Scimitars ice hockey academy

After a couple of hockey free weeks, during which Hank turned another year towards the big 40 something and a bit, it was another road trip, a short journey up the M1 to Bradford. Not one of my favourite rinks for any number of reasons which I won’t bore you with, but it beggars belief, (in my erstwhile opinion), just how the governing body can allow hockey to continue in this shed.

Poor ice, poorer lighting and makeshift boards created from what looked like flimsy plywood, are not the ideal environment for quality hockey. I know, before you all go on, that Queens Road was built on the same design and at the same time, but at least there was SOME maintenance during down-time there.

The place is shocking I can’t think of another (polite) word to describe it.
After fun and games with the Zamboni, it was face off time and a real chance to get some more points on the board. With coach Ellis away, it was Mark taking over the reins for this one. The kids were obviously fired up after such a long wait for competitive action and went at it from the first puck-drop. It was a full three minutes before the first break in play following a  shot from Lyndon Taylor. It had been one-way traffic in the opening minutes with Greyhounds at 100mph. Bulldogs first real attack was stopped in its’ tracks by a superb check from Jonathon Kirk, flattening the guy in the high slot.

After a clever clearance around the boards, the puck fell nicely for Tom Gabbitas in centre ice. His shot was parried by the Bradford goalie and fell kindly in front at the stick of Dominic Martin. He made no mistake with his shot and slid the puck under the net minder for the opener.
His was no more than Greyhounds deserved for the pressure they’d put Bradford under. Reese Brownley and Brad Lamb combined well from the face off after Bradford had made efforts to get a goal back. A shot was easily saved by the Greyhounds stopper, but the light went on behind him!.  Great work by Karl Cruise turned defence into attack as Greyhounds restored order. Joel Aherne picked up behind the goal and a pinpoint pass found Dominic Martin out in front again. He grabbed his and Greyhounds second with a perfect finish. The first penalty of the game went against the visitors with Karl cruise called for a dubious trip and Bulldogs went on a two minute power play, gifted with almost 10 seconds extra after a cock-up, (or should that be clock-up) by the timekeeper. It mattered not as Bradford failed to register a shot during the advantage, Sheffield’s PK line coping more that efficiently with them. As parity was restored, Greyhounds launched another wave of attack and Mitch Sweeney was unlucky with a back-handed effort.  Greyhounds also held their composure as some rather iffy tactics came into play from the hosts. The puck continued to bounce everywhere and anywhere off the ice and boards and in the final 2, Warren was called on to make a double save to keep the lead intact.

After a solid and very satisfying opening period, Greyhounds were quickest from the blocks in the second. Some lacklustre defending by Bulldogs was allowing the Sheffield forwards acres of space.. The home side were content to follow the puck, frequently leaving two Greyhounds unmarked. A great shot from Dominic Martin warmed the palms of the net minder and following a melee in front, Sheffield had the puck in the back of the net. The referee had lost sight of the puck though, and the goal was ruled out. Greyhounds continued to work well and all three lines kept the pressure firmly in the right end, Bradford happy to ice the puck for a breather. Five minutes in, and completely against the run of play, Bulldogs pulled a goal back from nothing. Connor Medley found himself in space and fired the puck home over and via Greig Yeoman’s shoulder. Sheffield reacted well and continued the assault on Bradford’s defence. With just minutes left on the period, Brad Lamb was rewarded for all his hard work so far, but I’m sure he won’t mind me saying, he won’t score an easier goal, backhanding into an empty net after Bradford had been pulled all over the place. Simon Williams was then called, again quite strangely, for roughing after what seemed like a 50’50 challenge. It was noted by one of the visiting supporters, that there was only one penalty box. The reply was that they only need one, as only the visitors get penalised!

Again, the penalty was seen off with ease and indeed, Greyhounds outshot their hosts. Just time for goal four before the break. Brad broke up the Bradford attack, placing a Bulldog on his backside with an almighty check before releasing Reese to rattle the back of the net.

The third started where the second had left off, with Sheffield on the front foot. Five minutes in, Sheffield got their first powerplay, and in very controversial circumstances.

I’d read the programme notes between periods and realised that Bradford seemed to have something of a discipline problem, particularly with dissent against referees decisions.  When Jonathon Kirk was sent crashing into the boards by an illegal check, it was none other than Bradford’s captain who showed where the problem lies. Skating away, he decided to make some very inappropriate comments to the Sheffield players, for which he received a misconduct penalty. Not content with the embarrassment of that, he then told the ref to do something not only impolite, but physically impossible! Another 10 for misconduct went his way - one would have thought that as Captain, and with a discipline problem highlighted by the team, he really should have known better!
Simon Williams was again called for roughing when it was a two-way affair and shortly afterwards, the deficit was reduced to 2-4. Sarah Hutchinson, far and away the best player in a Bradford shirt, slotted home from the high slot past an unsighted Warren. As the game drew to a close Bradford were fortunate to survive a couple of blatant elbow and spearing calls as Sheffield threw everything at them. With eight seconds left on the clock, a hopeful shot from Connor Medley bounced over the line deflected off the stick of Joel Marrow who claimed the goal, despite knowing little about it. With the score at 3-4 and so little time left, it was inevitable that Bradford would pull the net minder and go all out for the equaliser. Bizarrely, their coach decided to wait for a face off from a Sheffield icing before sending out the extra out skater. It was too late, and all Sheffield needed to do was win the face off to secure the points.

MOM Bradford Sarah Hutchinson - Sheffield Ashley Butler.
Another solid all round performance form Greyhounds and a valuable and more than satisfactory result. Each and every player can take credit from the performance - long may it continue.