Recapping week 6 of the NIHL
Friday 18th October:
The Telford Tigers picked up their first away victory of the season as they defeated the Sheffield Steeldogs in overtime. Rhodes Mitchell-King scoring the winning goal. It was Brad Days best performance of the season saving 45/48 shots leading the Tigers to a big two points on the road.
the Lighting carried on their home winning streak by beating the Bristol Pitbulls 6-3. It was a dominant first two periods for the home side leading 6-0 but the Pitbulls did score three goals in the third. Ross Venus with a man of the match performance scoring two goals and assisting a goal as well.
Saturday 19th October:
The first game on Saturday saw the Leeds Knights become the first team to beat the Romford Raiders at the Sapphire this season. It looked like the game was heading to overtime tied 2-2 before Matt Haywood scored a late goal to help the Knights to two valuable away points.
The Hull Seahawks carried on their 100% record at home with a comfortable 8-2 victory against the Sheffield Steeldogs. Owen Bruton grabbing himself a couple of goals while newly signed Josh Hodgkinson also got on the scoresheet. Owen Sobchak maintained his spot at the top of the points list adding another four on Saturday.
The Swindon Wildcats secured two points in their only game of the weekend at home against the Telford Tigers. It was an emphatic performance from the Cats winning 10-4 on the night. Jake Bricknell getting a Hattrick whilst Ryan Wells scored his first goal of the season and helping himself to a four point night. Jay Warren also scored his first for the Cats this season.
With the Berkshire Bees and the Bristol Pitbulls having back to back games each-other this weekend. It would be the Bees who room first blood with a 4-2 win in Bristol. Player coach Dom Gabaj leading by example with three primary assists on the night.
The final game on Saturday saw the Solway Sharks end their four losing streak with a huge 7-2 home win against the Peterborough Phantoms. Nolan Gardiner back on the scoresheet with a hattrick. John Dunbar also helping himself to four points with a goal and three assists.
Sunday 20th October:
The early game on Sunday saw the Sheffield Steeldogs get a big home win against the Solway Sharks. The imports coming up trumps for Morgan’s side with Sam Tremblay and Elmeri Halförs both scoring two goals each. A good way to end a tough three game weekend for the Dogs.
Next up was the top of the table clash between the Leeds Knights and MK Lightning and it did not disappoint with the game being settled on penalty shots. Tim Wallace scoring the winning penalty to hand the Lighting the extra point and their first win at the castle since 2022. The Knights led 2-0 with five minutes to go but the Lighting didn’t give up and scored two late goals to take it to overtime and eventually win on penalty shots solidifying then at the top of the table.
The Peterborough Phantoms extended their home winning streak with five with a 7-4 win against the Romford Raiders. 42 year-old Janne Laakkonen having a six point night including five assists. Luke Ferrara scored another Hat-trick with Cam Hough also helping himself to a five point night. A deadly top line proving too much to handle for the Raiders who had a tough weekend without a point.
The Bristol Pitbulls got their revenge over the Berkshire Bees on the Sunday as they got their second win of the season. Coming from 2-1 down to win 3-2 shows good character from Bari McKenzie’s side. Tanner Butler getting an assist on every goal for the Pitbulls and Nappier proving why he is one of the top goalies in the league saving 29/31 shots.
And finally the Telford Tigers rounded off their three game weekend with a massive 7-5 win against the Hull Seahawks. 45 year-old Jason Silverthorn back in the lineup covering for an injury to Skoleski and getting an assist on the night. Finley Howells also having a brilliant game scoring two big goals. A big weekend for the Tigers who secure 4/6 points in a three game weekend.
Photo Credit - Kat Medcroft
