The Dynamic property services Solway Sharks returned back to home ice on Saturday evening following a weekend with only a single road game against the Bristol Pitbulls for a rematch in the Sharktank, which saw the hosts claim the 2 points in a thrilling 5-4 OT victory.

The Sharks lined up with the same squad they travelled South with the previous weekend, giving #33 Jordan Marr the start between the pipes once again, backed up by #30 Calum Hepburn. Meanwhile, the Bristol Pitbulls travelled with 16+2 including injury cover through #15 Jospeh Caccavale and #14 Lee Duance, whilst opting for American import #33 Tommy Nappier in goal, with #42 Tyler De La Bertouche on the bench.

1st period

The Sharks quickly put the Pitbulls under pressure, forcing them to ice the puck just 12 seconds after puck-drop. The offensive threat displayed was soon converted by the first line of Dunbar, Gardiner and Anderson after #22 John Dunbar fired the puck top-corner over Nappier’s shoulder at 1:03 to give Solway an early edge.

The Sharks were handed a chance to double the lead at 3:21 after #52 Nick Pryce received 2 minors for slashing and boarding. However, a strong PK unit for the Pitbulls denied the Solway forwards. The hosts maintained puck possession following the powerplay but failed to find a way past Nappier.

Sharks conceded their first penalty of the evening at 13:09 as #88 Kyle Carruth headed to the box for interference. A dominant defensive display by Solway prevented the Pitbulls equalising on the powerplay opportunity. The Sharks claimed a major chance at 17:01 as both #77 Bayley Harewood and #90 Bobby Ragan sat for misconduct and cross-checking respectively at 17:01. Despite multiple efforts, the score remained with a single goal splitting the 2 sides after 20 minutes.

2nd period

The Sharks began the middle frame on the PK after #49 Liam Danskin received a 2 minute misconduct, but #33 Jordan Marr successfully denied the visitors an equalising goal. Just 11 seconds later, Solway Skipper #10 Liam Stenton slotted the puck into the Bristol net on a one-timer after the feed from #68 Callum Boyd.

Solway continued the pressure in the Bristol zone forcing them to ice the puck several times before #5 Olivier Arseneau capitalised from the slot with a low shot through traffic to extend the deficit to 3 for Bristol. However, the Sharks picked up another penalty at 27:31 as #43 Nolan Gardiner headed to the box for tripping. Moments after killing Gardiner’s infraction, the PK unit was utilised again after #21 Torran Anderson was called for interference with #68 Callum Boyd joining him 60 seconds later for tripping.

The Pitbulls converted their 5on3 opportunity, unlike the Sharks earlier in the game, through #52 Nick Pryce with a wrist shot at 31:40 to bring Bristol back into the game. Play was sent to 4on4 momentarily after #7 Cameron Hamill was called for high sticks at 32:15. Just 13 seconds later, Bristol’s top goal-scorer #52 Nick Pryce fired again on a breakaway with Marr, reducing the deficit to just a single goal.

As tensions began to rise between the sides, #91 Mason Lipsey was handed a tripping call at 34:35 which was cancelled out by Dunbar’s slashing call at 35:15. A further 2 co-incidental penalties were given to #21 Anderson and #7 Hamill for unsportsmanlike conduct at 38:12 to round off a penalty heavy period. Alderson wound up a final shot for Solway but Nappier made the catcher save on the buzzer finalising the middle frame at 3-2 in favour to the Sharks.

3rd period

Bristol returned for the final period with fight and equalised through #59 Ewan Hill who fired top corner, assisted by #23 Jacob White-Sey at 41:40. The Sharks gave the Pitbulls almost 4 consecutive minutes on the powerplay after both #49 Danskin and #9 Alderson received slashing calls. However, after strong defensive play, the Sharks retained their lead.

The hosts continued to send shots into the Bristol crease but Nappier matched their efforts to maintain a tied game heading into the final 10 minutes of regulation play. However, after controlling the puck around the zone, #9 Mason Alderson threaded it into the net at 52:13, re-claiming the lead for Solway. Tension spilled within the same minute between Arseneau and Harewood resulting in both players sharing double-minors for holding and roughing at 52:43.

Sharks called their PP unit into action at 56:44 as #90 Bobby Ragan sat for cross-checking, whilst the Pitbulls called a timeout to re-discuss tactics. With just 58 seconds remaining in regulation, #6 Rhys Smetham fired home an equalising goal for the visitors via #52 Nick Pryce and #24 Tanner Butler, forcing the game into overtime.

The Sharks dominated the puck from the off-set in overtime but Nappier made the difference for the Pitbulls. However, Canadian import #43 Nolan Gardiner flicked the puck backhand into the roof of the netting at 64:07 to seal the victory for Solway.

MVPs were awarded to forward #43 Nolan Gardiner after scoring the overtime winner for the Solway Sharks. Meanwhile player-coach #9 Bari McKenzie claimed the title for the Bristol Pitbulls.