The Dynamic property services Solway Sharks returned to home ice for the final time of the 24/25 season with a tough fixture ahead, facing the MK Lightning. The Sharks put up a huge fight but fell short 1-5 to the visitors in a packed out Sharktank to complete their home campaign for the season.

Solway lined up with 18+2 as #25 Connor Henderson and 2-way defenceman #55 Owen Rae returned into the squad, whilst all other 2-way players remained out of the squad. Meanwhile, Milton Keynes travelled with 16+2, unchanged from their game the previous evening against the Romford Raiders. Solway opted for #33 Jordan Marr between the pipes once more, whilst #31 Will Kerlin retained his start for the Lightning.

1st period – (0-1)

The tempo was rapid from the initial puck drop, boosted by the electric atmosphere in the Sharktank as both sides looked to pick up an early marker. James Griffin came close for the visitors with a strong strike from the blue line, but #33 Jordan Marr made the catcher save to retain a goal-less scoreline. Sharks forward, #22 Dunbar blocked yet another shot from Griffin on the blue line once more to deny Lightning.

However, seconds later #86 Sean Norris converted the rebound from #59 Ross Venus on the back door at 7:31, giving MK the lead. Although, the visitors jeopardised their advantage as #96 Ben Solder received the first penalty of the evening for interference at 8:21. Despite multiple efforts from the Sharks, they failed to punish MK on the powerplay.

Solway continued to push for an equalising goal, forcing #31 Will Kerlin to make the stops on multiple occasions, causing the net to come off its moorings. Sharks were awarded a chance late in the period as #37 Patrik Forsberg sat for interference at 17:16 after taking Dunbar down in centre ice. The hosts came close via 2 one-timer strikes by #12 Kell Beattie at point, but Kerlin made the catcher save on both attempts to complete the opening period with a single goal lead to MK.

2nd period – (1-2)

The visitors tested Marr early in the middle frame as they pushed to double their lead, yet he reacted quickly to deny MK’s first line. The counterattack came through #9 Mason Alderson for Solway, but he failed to equalise on both occasions. Sharks were struck with their first PK of the evening at 25:14 as #68 Callum Boyd was called for hooking. A strong defensive effort from the Sharks denied MK and allowed their forwards to create chances following the penalty.

Sharks ramped up the offensive pressure allowing #9 Mason Alderson to claim a break, deking past the MK defence to slot the puck under Kerlin’s 5-hole at 30:27 whilst losing an edge, after the connection between #5 Olivier Arseneau and #49 Liam Danskin to equalise. However, Lightning quickly answered back through #14 Dillon Lawrence at 32:24, assisted by #5 Jordan Spadafore and #86 Sean Norris to re-claim an edge on the scoreline.

Milton Keynes carried the momentum forward, resulting in #86 Sean Norris firing a one-timer past #33 Jordan Marr after the thread from #59 Ross Venus at 34:43 to extend the lead to 1-3. Emotions ran high as both sides were eager to contribute to the scoreline, seeing #68 Callum Boyd and #15 James Griffin drop the gloves at 38:11 much to the delight of the fans. Neither side managed to claim a late marker after the bust-up, allowing MK to hold a 1-3 lead after 40 minutes of play.

3rd period – (0-2)

Sharks were handed an opportunity to halve the deficit early in the final frame as #33 Millique Martelly sat for slashing at 41:56, but they failed to punish Lightning. Solway then returned the favour at 46:30 as Captain, #10 Liam Stenton was also called for slashing. Seconds later, #16 Mack Stewart fired from the left wing to put MK 1-4 clear on the powerplay at 46:47, assisted by #86 Sean Norris and #95 Jordan Cownie.

Sharks failed to break down the MK firepower, despite returning to full strength, as #59 Ross Venus fired top-corner past Marr at 48:24 to claim the final goal of the evening and secure Lightning a solid lead. However, discipline slipped for the visitors as #95 Jordan Cownie sat for a face-off violation at 49:11, but Sharks failed to convert. Seconds later, #89 Scott Henderson was called for cross-checking, although Solway coped well with the pressure to prevent an extension on the score for the visitors.

The final infraction of the evening was called on MK’s #33 Millique Martelly for hooking, however the scoreline remained unchanged as #31 Will Kerlin matched the Sharks forwards’ efforts. Solway threw everything they had at the Lightning goal, but their defence soaked up the pressure to ensure they picked up a 1-5 win on the road in the final game of the 24/25 season in the Sharktank.

MVPs were awarded to #9 Mason Alderson, following his solo breakaway goal for the Sharks. Meanwhile, #16 Mack Stewart picked up the title for Lightning after his contribution to the scoreline.