4 POINT WEEKEND RECAP & LOOK AHEAD
FRIDAY
Friday night at the Shelter, the Storm hosted the Coventry Blaze in a game full of momentum swings. After falling behind 3-1 heading into the third period, the Storm’s special teams delivered when it mattered most. Jake Durflinger struck on the power play early in the third to cut the deficit to one, shifting the momentum back in our favour. Then, Man of the Match Stephen Johnson buried his second goal of the night to bring the game level at 3-3, sending the crowd into a frenzy. Just 35 seconds later, Craig Martin fired home the Storm’s third power-play goal of the night and fourth goal overall to cap off a thrilling comeback and secure a massive 4-3 victory. The two points were crucial as the playoff race continues to tighten.
SATURDAY
On Saturday, the Storm welcomed the Nottingham Panthers for another key showdown at home. An unlucky bounce off a Storm player following a David Tendeck save gave the visitors an early 1-0 lead, but Gianluca Esteves responded in style, rifling a shot into the top corner to level the game at 1-1. The battle remained tight going into the third, with both teams pushing for the breakthrough. Unfortunately, the Panthers capitalised on their odd-man rushes late in the game, making the most of their opportunities to pull away and take a 4-1 win. It was a frustrating result, but the team had little time to dwell on it with another important match less than 24 hours later.
SUNDAY
– Scott Wiggins
To close out a gruelling three-game stretch in as many days, the Storm travelled to Coventry on Sunday for a rematch with the Blaze. Despite conceding in the first period, the team responded brilliantly in the second, with captain Cam Critchlow, Tyler Hinam, and Gianluca Esteves all finding the back of the net to turn the game on its head. The Storm defended with resilience in the third, with Evan Weninger standing tall between the pipes, stopping 27 shots and shutting the door after the first period to secure another massive two points. It was a hard-fought victory on the road, proving once again the character and determination within this squad.
THE FINAL PUSH
As we enter the final stretch of the season, every single shift carries extra weight. The battle for a playoff spot is fierce, and this weekend presents another crucial test. On Saturday, the Storm head to Sheffield to face the Steelers, a team that has been dominant all season. It will be a tough challenge, but the Storm have proven time and time again that they can rise to the occasion.
Then, on Sunday, we return home to take on the Cardiff Devils at the Shelter in what promises to be a high-stakes contest. This is where your support makes all the difference. The energy in the building has been electric, and we need every fan behind us as we fight for a place in the playoffs.
Get your tickets, bring the noise, and let’s make the Shelter a fortress.
We’re taking a trip down memory lane on Sunday, Storm v Cardiff Devils – be there for our 24/25 Retro Night.
