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omen's National Ice Hockey League 2, South Division
Date: April 27, 2024
Location: Slough Ice Rink
Time: 7:10pm
(Player of the game #97 Kitty Evans sponsored by SL Elite)
Introduction:
Embarking on their first journey to Slough, the Peterborough Phantoms entered the rink with a blend of anticipation and determination, poised for a rematch that promised a fusion of speed and physicality. In the previous encounter, the Phantoms staged a remarkable comeback, erasing a goal deficit to secure an impressive 6-6 draw against the Sirens. With memories of that resilient performance still fresh, the Phantoms knew that this game was going to be a battle and they were ready to give it their all and hoped to take at least another point from the Sirens.
First Period:
The Phantoms, undeterred by the challenge of playing with a short bench, were ready to start the game strong but a quick faceoff left the Phantoms on their backfoot, allowing the Sirens’ #26 to score a goal just 27 seconds in. The Phantoms maintained composure, continued the period with their heads up and knew they’ve been in this position before and were capable of getting the goals back.
The game’s physicality escalated quickly, with the Sirens dispensing some contentious hits that tested the Phantoms’ resilience. The Phantoms were ready to step up to the challenge and met the Sirens’ level of physical play. Joanna Carter-Davis (#77) was particularly formidable, contending fiercely and winning multiple physical battles against the Slough opposition. Despite the Sirens’ provocations and scuffles at the Phantoms’ crease, the team’s concentration never wavered from the primary objective: seizing control of the puck and forging scoring opportunities.
As the period ended, the Phantoms found themselves trailing by a solitary goal, but with the fight and determination that had seen them overcome challenges before, they prepared for the comeback.
End of period score: 1-0 for Slough
(Phantoms #77 Joanna Carter-Davis causing problems for the Sirens)
Second Period:
The second period started with heightened intensity with both teams testing the referee’s tolerance to see how much they could get away with. The Sirens appeared to get a bit rattled after the Phantoms came out ready to battle and maintained possession of the puck, leaving the Sirens pinned in their own zone.
At 20:28 the Phantoms struck back. Hana Mészárošová (#15 sponsored by Box7) evaded two Sirens player's who were chasing her down and went behind the net, then completed a swift manoeuvre to the front of the net, where she unleashed a laser shot to the top corner, equalising the score making it 1-1.
However, at 24:54 the Sirens’ #17, assisted by #69, capitalized on a strategic screen, blocking the view of the Phantoms netminder Katie Plumb (#98 sponsored by Ask2Build) and managing to sneak it in to the back of the net and reclaim their lead, 2-1.
The Sirens continued their offensive at 26:09 with an unassisted goal by #10, that stretched their advantage making the score 3-1. A few minutes later, their aggression came at a cost, with a tripping penalty against #58 at 30:17, leaving them short on the ice.
The Phantoms faced their own tribulation at 34:58, receiving a bench penalty for too many players on the ice. The subsequent penalty kill showcased their defensive skills, with forwards Brooks (#19 sponsored by Simone@Box7) and Neaverson (#66 sponsored by Box7 and BudsFitness) chasing down the puck and putting pressure on the Sirens, stopping them from being able to set up a play. The Phantoms, relentless in their pressure, effectively nullified Slough’s advantage, continually clearing the puck down the ice and shutting down any attempts to set up in the Phantoms defensive zone.
End of period score: 3-1 for Slough.
(Phantoms celebrating #15 Hana Mészárošová goal)
Third Period:
The Phantoms were 3-1 down entering the third period and knew they had to continue the pressure, physical play, be the first to the puck and maintain possession in order to claw back the two-goal deficit. After a few minutes of intense battle, the Phantoms scored. At 43:35 Mészárošová (#15) assisted by Neaverson (#66) scored her second goal of the game. Stacie Horn (#13 Sponsored by BudFitness & Hercules) picked up the puck from behind the Phantoms’ net and made a breakout pass to Neaverson (#66) who was in position and waiting on the hash marks. Neaverson (#66) skated the puck up the ice and made a clean stick-to-stick pass to Mészárošová (#15) who raced to the net and hit the top shelf, knocking the opposition goalie’s water bottle.
The Phantoms’ persistence paid off once again, with the equaliser coming at 51:07 when Mészárošová (#15) scored her third goal of the game, completing her impressive hat-trick. Mészárošová (#15) gained possession of the puck after winning a puck battle behind the net and raced coast-to-coast full speed, beating the Sirens’ defence before she sniped a shot to the top corner of the net, wiping all the webs away and making the score 3-3.
With the score being equalized, the Phantoms were ready to leave everything on the ice. Defensive powerhouse, Emily Lock (#2) took the puck and skated coast-to-coast in a display of skill and power, getting a strong shot off on target, forcing the Slough keeper to make a quick glove save. The Phantoms were all over the Sirens, but Slough snatched back the lead at 55:27. The Sirens took advantage of a neutral zone turnover and converted on a breakaway, allowing them to break through and score their 4th goal, making the game 4-3 with only minutes left to play.
The Phantoms were determined to even the score and knew they were more than capable of doing so. Despite the goal deficit, they kept their heads up and battled during every shift. The Sirens were unable to break through the phantoms defence, with help from Carter-Davies’ (#77) strong physical defensive playstyle.
With less than three minutes left in the game, the Phantoms were undeterred and rallied. At 57:28 Brooks (#19) hustled behind the net, passed to Kodie Duguid (#5 Sponsored by Ask2Build) who took a shot on net leading to a big rebound. Both Duguid (#5) and Kitty Evans (#97 sponsored by SL Elite Coaching) went for the rebound and rookie Evans (#97), who was ready and waiting at the back door, managed to find the back of the net and scored her debut senior goal tying the game at 4-4.
End of period score: 4-4
(#97 Kitty Evans scoring the equalising goal)
Player of the Game:
Kitty Evans received player of the game as a result of her consistent work ethic all game and for scoring her first league goal with the senior team.
Shots on Goal:
Peterborough: 32
Slough: 32
Looking ahead:
The Phantoms now set their sights on playoffs contenders, Cardiff Comets, with their next game scheduled for Saturday, May 4th, as they continue their consecutive away games.
Acknowledgements:
The Phantoms extend a heartfelt thank you to our dedicated sponsors, Ask2Build, BudsFitness, and Peterborough Phantoms Box7, for their unwavering support. A special note of gratitude is also due to our friends, family, and notably the parents, who generously devote their weekends to travelling with us, mile after mile, to away games. Your commitment to our team does not go unnoticed.
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