Hockey returned to Blackburn Arena on Sunday evening, as the Hawks looked to follow up their impressive opening day victory over bitter rivals, Manchester, with a 'Roses' clash against the unpredictable Sheffield Spartans. A crowd of over 700 fans welcomed the newly-crowned Play-off Champions onto the ice, eager to cast their eyes over the two new signings, who were making their home debuts. Scott Robson and Adam Brittle had been brought into the club from Hull Stingrays and Milton Keynes, respectively, along with the returning Rick Hughes, all of whom would add depth and experience to the Blackburn roster.
The first period began with the home side pressing for an early advantage, with Aaron Davies and Jared Owen both going close. The opening goal wasn't long in coming, and after 4 minutes, some intricate one-touch passing by Ashington, Robson, and Dimitrijevs saw the diminutive Latvian beat Stones in the Spartans net with a deft flick. This settled any nerves for the home side, and they began to dominate the match, adding a second with only 7 minutes on the clock. Danny Brittle (Dangy), in the Hawks goal, played a defence-splitting pass out to Hughes on the left wing, and he unleashed a powerful slap-shot across the netminder, just inside the far post. A series of petty 'minor' penalties saw both teams enjoy power-play opportunities, but clear-cut chances were at a premium. Several goalmouth skirmishes threatened to see tempers boil over, but the officials managed to keep control. Chris Arnone took exception to Ollie Barron, the opposing captain, for some under-hand play, but when he was asked 'to dance', was quick to seek solace on the visitor's bench. With the end of the period approaching, Harding 'roughed up' Hawks defenceman, Ollie Lomax, and during the ensuing power-play, Arnone fired home goal number 3.
The second 'twenty' began with another goal for Blackburn, this time Miles Dacres latching onto a long pass out of defence. He bore down on the keeper, and turned full-circle, before sliding the puck beyond the confused Stones. The game then became rather 'bitty', as penalties were taken at regular intervals by both teams, although neither could take full advantage. Dangy was a spectator for large portions of the period, but was still called into action on several occasions, most notably producing a fine kick-save to deny the Sheffield forwards. With Owen already sat in the penalty box for tripping, Lomax joined him with a 10 minute 'mis-conduct' call, and it was with only 30 seconds remaining, that the Hawks scored goal number 5. Davies was involved in a frantic scramble in the Spartans goal-mouth, and somehow managed to force the puck over the line, at the third attempt.
The match was well and truly over as a meaningful contest, as the teams took to the ice for the final time. However, Blackburn were in no mood to allow the visitors to gain a foothold, and increased the tempo, as they went straight onto the offensive. Jordan Ashington was unlucky to see his 'tipped' effort ruled out for high-sticks, and this was closely followed by a stinging drive from Craig Rogers, which brought the best out of the Spartans netminder. Barron took out his frustration by firing a puck at Reece Cairney-Whitter, well after the whistle had been blown. He quickly realised the error of his ways, however, as the considerable frame of Whitter approached him at great speed, and he was forced to cover-up, as the youngster administered his own inimitable form of justice. With the Sheffield captain face-down on the ice, he felt the full weight of his assailant, who landed on top of him, and he suffered a suspected broken nose. The final goal of the evening came with only five minutes remaining, with the speedy Dacres producing some good work on the right wing. He crossed for Adam Brittle in front of the Sheffield net, and he kept his composure to fire past the hapless Stones.
The final hooter was greeted by a resounding cheer from the home fans, who had seen a competent display from their team.
M.V.P was awarded to Adam Brittle.
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