The Dynamic Property Services sponsored Solway Sharks returned to the Shark Tank on Sunday after a gruelling road trip to Milton Keynes. Despite arriving home close to 5 a.m., the Sharks were determined to bounce back following their previous night’s loss to MK Lightning.
1st period
The Sharks showed visible signs of fatigue early on as they battled against the Lightning’s high-intensity play. Netminder Calum Hepburn was a standout performer, making several key saves to deny the visitors’ high-quality chances. However, at 17:02, the Lightning capitalised on a powerplay opportunity. Corey McEwen, positioned perfectly, converted a loose puck into an open net after a fanned shot landed at his stick. The first period concluded with the visitors holding a narrow 1-0 lead.
2nd period
Just over two minutes into the second period, Joey Coulter turned defence into offense, blocking a shot and racing away on a breakaway. Coulter expertly deked netminder Jordan Hedley to score a stunning goal and bring the Sharks level. The Sharks worked hard to generate chances during three powerplay opportunities but failed to convert. The Lightning, however, made their second powerplay count at 36:32, with Dillon Lawrence deftly deflecting a shot into the net. The period ended with the Lightning leading 2-1.
3rd period
The Sharks came out for the third period with renewed energy, hungry for an equaliser. However, the Lightning struck first, with Martin Susters extending the visitors’ lead early in the period. Undeterred, the Sharks fought back. Olivier Arseneau ignited the home crowd with an incredible solo effort to cut the deficit to one. This goal galvanised the Sharks, who began creating dangerous scoring opportunities.
At 48:13, Kell Beattie delivered a beautiful backhand saucer pass to John Dunbar, who streaked into the offensive zone and slid a backhand shot under Hedley’s pad to tie the game at 3-3. The final 10 minutes saw an intense defensive effort from the Sharks, led by the ever-reliable Hepburn, to keep the Lightning at bay and force overtime.
A late interference penalty against the Lightning at the end of regulation gave the Sharks a powerplay advantage heading into overtime. The Sharks wasted no time capitalising—less than a minute in, Arseneau charged toward the net and delivered the game-winning goal. The Sharks claimed a thrilling 4-3 victory, snatching two crucial points from the league-leading Lightning.
MVPs of the Match were Calum Hepburn for the Sharks and Corey McEwen for the Lightning.
Canadian import defenseman Olivier Arseneau shared his thoughts on the team’s performance over the weekend:
After the loss in a difficult building it was nice to see the team get back in the mix Sunday and take 2 out of 4 points. Calum gave us a chance to tie the game in the third and we never gave up until the last buzzer.”
This weekend, the Solway Sharks are on the road, facing the Swindon Wildcats on Saturday, December 7, at 6:30 PM, and the Bristol Pitbulls on Sunday, December 8, at 5:00 PM. While the action takes place away from home, the Dumfries Ice Bowl is still the place to be!
Come enjoy the games in the company of passionate Sharks fans and experience the excitement together at our watch parties in the Shark Tank! Let’s bring the energy and cheer our team to victory!