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Women's National Ice Hockey League 2, South Division
Date: 20 January 2024
Location: Planet Ice Peterborough
Time: 18:30
(Player of the match Hana Meszarosova sponsored by Box 7)
Introduction:
The Phantoms went into this game knowing it was an important one, recently having suffered from less than favourable results they knew it was vital to turn it around. They were matched up against the Slough Sirens who recently came down from Div 1, igniting nerves within the players as this was a new team they were facing.
First Period:
As the first period began, they were quick to take advantage of the face off with Meszarosova (#15 sponsored by Box7) on a breakaway with her shot just rebounding off the goalies pads, but the energy was maintained. The Phantoms remained strong in the defensive zone, keeping the puck away from the net with some admirable saves made by Plumb (#98 sponsored by Ask2build) However after finding a break in the Phantoms defence at 09:44 West-Attrill (#10) scores for Slough assisted by Haskins (#43). At 13:52 Barraclough (#27) tied it up with the Phantoms' first goal of 2024 off a beautifully accurate pass by Lock (#2). Slough unfortunately scored 2 more Haskins (#43) assisted by West-Attrill (#10) at 17:45 and Winstanley (#49) assisted by Edmiston (#17) at 18:19 on the power play after a penalty was called against Phantoms' own Meszarosova (#15) at 17:50 ending the 1st period with the Phantoms down 1-3 despite their strong plays and countless opportunities.
Second Period:
As the clock started for the 2nd period the Phantoms knew they needed to challenge Slough. Effort levels increased as they desperately grasped onto any opportunity that presented itself, battling and battling in hopes of a goal. At 24:50 Matheson (#18) assisted by West-Attrill (#10) of Slough score leaving the Phantoms down 1-4, any chance of a point seeming further out of reach. The defence however did not give up with pucks being flicked away by McCarthy (#7) and Danks (#53) on her Phantoms debut. Various battles occurred for the puck, increasing the physicality in an already tense game. A penalty was called against Horn (#13 sponsored by Buds fitness & Hercules) at 26:14 for the Phantoms, highlighting how physical the game had become. At 33:26 Neaverson (#66 sponsored by Buds fitness and Box7) proved committed as she scored by fighting for the puck after an initial rebound assisted by captain Dawson (#3). Furthermore at 38:49 Whittemore (#33) bagged a goal assisted by Meszarosova (#15) However Slough soon countered with a shot into the net by Haskins (#43) assisted by West-Attrill (#10) leaving the score as 3-5 at the end of the 2nd period.
Third Period:
By the 3rd period the Phantoms remained at a disadvantage with the score being 3-5 and were growing tired yet remained determined to produce a result. Penalties were given on both sides with Whittemore (#33) receiving 2 minutes at 43:25 for the Phantoms and Howe (#13) at 44:02, Edmiston (#17) at 45:30, Winstanley (#49) at 45:30, West-Attrill (#27) at 49:36 and Yiu (#56) at 55:12 for Slough, proving how desperately both teams wanted the win. Meszarosova (#15) scores short handed unassisted at 44:23 closing the gap further between the Phantoms and the Sirens. Fierce battles ensued in front of the net on both sides in hopes of it crossing the line namely by Brooks (#19). Duguid (#5 sponsored by Ask2build) reduces the gap once again assisted by Meszarosova (#15) Finally Neaverson (#66) was stood back door and had a beautiful pass from Horn (#13) and one timed it into the net at 50:13 letting the Phantoms even up the score on the power play. Slough only score 1 more during the period at 42:48 by Yiu (#56) assisted by Edmiston (#17). This left the match as a draw as the final buzzer went off, reigniting the Phantoms point streak.
Player of the match #15 Hana Meszarosova sponsored by Box7.
Looking Ahead:
The Phantoms remain determined with a new hope after this tie . They will continue to work meticulously for the next 3 weeks after which they look to take on Coventry Phoenix. The next game is Saturday, February 10th 6:00pm at Planet ice Peterborough. The Phantoms look forward to capitalising on this next match to gain points and increase their goal difference to assert dominance within the league standings.
Acknowledgment:
Once again thank you to all our supporters and especially to our sponsors Ask2Build, Buds Fitness and Box7.
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