MATCH REPORT: Storm Celebrate Four Point Weekend!

Tickets for Storm’s upcoming game against the Guildford Flames can be ordered online HERE, by calling the Box Office on 0161 926 8782, or in person at the box office. Face-off is 19:30, Wednesday16th January. Let’s pack the barn as Storm look to defend the Patton.

Your Go Goodwins Manchester Storm celebrate a four point weekend, following 7-4 victory last night against visitors, Fife Flyers and an away win in Nottingham the night before. Storm picked up two points on the road against The Nottingham Panthers on Saturday, winning 3-0. This saw netminder, Matt Ginn also secure his first shut-out of the season!

The first period started with both teams pushing straight away for that first goal of the evening. Guathier had the proper first chances of the night with a breakaway, to be gloved by Ginn. They had further opportunities a few minutes in, as Braid was sent to the penalty box for holding at 3:05. Ehrhardt was also handed a penalty at 4:11 for cross-checking. Flyers pushed hard on a 5 on 3 powerplay, Schaber claiming the first goal of the night at 5:01 – just seconds before Braid’s penalty would have ended.

Storm pushed for their first goal of the night and the equaliser. This appeared at 7:57, as Dallas scored mid-shelf with a snap shot, Long and Hammond getting the assists. It was 12:41 when the second Storm goal appeared, scored by Poulin above the glove of Owen and assisted by Hammond and Richardson.

The first was in some ways one-sided, with Storm getting goal number three and the two goal lead at 14:43. Goal number three was scored by Auger with a back-handed shot, on the rebound, assisted by Ehrhardt and Braid.

Credit: All Sports Photography

Storm came out strong in the second period, taking a few chances straight from the first face-off. McKenzie was called for high-sticking at 25:06 and was sent to the box.The powerplay was not in Storm’s favour, as Flyers scored goal number two short-handed. It was Cazzola who found the back of the net, assisted by Basaraba at 26:39.

There was a powerplay opportunity for Flyers, as Springer was sent to the penalty box for interference at 28:08. Storm held up a strong penalty kill, making sure Flyers wouldn’t equalise.

It was Storm captain, Byers who was quick to secure the two goal lead, with a shot resulting in the puck becoming stuck in the net and the assists from Ehrhardt and Ginn at 30:17. Storm drew a penalty against Flyers’, McKenzie for tripping at 36:28, but were unable to get goal number five on the powerplay. Minutes later, the Flyers had a brilliant opportunity, only to be shut out by Ginn, who saved post to post. The second ended with Storm on the powerplay that would continue in the third, as Basaraba was sent to the penalty box for holding.

Credit: All Sports Photography

The third period began in Storm’s favour with an extra man on the ice. It was the time they wanted, as Ehrhardt scored his second of goal of the night on the powerplay with a snapshot past Owen – Hammond and Long with the assists at 40:38.

There was another powerplay opportunity for Storm just five minutes later, when Wand was sent to the box for tripping at 45:21. The Flyers held their own on their penalty kill, Storm being unable to get one more past the defence. It was however, turning out to be a high-scoring game as Storm put in goal number five just a few minutes after. It was Auger who scored his second goal of the evening, assisted by Stadel and Poulin at 47:26.

Barnes received a penalty for hooking at 48:20, giving Flyers an opportunity to push forward. Flyers scored just moments later; scored by Guathier on the powerplay,with Basaraba and Schaber both getting assists at 49:10. Storm scored their seventh goal at 52:40, Linsmayer tapping the puck in on a deflection, the assists from Moffatt and Byers.

Springer was handed a two minute minor penalty for cross-checking at 53:01, but Flyers were unable to put one past Ginn on their powerplay. Another opportunity for Flyers arose, as Long was sent to the penalty box at 56:40 for tripping. The Flyers got goal 4 of the evening, scored by Crowder on the powerplay at 58:33, assisted by Moore and Cazzola.

During the final minute, Basara was handed a penalty for slashing. With only 18 seconds left on the clock, Storm killed time with the puck, claiming the two points at home and the final score remaining at 7-4. It was a fantastic weekend for the Storm, as they had a four point weekend, going one place higher in the league table.

Man of the Match for Fife Flyers went to #91, Chase Schaber

Man of the Match for Manchester Storm went to #10, Dallas Ehrhardt

Shots on Goal: Shane Owen – 32

Shots on Goal: Matt Ginn – 31

Referees: Andrew Miller and Matt Thompson

Join us as we face visitors, The Guildford Flames on Wednesday 16th, 19:30 face-off. Let’s pack the Storm Shelter and support the team, as they look to defend the Patton Conference!

The OSC have just announced their next event, Storm Bingo – taking place January 22nd, 7:00PM. Email events.stormosc@gmail.com for more information! The supporters club have a few upcoming events; from ladies night to Bowling with the Storm. Check out their social media and book soon to avoid disappointment.