SHARKS BEATEN IN HOME OPENER
Written by author on September 15, 2015
Building Craftsmen Dumfries-sponsored Solway Sharks opened their home campaign on Saturday against Billingham Stars, but fell to a 5-3 defeat.
Players and supporters from both teams paid tribute before the game to Sharks fan and volunteer Andy Smith who died last week – a great show of the hockey family remembering one of its own.
Once the puck was dropped, Billingham started much the better and were ahead early through Callum Davies. Midway through the period, Michael Elder made it 2-0 to the visitors. The Sharks were forced to kill off a long five-on-three penalty but their defence stood firm and the period ended at 0-2.
Solway had their chance with a long man advantage early in the middle session. The powerplay unit moved the puck at pace to create scoring chances but the shots were either off target or blocked by Billingham goalie James Flavell. On a classic counter attack, Stars’ Scott Ward broke away and lifted the puck past Jaszczyk for a three-goal advantage for the Teessiders.
The Sharks were back in the game with a quick-fire double in the 35th minute. First Joe Coulter finally had the home side on the board before captain Struan Tonnar netted just 15 seconds later to bring the score back to 2-3 and mean it was very much ‘game on’ at the second interval.
It was Billingham who began the final period the brighter and they took control of the game as Chris Sykes scored twice inside the first two minutes to restore the three-goal cushion. Solway pressed for a way back, with only a last minute strike from Juraj Senko (59.01) to show for their efforts. The final scoreline at the Ice Bowl saw Billingham come away 5-3 winners.
The Sharks now fall to 0&2 in the embryonic NIHL standings, with a home game this coming Saturday against league newcomers Sheffield Senators (7pm at Dumfries Ice Bowl).
