The Dynamic property services sponsored Solway Sharks faced league champions, Leeds Knights for the first game of their 24/25 season campaign, taking an 8-5 loss.

1st period

The Sharks started the game strong creating multiple chances; however, #33 Finn Bradon fired the first past Marr at 9:57 on the power-play after #92 Caly Robertson sat for slashing. Solway maintained a strong defensive display for the majority of the opening period to restrict the Knights. Robertson picked up another slashing penalty in the closing minute of the 1st period allowing #73 Matt Bissonette to slot the puck under Marr at 19:31 to give the visitors a 2-goal lead.

2nd period

Solway were determined to narrow the scoreline early and did so through Canadian import #43 Nolan Gardiner at 21:13 with a backhand flick. However, just 10 seconds later, #14 Lewis Young was called for hooking, causing the Knights to capitalise on the advantage through #54 Noah McMullin at 22:52. Despite Leeds being handed a delayed penalty chance, the puck found its way into the Leeds net at 25:47 after a defensive mistake by the Knights.

However, Leeds were clinical once more through #37 Matt Barron at 27:07 as #10 Liam Stenton sat for tripping. The Sharks quickly answered back via #43 Nolan Gardiner at 27:29 after linking up with Robertson on the left wing, posting the score at 3-4. Solway landed themselves on a 3on5 PK at 29:35 as both #21 Torran Anderson and #27 Callum Boyd were handed cross-checking and holding penalties.

The Sharks returned to 4 skaters, but #41 Oli Endicott fired a rebound over Marr’s shoulder at 31:24 before #11 Matt Haywood sat for slashing at 32:10. The Sharks made the visitors pay as #43 Gardiner fired his hat-trick goal top-corner at 32:35. Both sides picked up multiple penalties for the remainder of the period but neither team could capitalise leaving the score posted at 4-5.

3rd period

Leeds returned for the final period eager to extend their lead which saw #95 Mac Howlett strike past Marr at 40:25 just as the Sharks returned to full strength following a call on #89 Scott Henderson. Just 40 seconds later, #33 Bradon fired his hat-trick goal into the Sharks net to give the visitors a strong 3 goal lead. Tensions flared between both sides seeing a multitude of players head to the box, including Leeds’ #33 Bradon for slashing at 55:16.

After multiple assists, #92 Caly Robertson claimed a goal of his own at 55:38 on the rebound, following a shot from #22 Dunbar. The Sharks opted to pull #33 Jordan Marr in favour of the extra attacker, allowing #9 Jordan Buesa to fire into the empty net at 59;46, sealing a 5-8 victory for the Knights.

MVPs were awarded to hat-trick hero #43 Nolan Gardiner for the Solway Sharks, meanwhile #95 Mac Howlett claimed the title for the Leeds Knights after his quick-fire goals in the final frame.