The Dynamic property services Solway Sharks returned back to home ice on Saturday evening against Telford Tigers following their first 4point weekend of the season, looking to continue their strong form. However, they felt narrowly short to the Tigers in an agonising penalty shootout.

The Sharks lined up 18+2, including Widnes Wild 2-ways #16 Bailey Thomson and #55 Owen Rae, returning from injury. Meanwhile, Telford travelled with 17+2 featuring both new Canadian imports, Henderson and Thomson. Regular starter #33 Jordan Marr stood between the pipes for the Sharks, whilst #30 Brad Day was given the nod in goal for the visitors.

1st period

The Sharks fired shots on Day early, in an attempt to claim an early goal similar to the previous 2 games. However, Day swallowed up the chances, allowing Telford to counter. Similarly, Marr stood strong for the Sharks creating a fast-pace start to the evening.

Solway capitalised first at 11:39 after a rebound from #22 Dunbar’s strike was flicked backhand into the net by #43 Nolan Gardiner, giving Sharks the edge. Play remained end-to-end for the majority of the opening frame, both netminders being the difference in their respective zones. Sharks doubled the lead to 2 goals after a strike from #43 Nolan Gardiner was tipped past Day by #92 Caly Robertson, adding another marker to the first line’s tally.

However, Telford quickly answered back through former Shark, #47 Ross Connolly after a deflection in the crease resulted in Marr losing sight of the puck at 19:11. Nolan Gardiner fired an attempt on Day in the dying moments but the block from Ferguson was enough to complete the first period 2-1 in favour to the hosts.

2nd period

Both teams returned for the 2nd period with intent, causing #77 Scott McKenzie to sit the first penalty of the evening at 22:48 for tripping, putting the Sharks on a powerplay. Despite multiple chances, including a solo attempt from#9 Mason Alderson, Telford returned to full strength. The Tigers ramped up the intensity as #49 James Smith was called for boarding at 29:55, giving Solway another man advantage.

Just 10 seconds into the opportunity, #9 Mason Alderson fired the puck across the line, following the feed across the crease from #43 Nolan Gardiner and #22 John Dunbar, putting the Sharks 2 goals clear. Yet again, Telford wasted no time in reducing the deficit, this time through Canadian imports #23 David Thomson and #11 Eric Henderson at 31:55.

Discipline slipped for the Tigers again, handing Solway their 3rd consecutive powerplay at 32:13 as #11 Eric Henderson was called for boarding. Solway shortly after returned the favour as #21 Torran Anderson was the first Shark to sit at 35:07 for holding. Before returning to full strength, #5 Olivier Arseneau was handed a hooking penalty leaving the Sharks depleted further.

The scores were tied up once more at 37:57 after the Canadian imports for Telford linked up again to fire past Marr from the left wing on the powerplay. A final penalty was handed to #43 Nolan Gardiner for hooking at 38:34 but the Tigers failed to capitalise before the buzzer, ending the middle frame tied at 3-3.

3rd period

Solway successfully killed off the remainder of #43 Gardiner’s infraction and were awarded after a bench minor penalty was assessed to Telford for too many players on the ice at 41:38. After a strong PK unit for the visitors, Solway failed to re-claim the lead on the advantage.

Tensions spilled over in the Telford zone after Day made another stop at 47:24, resulting in both #14 Lewis Young and #8 Jake Price dropping the gloves, seeing them cool down for 5minutes in their respective penalty boxes. Telford’s first goal scorer #47 Ross Connolly was called for cross-checking at 50:14 but the Sharks failed to punish the Tigers.

Solway’s #9 Mason Alderson claimed his 2nd of the evening inside the final 5 minutes of regulation, after the connecting feed from behind the goal by #21 Torran Anderson at 55:35. A strike from #94 Vladimir Luka at 57:56 snuck its way over Marr’s catcher, levelling the scoreline to 4 goals each. Both sides fired final attempts on goal, but neither could convert forcing the game into overtime.

The Sharks claimed puck possession early in the 3on3 period of play after opting to start with all 3 imports: Dunbar, Gardiner and Arseneau. However, Telford changed the momentum, but time ran out before either side could secure the winning goal resulting in a penalty shootout. A goal each for both of Telford’s Canadian imports was enough to secure them an extra point after 65 minutes of play.

MVPs were awarded to forward #22 John Dunbar, sponsored by Mac Tiling after claiming 3 assists throughout the evening. Meanwhile, #11 Eric Henderson claimed the title for the Telford Tigers following a goal and assist.