ICE HOCKEYBristol Pitbulls 4, Wightlink Raiders 5
DESPITE a top performance from Bristol Pitbulls, the Wightlink Raiders showed their strength in depth to win in the West Country on Saturday.
As the English National League Division 1 match was the Raiders’ only game of the weekend, they could pour all their efforts in. But they were surprised when Pitbulls — who iced without any import players — came out all guns blazing, using their physical presence to impose themselves on the game.
The game remained goalless for some time but the drama began in the tenth minute when the Raiders’ top player, Joe Rand, was ejected from the game for a check to the head.
Although his hit on the Bristol player was clean, the Bristol player had been keeping low and the contact between Rand and the Bristol player’s head left the referee with no choice but to dismiss the import.
This penalty meant that there was just one import left in the game, Raiders’ player-coach Jeremy Cornish, and the remainder of the game proved there was plenty of quality in British ice hockey.
Pitbulls took the lead in the 17th minute through Alan Armour but Raiders were quick to respond, Grant Rounding netting just a minute later.
The end-to-end action really came to life in the final minute when, after a Bristol goal gave them the lead, Steve Gossett and man of the match Richard Facey netted for the Raiders giving them a 3-2 lead.
The second period was far tighter, with Raiders extending their lead to two with another goal from Facey, this time on the powerplay, and although Bristol won the final session with two goals, Niall Bound’s effort four minutes from time gave them the slender lead they needed to take both points.
Tomorrow (Saturday), Raiders host leaders Chelmsford Chieftains in what is sure to be a Christmas cracker, ahead of a two-week break for the side.
Face-off at Ryde Arena is at 6pm.
•Wightlink Tigers also have a huge match, in ENL Division 2 on Sunday at Ryde Arena. They host neighbours Solent and Gosport Devils. Face-off is at 5.30pm.