Phantoms take on the only other undefeated team in the league. Who will come out on top?

(Player of the match Saara Karvonen)

Phantoms host Streatham Storm in their first game of the year. With Streatham also being undefeated so far, the Phantoms knew it would be the toughest game of the season to date.

The game started off strongly for both sides. Each trying to settle into their own style of play. The Phantoms came close a few times but could not find the back of the net. It was the same for Streatham who could not get past the Phantoms defence or netminder. A pretty even first period with a 0-0 score to match.

With the second period beginning, the Phantoms knew that they had to step up their game and that is exactly what they did. Whilst on the power play, Captain Hana Meszarosova pass to assistant Saara Karvonen who took full advantage of the pass and tipped the puck in.

(Phantoms celebrating their first goal)

This goal set in motion a dominant team performance. The Phantoms won the face off in their defensive zone and played the puck up to the forwards. It was a play where all players did their part. Saara Karvonen skated hard to win the puck, she passed to Sara Dawson who in turn played an inviting pass to Hana Meszarosova who fired the puck home for the Phantoms.

(Captain Hana Meszarosova adding a second goal for Phantoms)

Streatham continued to try and get a goal but could not break down the Phantoms defence! After some impressive defending from Sue O’Sullivan and Kodie Duguid, they guided the puck forward! Although it was won back by Streatham, Saara Karvonen did not give up and intercepted a pass then drove forward gliding around the Streatham players and added a second goal to her tally.

(Phantoms celebrating Saara Karvonen second goal)

The Phantoms received 2 penalties meaning that they temporarily went down to 3 players! With some perfectly timed changes and beautiful defensive play, the Phantoms did not give Streatham any space. When they did get a shot on goal, it was no match for the Phantoms netminder Katie Plumb.

(Phantoms defence keeping Streatham from scoring)

Streatham did get one back and this only spurred on the Phantoms more. Ruby Allen took a shot at the net which was saved but ready and waiting for the rebound was Laura Broadley! 4-1 at the end of the second.

(Phantoms Celebrating their four goal)

As the third period begun, both sides knew it was all still to play for. The Phantoms started quickly from the go! Hana Meszarosova pass to Sara Dawson who was cleverly screening the Streatham netminder and beautifully guided the puck into the back of the net.

(Sara Dawson celebrating the fifth goal)

Streatham managed to get another goal back but were no match for the Phantoms. After just getting back on the ice from a penalty, Aimee Neaverson’s tenacious play terrorised the Streatham players. She intercepted a loose Streatham pass and perfectly aimed the puck past the netminder.

(Aimee Neaverson driving at Streathams defence)

The game finished 6-2 and the Phantoms remain the only undefeated team in the league!

Player of the match was Saara Karvonen.

The Phantoms next fixture is the 22nd January away at Streatham.