The Steeldogs made the journey down to Slough to face the Berkshire Bees without Barry, Ulrick, Norton and Shudra. Warburton got the start ahead of Crowe in the visitors goal. Re-shuffle of the D, saw Smith paired with Adams and Coach Morgan beside Ollie Turner. A good start to the game from both sides saw the netminders kept busy and the home team were 1st to score at 6.42. The game continued to ebb and flow and Walker Sommer got the dogs level on the powerplay following the games 1st penalty, expertly firing home for his 100th point of the season. Assists to Kirk and Bjorkly Nordstrom. A little set to at 16.11 deep in the Bees zone, saw Jacob Brammer and a bees player draw 2 minute minors each, but no further incidents to note as the period ended all square at 1-1. A good period of hockey, both teams providing a great competitive 20 minutes, well refereed by Mr Poulton & Mr Hewitt.
Into the 2nd and it was the away team who edged ahead, a 3rd line goal scored by Jack Brammer at 23.01 assisted by Thompson and Clarke Pizzo. Alas, the lead was short lived with bees levelling at 25.16. The home team had now found their stride and spent a lot of time in the dogs defensive zone, but didn’t add to the scoring until 33.43. The Dogs had a quick chance to get back level as Gabaj took a 2 minute tripping penalty, but Wright in the bees goal stood firm to preserve the lead. No further scoring meant the dogs headed into the 2nd intermission 3-2 down.
A great start to the 3rd period resulted in an equaliser from D man Henry Adams, as he blasted home through a crowd of players around the bees net at 42.56. The momentum was with the visitors now and a penalty on Morris was punished by Nathan Ripley, tipping home at the far post, on 44.23 after great work by Hallfors and Ivan. All 3 lines were clicking and the 4-3 lead was fully deserved. However, the bees were determined to finish their last home game of the season on a positive note and they tied the game again at 52.09, with a thunderbolt from near the blue line. Game on. Again, both teams had chances to take the lead and the dogs were gifted a great opportunity as bees took a cross checking penalty with just over 4 minutes left. Unfortunately, despite heavy pressure on Wright, the dogs couldn’t get the goal their efforts deserved. It took a couple of great saves from Warburton to set up another period of pressure by the dogs as the game entered the final minute. So intense was the pressure, bees called a time out to give their defense and Wright a breather at 59.28, as they held firm to the buzzer. Perhaps a point each was a fair outcome.
Onto overtime and the search for the extra point. A fast exciting start, with chances at both ends, and a surprise OT stint for the 3rd lines, ( a fantastic reward for Brammer, Thompson and Clarke Pizzo for their efforts throughout the game ) was brought to an end by Bjorkly Nordstrom who got the GWG at 62.44. Assists to Captain Kirk and Hallfors.
A wonderfully, entertaining game of hockey, well refereed and with 2 teams playing with 100% effort and respect for each other. No need for dops to intervene on this one ! Special mentions to Kirk, Ripley and Clarke Pizzo, who were all immense but Elmeri Hallfors, quite rightly, was given recognition for an outstanding display by getting the Steeldogs Man of the Match. Hopefully the fans and team had a safe journey back, with the M1 shut for multiple junctions due to heavy flooding!.
Can the dogs keep the momentum going into the Play-offs with a win in their last home game of the regular season against the Swindon Wildcats this afternoon?
