The Sharks lost 7-3 against MK Lightning on Sunday after defeating Telford Tigers 9-3 on Saturday.
Solway Sharks 9 Telford Tigers 3
After two road games, the Solway Sharks hosted the Telford Tigers in the Shark Tank. Following a goalless first half, the Sharks easily defeated the visitors, 9-3.
Kyle Carruth, who was added to the Sharks lineup the previous weekend, was sponsored by Dynamic Property Services. Kieran Hair, Bailey Thomson, and Owen Rae were still listed as injured. Brad Day started for Telford, while Solway once again selected Jordan Marr to start in goal.
Despite their early inability to capitalise, the Sharks dominated from the first face-off through the first line of Gardiner, Dunbar, and Robertson. Ferguson of Telford was given the opening penalty of the game for holding at 6:10, but Day made a strong defensive play to keep the Sharks at bay. Despite squabbling over puck possession throughout the opening frame, neither team was able to break free and score.
After 20 minutes, the score remained tied at 0-0 after the Tigers were awarded another penalty at 15:16 after Kaariainen was called for a delay of game. Beattie then equalised the penalty at 17:54. Neither team was able to take advantage of the opportunity.
With Young’s help, Alderson shot the puck top-shelf between his legs for the first goal of the second period, which the Sharks eagerly scored at 21.55. With a slapshot by Danskin on the blue line at 24.13, Solway increased their lead while continuing to apply intense offensive pressure.
After a misunderstanding on the bench, Sharks were called for too many players, which gave Telford an opportunity at 26.17. McKenzie cut the Tigers’ deficit to one on the power play seven seconds later.
Once more applying pressure in the offensive zone, Solway forced the Tigers to give up the puck to Dunbar, who at 30.38 slipped the puck between Day and the near post to make it 3-1.
After Stenton and Alderson were called for slashing and interfering, respectively, at 32.53, the hosts were awarded a five-on-three possession. With the man advantage, the hosts were again clinical as Luka, aided by McKenzie and Skoleski, sent the puck past Marr at 33.28.
Despite being short-handed, the Sharks swiftly retaliated as Boyd scored his first of the season at 35.20 through Alderson. Carruth was cited for interfering at 3:00, and the Sharks were left on the penalty kick. With the Sharks leading three goals to none, Boyd scored his second point in as many minutes after feeding Beattie on the breakaway and missing the target.
Solway were on fire as skipper Stenton followed by example and shot top-shelf past Day, again on the penalty kill, giving the Sharks a 6-2 lead heading into the final session.
Early in the third quarter, Telford was unable to tie the score, which gave Solway the advantage and control over the game’s speed. Henderson’s puck-pinch into the net gave the Sharks an additional point, 44.54. With Price and McKenzie helping, Skoleski gave the Tigers a counterattack at 47.33, bringing the score to 7-3 entering the last ten minutes.
The Sharks soon turned the tide as Robertson struck the back of the goal at 48.49. Due to the hosts’ superior possession, Ferguson was given a tripping penalty at 55.15, giving the Sharks the winning margin. With a help from goalie Marr, Gardiner scored the game’s last goal at 57.05, sending a top shelf shot over Bloor.
MVPs were presented to opening goal scorer, Mason Alderson for the Sharks. In the meantime, Scott McKenzie, who scored for the Tigers and provided two assists, accepted the prize on behalf of the team.
Solway Sharks 3, MK Lightning 7,
Sunday morning saw the Solway Sharks go to Milton Keynes Lighting for a cup match. The two teams’ first encounter of the season took place during this game.
As the Sharks recovered from their travel fatigue, the two sides exchanged a few opportunities to open the first quarter. Robertson and Dunbar were both passed over for posts, which prevented them from making money. Using a turnover as an advantage, Coulter went one-on-one with MK goalie Hedley but was stopped. The Lightning took the lead in the closing minute of the first period when Ben Solder’s point shot found the back of the net, despite the Sharks having many excellent opportunities.
Lightning kept their momentum into the second session as Venus was able to shoot a shot into the top corner to extend their lead to 2-0. But during a penalty kill, the Sharks took the lead thanks to a goal from captain Stenton, who scored on a shorthanded play after some excellent work from Gardiner and Anderson set him up for a clear scoring opportunity. The score was 2-1 in favour of the home team at the end of the half.
With all to play for in the third period, the Sharks were prepared for a major effort from the Lightning. Tim Wallace and Toms Rutkis scored two goals for MK early in the half. A five-on-three power play was given to the Sharks with under ten minutes left in the game. After exchanging passes, Dunbar was found down low by Gardiner and Arseneau. Dunbar made no mistake in shooting over Hedley’s blocker side.
As the Sharks were beginning to gather steam, Henderson’s excellent play set up Young for a fantastic goal shot that went in.
In spite of the Sharks’ strong drive, the MK Lightning scored three goals quickly in the last four minutes of play due to a series of preventable errors. Final score: 7-3 in the home team’s favour.
MVP awards awarded to Ross Venus of MK Lightning and John Dunbar of the Solway Sharks.
On Sunday, October 13, the Sharks will host the Sheffield Steeldogs in the Shark Tank to mark their return to home ice. Puck drop is at 5 p.m., with doors opening at 3.30. Tickets are available online at sharksihc.com/tickets/ or at the Dumfries Ice Bowl in person.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE
