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Women's National Ice Hockey League 2, South Division
Date: 11/05/2024
Time: 18:15
Location: Coventry Skydome
Period 1:
The Phantoms faced off against the Coventry Phoenix in a fiercely anticipated match. From the initial puck drop, the Phantoms asserted their dominance, winning the faceoff and quickly transitioning into offensive mode. Hana Mészárošová (#15, sponsored by Box7) showcased her agility and sharp shooting skills, firing a quick shot from the blue line early in the game, setting the tone for an aggressive first period.
The game's pace intensified as Coventry responded with a fast break, only to be stopped by the Phantoms' solid defensive play. The puck was swiftly moved up the ice, leading to a prime scoring opportunity crafted by a strategic pass from Mészárošová (#15) to Caitlin Barraclough (#27) right in front of the net.
Coventry managed to get the puck and move it down the ice. Despite physical play by Jo Saville (#4) on the blue line, Coventry managed to get a shot on net from the blue line which was confidently saved by Katie Plumb (#98 sponsored by Ask2Build), denying Coventry any real scoring chance.
Laura Brooks (#19, sponsored by Simone@Box7) energizedthe team with several breakaway sprints, continuously challenging the Coventry defence. The period saw relentless action in the corners, with the Phantoms aggressively pursuing every puck. Liberty Malachowski (#24) took a crucial shot, saved only by the Coventry goalie's swift reaction.
At 10:56, Coventry managed to score their first and only goal of the game. With a shot from the blue line, and a large rebound, the puck was cleared away into the corner. However, Coventry player #3 scooped up the puck and took a horizontal shot from the goal line and managed to sneak the puck in between the goalie’s skate and the near post.
The Phantoms continued to surge forward and rush the puck up the ice, creating several opportunities. With seven minutes to go, Aimee Neaverson (#66 sponsored by Box7 & BudsFitness) intercepted a pass from Coventry in the Phantoms zone and rushed up the ice, taking a shot that was deflected off a Coventry player.
The puck was picked up by a Coventry player who then rushed back down the ice and took a backhand shot that was stopped by Katie Plumb (#98).
(Captain Laura Brooks attempt on net)
Period 2:
The second period started with a lot of battles straight away. After some physical play along the boards, Joanne Carter-Davies (#77) forced a turnover, collected the puck and made a tape-to-tape pass to Hana Mészárošová (#15) who was charging through centre ice.
Picking up the puck in the phantoms defensive zone, Joanne Saville (#4) made a strong cross ice pass to Jenna Clarke (#54) who then chipped it forward to Aimee Neaverson (#66) who took a shot on net, saved by Coventry goalie creating a puck rebound. Neaverson (#66) picked up the rebound and took it behind the net and then made a pass to Saville (#4) who was perfectly positioned in front of the net. She took the shot, which rebounded and was cleared away by the Coventry defence. The third period started with a lot of physical play between the two teams. Mészárošová (#15) had had enough and after a big hit behind the net, she received two minutes for boarding at 30:05. Soon after, Caitlin Barraclough (#27) received two minutes for holding at 31:18. Peterborough were able to break the deadlock and managed to score at 37:34 as Emily Lock (#2) capitalised off a pass in front of the net by Neaverson (#66) making the game an even 1-1.
(Defender Emily Lock scoring the first goal)
Period 3:
After a lot of physical play, the Phantoms scored again at 48:47 when Hana Mészárošová (#15) scored, assisted by Joanna Carter-Davies (#77). The phantoms continued to rush the net and put pressure on Coventry, despite more penalties from the Phoenix side. At 53:56 Coventry player #66 received 2 minutes for slashing.
(Phantoms celebrating Hana Meszarosova goal)
Conclusion:
The Phantoms finished the game on a high, ready for their second game of the weekend, taking place in less than 16 hours. With a lot to work on and reflect on, the Phantoms were ready to rest, repeat and snag another victory the very next day.
Final Score:
Peterborough: 2
Coventry: 1
Shots on Net:
Peterborough: 43
Coventry: 27
Player of the Game: Emma McCarthy #7
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Women's National Ice Hockey League 2, South Division
Date: 12/05/2024
Time: 16:15
Venue: Planet Ice Peterborough
Introduction:
The Phantoms were hot off a win against Coventry the day before and were ready to keep up the momentum and finish the season on a high, on home ice.
Period 1:
The period started with full intensity, with the Phantoms winning the faceoff and rushing towards the Amazons net. At 8:33, the ice was broken by Kodie Duguid (#5 sponsored by Ask2Build), who found the back of the net with a swift strike, thanks to a slick assist from Hana Mészárošová (#15 sponsored by Box7). This early goal set the tone for the Phantoms' dominance in the game.
(Phantoms celebrating Kodie Duguid goal)
Period 2:
The intensity didn't stop in the second period, as Mészárošová (#15) extended the lead at 21:28, further displaying the Phantoms' offensive power. The period was full of penalties, beginning with Solent's #71 receiving a 2-minute minor for tripping at 22:42. Shortly after, Neaverson (#66 sponsored by BudsFitness & Box7) also visited the penalty box for the same infringement at 22:47. The penalties continued with Solent’s #18 booked at 23:56 for tripping. The Phantoms capitalised on the power play, with Meszarosova (#15) striking again at 25:03. She didn't stop there, adding two more goals at 30:49 and 37:09, while Solent's #28 got penalized for Checking at 39:30.
(Forward Hana Meszarosova scoring)
Period 3:
The final period saw continued aggression and strategic gameplay. Neaverson (#66) faced yet another penalty for Clipping at 42:51, but the Phantoms maintained their defensive solidity. Stacie Horn (#13 sponsored by BudsFitness & Hercules) found the back of the net at 50:36 after a beautiful shot from the blueline. Finally, Laura Brooks (#19 sponsored by Simone@Box7), with an assist from Saville (#4), further widened the gap, with the final goal at 55:17. This sealed a convincing win and a shutout for netminder Katie Plumb (#98 sponsored by Ask2Build).
(Laura Brooks celebrating her goal)
Conclusion:
The Phantoms closed their 2023/2024 season with a spectacular four-point weekend, showcasing their readiness and resilience. As the offseason begins, the team looks forward to building on their successes and preparing for the upcoming 2024/2025 season.
Final Score:
Peterborough: 7
Solent: 0
Shots on Net:
Peterborough: 63
Solent: 32
Player of the Game: Hana Mészárošová (#15)
Looking Ahead:
As the Phantoms gear up for the offseason, they invite fans and prospective players to stay connected via social media for updates on team news, player signings, and fixture announcements. The team also encourages those interested in trying out ice hockey to reach out and join the community.
Acknowledgements:
Heartfelt thanks go to our loyal sponsors, Ask2Build, BudsFitness and Phantoms Box7 for your unwavering support throughout the season. We would also like to extend our thanks to all of our families, friends, and fans whose presence energises our team. Finally, the team would like to extend gratitude to everyone involved in making Phantoms Women’s Ice Hockey possible. We thank our coaches, managers, leadership team, committee members, game day helpers and everyone else who contributes tirelessly to the success of women’s hockey in Peterborough. Your dedication is the backbone of our team’s success.
(Phantoms team photo)
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