240303 – Raiders v Solway – Gamesheet
Raiders vs Solway Sharks Sunday 3rd March 2024
Raiders came into Sunday’s encounter against the Solway Sharks off the back of a heavy defeat in Hull the previous evening with both teams knowing the importance of this match as they battle for the final playoff spots, and they knew how crucial two points would be to them.
In front of a healthy crowd at the Sapphire, the game started with a real high intensity as the Raiders began on the front foot applying early pressure on the Sharks net, but the game remained goalless. After many pucks on the net from the Raiders, John Dunbar hit the post off a rebound for the Sharks. Eventually Raiders were able to find the back of the net through Tjay Anderson with a precise shot into the top right-hand corner, which was the only goal in the period.
The second period begun the same way as the first with Sharks defenceman Olivier Arseneau having to make a last-ditch stick lift to deny forward Coy Prevost a one on one with Warburton. After a mistake on the powerplay, Raiders allowed Sharks to have a breakaway opportunity through top goal scorer Nolan Gardiner who once again was denied by Ethan James in net. After another penalty taken by the Sharks, Raiders were able to double their lead through Jesper Eriksson after a good passing play to set up the one timer in the slot. With five seconds left on the clock Raiders were able to extend their lead to three, through Eriksson once again after a good face off win by Norcliffe which allowed the shot from the Swede, allowing the Raiders to go into the final period with a comfortable lead.
Third period saw a change of netminder for the Sharks as concussion affected Curtis Warburton did not return to ice allowing a chance for Calum Hepburn to salvage something for the Sharks. Sharks came out with an intent the game was not over, as Caly Robertson scored within 28 seconds of the restart with a fierce snipe off the post making it a two-goal game once again. However, the three-goal lead was restored not long after as Tjay Anderson showed great skill and composure in front of the net for his second of the game to go round Hepburn and place it beyond him.
A costly mistake on the penalty kill made it a two-goal game once again through Scott Henderson as he got a chance all alone in front which he snuck through the five hole of James. Penalty trouble for the Sharks was continuing as Raiders were able to punish them on the powerplay once again with a shot tipped in front by Aaron Connolly. Raiders continued to have man advantages as Sharks were left 5 on 3, which gave Raiders the space to find Adam Laishram who sniped one through with two seconds left on the 5 on 3, keeping them on the powerplay. Moments after, Raiders were able to put the game out of sight with Laishram getting his second of the game after a lovely feed from Anderson.
With little time left, Craig Peacock secured a consolation goal on the powerplay giving the Raiders a huge two points and a 7-3 victory.
Man of the match for the Sharks went to Caly Robertson whilst the in-form Tjay Anderson took it for the Raiders.
