Recapping the second weekend of the NIHL
Saturday 21st September
The weekend's first game was a cracker as the Sheffield Steeldogs battled back from 4-1 down against the MK Lightning to take it to overtime. However, it would be the Lightning who took the extra point, as they won on penalty shots. Ross Venus scored the winner.
The Swindon Wildcats also made a comeback as they came from 2-0 down to win the game 6-2. Player Coach Aaron Nell scored four goals on the night with Malasinski picking up four assists. Nolan Gardiner carried on his goalscoring form as he netted the two goals for Solway.
The Leeds Knights had two away games this weekend and took care of business against the Bristol Pitbulls winning 7-0. Harrison Walker in his first start of the season secured a 19-save shutout. It didn't take long for Kieran Brown to settle back in as he scored a Hat-trick.
It was the battle of the import goalies between the Peterborough Phantoms and Berkshire Bees. Despite going behind twice the Bees battled back into the game and took it to overtime. But it would be the Phantoms who took the extra point on penalty shots. New Canadian Cam Hough scored the winning penalty.
The final game on Saturday saw the Hull Seahawks carry on their goalscoring form as they beat the Telford Tigers 8-4. New import Johnny Corneil scored a hat-trick on his debut with Jason Hewitt adding to his points record with four on the night.
Sunday 22nd September
The early game of the weekend saw the Bristol Pitbulls upset the Sheffield Steeldogs 5-3 as they picked up their first win of the season. Bayley Harewood scored another two goals while 18-year-old Tyler De La Bertouche had an excellent game saving 40 shots.
The Seahawks secured back-to-back four-point weekends as they also won on penalty shots, Owen Sobchak scoring the winning penalty while Gardiner scored another two goals taking his tally to nine and scoring in every game this season.
The Romford Raiders got a big 4-3 win against the Peterborough Phantoms keeping their 100% home win record. This was also a cup game so that is a big two points for the Raiders as they push for that top-four qualification. Sean Barry the defenseman scored the game winner.
The Knights carried on their unbeaten record as they defeated the Telford Tigers 6-4. Two goals from new Canadian Matt Bissonnette secured maximum points. As for Telford, they sit bottom of the table with three games without a win.
And finally, the Swindon Wildcats got their first four-point weekend of the season as they beat the Berkshire Bees 3-1. Ed Bradley scored against his former team and a very impressive goalkeeping performance from Renny Marr who saved 29/30 shots.
Photo Credit - Kat Medcroft
