksihc.com/tickets/, or in person at the Ice Bowl. Lets pack the Shark Tank!