Recapping Week 7 of the NIHL
Saturday 26th October:
The first game of the weekend saw the Hull Seahawks get a big 4-1 away win against the Berkshire Bees. The top line really doing the damage for Hull with Bobby Chamberlain and Owen Sobchak both scoring a goal and assisting two. A statement game for Matty Davies side after dropping points their last season.
The Milton Keynes Lightning edged out a 3-2 victory at home against the Swindon Wildcats. A very tight game saw Milique Martelly get the game winning goal. This extends the league home win streak to 31 for the Lightning. It all got a bit tense after the game with Tyler Plews and Archie Sailsbury both getting a one game ban for fighting in the last five minutes.
The Solways Sharks secured back to back home wins as they defeated the Romford Raiders 7-4 in Dumfries. Five different goal scorers for the Sharks with Gardiner adding another two to his tally. After the signing announcement of Zackary Yokoyama, the new Raider import made an instant impact scoring and assisting on his debut. But it would be the Sharks who came away with the two points.
The Bristol Pitbulls got their first home win of the season after they defeated the Telford Tigers on penalty shots. Third times a charm for Bari McKenzie’s side after losing twice on penalties already this season. After 65 minutes the game finished 3-3 and it would be Bayley Harewood who scored the winning shootout goal.
The Leeds Knights made a big statement in their Yorkshire derby game against the Sheffield Steeldogs as they defeated them 7-0 at the castle. Sam Gospel with a 35 save shutout, his first of the season. Matt Bissonnette added another three assists to his season tally. Haywood got his 250th point for the Knights.
Sunday 27th October:
The Sheffield Steeldogs produced a huge bounce back performance as they beat the MK Lightning 3-2 on home ice. Goals from Sommer, Ulrick and Phillips for the hosts. A much improved performance from the night before from the Dogs.
The Hull Seahawks completed the back-to back over the Berkshire Bees with a comfortable 6-1 victory. Owen Sobchak adding another four points. A very dominant performance from the Seahawks as they piled 54 shots on Wright. This also keeps the Seahawks unbeaten at home.
The Peterborough Phantoms secured a win in their only game this weekend against the Solway Sharks. Despite Gardiner adding two goals for the Sharks, it wasn’t enough with Cameron Hough getting the game winning goal. This win means the Phantoms are unbeaten in six games at home.
The Telford Tigers fell short to a 6-4 loss against the Romford Raiders with Zackary Yokoyama putting in a Man Of The Match performance against his former team. Zack got three points on the night. The Powerplay coming up big for Raiders with three goals on the man advantage.
The final game of the weekend saw the Bristol Pitbulls produce a fantastic comeback to beat their south west rivals the Swindon Wildcats. This makes it three wins on the bounce for Bari McKenzie’s side. Nick Pryce the hero as he scored the overtime winner and puts the Pitbulls up into a play off spot.
Photo credit - Flyfifer photography
