ICE HOCKEYWightlink Tigers 8, Cardiff Satans 6
ICE hockey fans were treated to an excellent game between Wightlink Tigers and Cardiff Satans on Sunday, in the English National League, Division 2.
The previous game between the sides had been very physical and it was thought this match would be the same. However, Cardiff came with hockey in mind and this led to an exciting game all round.
Tigers opened the scoring after just 50 seconds through Ricky Rutherford, assisted by Richard Nembhard and new signing Nathan Webb. However, within 25 seconds, the score was tied as the Satans grabbed their first of the evening and, with around five minutes left, the visitors pounced on the powerplay to take the lead.
In the second period, Tigers pulled back level, while shorthanded, as Jason Coles fed the puck through to an advancing Graham MacFarlane.
With the pressure on, Tigers regained the lead just over a minute later as man of the match Ricky Attrill grabbed his first of five points of the evening and, with five minutes of play left in the period, Coles netted to give the Tigers a two-goal advantage.
Both teams were going all out in the third period to try to take the win and it was advantage Tigers, when Attrill scored to give the Islanders a three-goal lead.
Cardiff quickly pulled a goal back and although Attrill was on hand to complete his hat-trick and restore their cushion, it was quickly reduced to two once again when Satans scored again.
Six goals had been scored in just over seven minutes of play but things became tense when Cardiff reduced the deficit to just one goal, following a powerplay.
However, Tigers won the day when, with five minutes remaining, Coles scored again to seal victory.
On Sunday, Tigers host Solent and Gosport Devils at Ryde Arena, face off 5.30pm.