The Dynamic property services Solway Sharks travelled South to face the Telford Tigers for their final fixture of the 24/25 season after narrowly missing out on a playoff spot the previous evening. The Sharks finished off their campaign in style with a 3-6 win over the Tigers, featuring a different goal-scorer on each occasion, whilst #43 Nolan Gardiner reached the 100-point milestone.

Solway travelled with 17+2 as #55 Owen Rae was the only change from the evening prior, whilst all other 2-way agreement players and injured forward #15 Kieran Hair remained out of line-up. Meanwhile, the Tigers iced a squad of 19+2 as #15 Josef Lauder was added from the previous evening’s game against the Swindon Wildcats. Sharks opted to give #30 Calum Hepburn his 7th start of the season in net, whilst regular starter #30 Brad Day retained his place between the pipes for Tigers.

1st period – (1-0)

The Tigers handed Solway a huge opportunity to claim the lead in the opening minute as #39 Louie Newell was called for tripping at 56 seconds. Discipline slipped once more for the hosts as #4 Adam Harding sat a double minor for high sticking #22 John Dunbar, but a strong PK unit denied the Sharks multiple times.

Despite a troubled start to the period, Telford gained momentum quickly and picked up the opening goal through #11 Eric Henderson at 9:42, assisted by #39 Louie Newell and #28 Devon Skoleski. Tigers continued to push for a way to double the lead, yet #30 Calum Hepburn matched their efforts to relieve the pressure on Solway’s defensive unit.

Tigers put their lead on the line at 16:54 as #23 David Thomson was handed a holding call, but Day made the difference for his side during the penalty kill. A final effort from #43 Nolan Gardiner put Telford under threat, but they held the puck against the boards to ensure they maintained a 1-0 lead after 20 minutes.

2nd period – (2-3)

Sharks came out firing in the middle frame, equalising on the first shift in the opening 10 seconds, thanks to a strike from #43 Nolan Gardiner after the connection between #22 John Dunbar and #12 Kell Beattie from the face-off. Telford searched for a quick response, but Hepburn stood tall to retain a level scoreline.

Solway’s #9 Mason Alderson came close to claiming the advantage for his side, but it was linemate #14 Lewis Young at 27:32 who converted the rebound from #10 Liam Stenton’s blue line shot to put Solway ahead. Moments later, tensions spilled between #21 Torran Anderson and #39 Louie Newell both sat for slashing at 28:46 leaving play 5on5.

The brief stoppage in play favoured Solway as #12 Kell Beattie fired high past Day at 30:12, assisted by first line teammates #92 Caly Robertson and #43 Nolan Gardiner to extend the lead for the visitors. Both sides were handed co-incidental penalties yet again as goal-scorer #12 Kell Beattie was joined by #23 David Thomson in the box for unsportsmanlike conduct. Sharks were then forced on the PK as #10 Liam Stenton sat for interference at 31:20 putting their 2-goal buffer at risk.

Telford Captain, #77 Scott McKenzie fired a one-timer past Hepburn from the right face-off circle at 32:13 to halve the deficit for his side on the powerplay. Sharks looked to restore their lead shortly after through #9 Mason Alderson but a poke check by #4 Adam Harding denied him the opportunity.

Calum Hepburn was tested seconds later as Telford claimed a breakaway through Newell and Henderson, but he coped well to ensure Solway kept the advantage on the scoreline. Solway put their lead at risk late in the middle period as #9 Mason Alderson was called for roughing, but a strong defensive performance maintained the goal buffer for the visitors heading into the final frame.

3rd period – (1-3)

Tigers returned for the final period for vengeance and equalised through #23 David Thomson, assisted by fellow Canadians #11 Eric Henderson and #28 Devon Skoleski at 40:31. However, Sharks were awarded a chance to

restore their lead at 43:03 as #18 Joe Aston sat a double-minor for high sticks. Despite multiple efforts, the Telford defence fended off Solway’s firepower to maintain a tied game.

The Tigers claimed momentum and created numerous chances in the Solway zone but were sent back on the PK at 51:24 as #39 Louie Newell was called for interference. The Solway Canadians connected on the powerplay, allowing #5 Olivier Arseneau to fire low past Day from the slot to put Sharks ahead whilst #43 Nolan Gardiner claimed his 100th point of the season simultaneously.

The visitors dominated possession following the go-ahead goal which resulted in #68 Callum Boyd converting the rebound from #10 Liam Stenton’s shot inside the crease at 54:07, posting the score at 3-5 heading into the final 5 minutes. Tensions began to bubble inside the Solway crease as Telford were determined to clench an equalising goal late in the frame.

An icing call on Solway allowed Telford’s head coach, Tom Watkins to call a timeout at 57:35 opting to leave Brad Day on the bench in favour of an extra forward. However, the risk failed for the hosts as #88 Kyle Carruth fired the empty netter at 57:52, assisted by #9 Mason Alderson and #10 Liam Stenton to ensure a 3-6 victory for Solway in their final fixture of the 24/25 season.

MVPs were awarded to #30 Calum Hepburn for Solway after his superb performance between the pipes to secure the win for his side. Meanwhile, #38 Tom Byrne claimed the title for Telford for his consistent effort in the offensive zone.

The past two matches marked the conclusion of the 2024/25 NIHL season for the Sharks, as they narrowly missed out on the playoffs for the second consecutive year. While the season’s ending was disappointing, the team made significant strides in nearly every aspect of their performance. Finishing with 44 points, the Sharks secured a 9th-place spot in the standings—a testament to their continued progress. Off the ice, the club saw an increase in average attendance compared to the previous year with a peak being in the final game of the season with 1102 fans packed into the Shark Tank. The team also expanded its commitment to community outreach, strengthening its schools’ visits program.

Overall, it was a season filled with highs and lows, valuable lessons, and plenty of memorable moments. As the team looks ahead to the 2025/26 campaign, they are determined to build on this foundation, aiming to make an even greater impact in their third season in the league. Stay connected with the Sharks on social media throughout the summer for updates on what promises to be an exciting offseason!