The Hercules Ice Hockey Apparel sponsored Solway Sharks welcomed Leeds Knights to the Shark Tank, Calum Hepburn as the starting netminder for the Sunday afternoon clash at the Shark Tank.
Sharks strike first at the Shark Tank but Knights strike twice!!
In the early exchanges, the Sharks were able to weather a few Knights chances, while Calum Hepburn was able to block the Knights’ attacking chances on goal. The Sharks scored first, making the score 1-0, courtesy to some deft footwork by John Dunbar, who connected with Craig Peacock when the Sharks were on the powerplay.
The Knights produced numerous chances and were rewarded when Gregor Mills scored to tie the game at 1-1 in the last minutes of the first period. There was still time for a goal, as Josh Adkins scored for the Knights to make it 1-2.
Knights add another two goals in the second period but Sharks get two back.
With an early powerplay, the Sharks attempted to put pressure on the Knights net and Sam Gospel, but Gospel was equal to them as the Knights maintained their lead. It was a goal for the Knights to make it 1-3, and it was scored by Finn Bradon.
The Sharks went on the penalty kill and stayed strong, putting bodies on the line, but it was Knights who got the fourth goal, with Mac Howlett scoring on the power play.
With the Sharks trailing by three goals, a beautiful pass found Captain Struan Tonnar, whose shot was saved and he followed his shot and touched it in to get the second goal for the Sharks.
As the end of the second period approached, Nolan Gardiner scored his third goal of the game, assisted by Craig Peacock and John Dunbar, to make it a one-goal game going into the third period.
Knights score three to take the two points at the Shark Tank.
Both teams came out ready to battle in the third period, with players putting their bodies on the line and both playing at a high intensity in search of the next goal.
The Knights fought hard as they faced back-to-back penalty kills from the Sharks, who poured pressure on the Knights net but couldn’t find a way through. That allowed them the opportunity to attack, and Josh Adkins scored the next and fifth goal of the night.
Barron slotted it past Calum Hepburn to make it 3-6. The Sharks fought on and demonstrated their never-say-die attitude, while supporters at the Shark Tank chanted their support for the team.
It was the Knights with goal number seven as Kieron Brown getting the goal to make it 3-7 as Knights take the two points at the Shark Tank.
Sharks MoM – Craig Peacock
Knights MoM – Sam Gospel