The U18 Blaze season came to a close at the Skydome in a game that was more competitive than the scoreline suggests.

The first period saw the visitors having more of the possession but the Blaze hitting on the break. Coventry found themselves short handed after just 21 seconds as Ricky Bryniarski sat out an elbows minor but the penalty killing squads held out. Henry Wilkins in goal putting himself in the way of several shots. The Vipers took the lead on 4.49 and added a second on 7.49 but at the other end of the rink Joe Southall. Stephen Hall and Ricky Bryniarski all had their chances. Blaze fell further behind on 14.45 and were unlucky to concede a fourth just before the interval buzzer following a breakout from the Vipers zone.

Blaze came out all cylinders firing for the second and got a goal back on 22.39 with a rocket of a shot from the right wing fro Stephen Hall that flew into the net over the netminder’s shoulder. Vipers restored their four goal cushion on 24.13 but the rest of the period was pretty even as the Blaze strove to get back into the game. Dale Buckland, Kirsty Venus, Ross Pink and Chris Bryniarski all being denied by the Viper’s defence whilst at the other end the Blaze ‘D’ held firm. The Blaze were unable to take advantage of their two powerplays but successfully defended a Jamie McKinnon minor. The Blaze ‘D’ was also depleted as Chris Bryniarski talked himself into a 10 minute misconduct.

The third period followed the pattern of the second as the teams traded attacks. Rory Hannan and Jamie McKinnon having slap shots from the blue line blocked whilst Sam Laurence’s wrist shot through traffic was deflected just wide. Newcastle added a sixth goal on 42.39. Sam Hewitt took over between the pipes for the Blaze on 45.38 and was quickly in action kicking away one shot and gloving another. He kept out a series of attempts before finally being beaten from long range on 55.28. That concluded the scoring for the game.

Spirit of the Game awards went to Daniel Pye for the Vipers and Stephen Hall for the Blaze.

Stats:
Blaze
Stephen Hall 1+0
Ricky Bryniarski 1+1

Henry Wilkins 46mins 6/41 85%
Sam Hewitt 14 mins 1/16 94%

PiMs 24

Vipers
Grant Sharp 2+2
Josh Lalande 2+2
Graham Robson 2+0
Richard Emerson 1+2
Ross Hanlon 0+1

Chris Snaith 60 mins 1/23 96%

PiMs 12

Reporter: Carl