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Peterborough Phantoms vs Cardiff Comets
WNIHL 2 South
Location: Cardiff
Date: May 4th
Time: 6:15pm
(Player of the Game #15 Hana Mészárošová sponsored by Box7)
Introduction:
The Phantoms made the long journey to Wales for their third consecutive game on the road. The team anticipated a challenging and physical game, as Cardiff are strong contenders for league champions for the second season in a row. Missing key players and travelling with a fairly short bench, the phantoms knew they had to enter the game determined to leave it all on the ice.
Period 1:
The Phantoms won the first faceoff of the game and felt strong against the Cardiff side. The match continued with intense pressure from both sides, but it was Cardiff who found the back of the net first. At 11:13, Cardiff’s #14, assisted by #15, capitalised on a swift offensive play to put the Comets ahead. The Phantoms responded with vigour, attempting to level the score, but faced a disciplined Cardiff defence. Defensive pillars like Joanne Carter-Davis (#77) played a pivotal role, clearing the puck effectively and moving it up the ice to create offensive opportunities. Cardiff incurred penalties at 13:19 (#98 for tripping) and at 18:46 (#13 for tripping), providing the Phantoms with powerplay opportunities. Despite these advantages, the Phantoms were unable to convert, and the period closed with Cardiff leading 1-0.
End of Period Score: Cardiff 1, Phantoms 0
(#77 Joanne Carter-Davis skating with the puck)
Period 2:
The second period saw the Phantoms intensify their efforts, pushing back against a relentless Cardiff team. Caitlin Barraclough (#27) showcased relentless energy, working tirelessly on every shift to challenge Cardiff’s possession. At 27:36, Cardiff extended their lead with #19 finding the net, assisted by #31. The Phantoms, undeterred, struck back at 31:47 when Kodie Duguid (#5 sponsored by Ask2Build), assisted by pocket rocket Hana Mészárošová (#15 sponsored by Box7) scored a 5-hole goal from a rebounded puck, igniting hope for a comeback. The Phantoms created multiple opportunities, notably one initiated by Aimee Neaverson (#66 sponsored by BudsFitness & Box7) winning a faceoff, leading to a threatening shot by Jo Saville (#4). However, Cardiff’s #27 added another goal at 38:21, maintaining the pressure for the Phantoms. The Phantoms kept their heads up and were determined to make head coach, Ross Duguid, proud. Hana Mészárošová (#15) had a narrow miss as she raced the puck up the ice and only narrowly missed a backhand top corner goal.
End of Period Score: Cardiff 3, Phantoms 1
(#5 Kodie Duguid and #15 Hana Mészárošová celebrating the Phantoms goal)
Period 3:
With the Phantoms trailing, the final period was marked by intense physical and strategic play. Early in the period, Emily Lock (#2) showcased her skating endurance, going coast-to-coast and firing a threatening shot on goal. However, Cardiff continued their offensive dominance into the third period, with goals at 45:39 by #15 (assisted by #10) and at 46:28 by #31 (assisted by #15). Liberty Malachowski (#24) battled hard and was instrumental in the defensive zone, taking down players and maintaining control. A brief respite for the Phantoms came at 46:32 when Cardiff’s #98 received a penalty for interference. The Phantoms set up plays while on the advantage, maintaining possession. Aimee Neaverson (#66) raced the puck down the ice and made a clean back pass to defensive strong house, Stacie Horn (#13 Sponsored byBudsFitness & Hercules) who took a threatening shot on net. Despite these efforts, the Phantoms were not able to convert their shots into goals. The comets were back to even strength and were faced by Essie Laugharne (#94) who made crucial plays, including a key puck takeaway that halted a dangerous Cardiff breakaway. Despite Sarah Rees (#40) consistent backchecking, Cardiff’s #31, assisted by #98, further extended their lead at 54:32. Cardiff’s #16 took a penalty for interference at 56:58, but the Phantoms were unable to capitalise on the subsequent powerplay. The Phantoms maintained discipline, avoiding penalties and focusing on gameplay, amidst high tensions and provocation from Cardiff. As the game neared its end, Kodie Duguid (#5) executed a set play, passing to Jo Carter-Davis (#77), who made two attempts on net, showcasing the team's persistent spirit.
End of Period Score: Cardiff 6, Phantoms 1
(Phantoms defender (#24) Liberty Malachowski halting the Comets attack)
Conclusion:
The game concluded with a score that did not fully reflect the game played. The Phantoms, despite the tough loss, showcased moments of brilliance and determination. Their resilience was evident as they contested every puck and battled fiercely throughout the match. Phantoms Netminder, Katie Plumb (#98 Sponsored by Ask2Build), faced a barrage of shots, making several incredible saves that kept the team in contention throughout the match.
(Team photo)
Final Score:
Phantoms - 1
Cardiff – 6
Shots on net:
Phantoms – 40
Cardiff –33
Player of the Game:
Hana Mészárošová (#15 sponsored by Box7) received player of the game for her consistent hard work and leadership on and off the ice. Caitlin Barraclough (#27) received spirit of the game for Phantoms.
Looking Forward:
The Phantoms finish their season this week with a double-header weekend. The team will travel to play their fourth and final away game against Coventry on Saturday May 11th before facing their final challenge of the season, Solent Amazons, on Home Ice. We would love to see as many fans as possible at our last home game of the season, Sunday May 12th at 4:15pm, Planet Ice Peterborough.
Acknowledgements:
The Phantoms would like to thank their sponsors, Ask2Build, Phantoms Box7 and BudsFitness for their sponsorship and messages of support leading up to this game. Your constant encouragement does not go unnoticed. Futhermore we would like to thank our photographers Stef Malachowski and Fiona Plumb for their aweome photos!
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