Report by Celyn Evans / Photos by James Assinder
Join us for our next home game against Streatham Redhawks on Saturday 14th March at 7pm. Tickets are available HERE to save 10% online or pay on the door.
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Streatham RedhawksCardiff Fire vs Streatham Redhawks
Saturday 7th March | Vindico Arena, Cardiff
This past weekend saw the Cardiff Fire take to the ice for back-to-back home games, trying to capitalise off the momentum from last week’s 10th Anniversary game.
The first of the weekend’s games took place against the Streatham Redhawks which saw a scoreline of 3-1, a massive improvement from the Fire’s last outing against the London based team. Both teams came out flying, looking to capitalise on some early momentum, but it was the visitors that broke the ice first, with their first goal scored by Ethan Lane 7:26 into the game. The Fire managed to hold them back for a little while longer before Streatham were able to double their lead, with another even strength goal timed at 14:39.
Heading into the second period two goals down, the Fire knew they had an uphill battle, trying to maintain a close and competitive game for the next 20 minutes against a skilful Streatham team. We saw a relatively uneventful second period, with no goals or penalties for either side, despite some tempers flaring as the end of the period approached. The Fire had successfully held off the Redhawks for 20 minutes, with Gemma Davies saving all 17 shots faced that period, and we went into the third with a lot of momentum and confidence.
The confidence and determination of the team paid off, as Will Thurlbert scored at 43:49, with an assist from Elis Sheppard, to bring the Fire within one goal. An intense ten minutes followed, with both teams putting up a decent amount of high scoring chances, but unable to capitalise. It was Streatham who eventually hit the net, with their third goal scored at 52:14, another even strength goal to make it 3-1 to the away side. The Fire’s energy didn’t waver however, and we finally got our first penalties of the game; Jasper Quinn and Ethan Lane dropped the gloves at 56:35, resulting in a 5-minute major plus a game misconduct for both players.
Despite the loss, it was a result to be proud of, a competitive and incredibly close game that could’ve ended either way.
Click HERE to view the team stats.
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Solent DevilsCardiff Fire vs Solent Devils
Sunday 8th March | Vindico Arena, Cardiff
On the Sunday, we saw the Fire take on the Solent Devils, who the Fire had previously beat in a shoot-out earlier in the season. Looking to make it a second win against the Devils, the Fire used their momentum from the previous night’s game to make this game as equally exciting and competitive.
The game against Solent was immediately a lot more intense, with a penalty against the Devils just 2:38 into the game. The score remained 0-0 for the first 14:16, with equal chances for both sides, until Solent capitalised on an opportunity to make it 1-0. The period ended with the Devils taking the one goal lead, but as was the case the previous night, the Fire were holding their own and battling hard at every opportunity.
A string of penalties that left the Fire on the penalty kill led to two power play goals for the visitors; one timed at 22:58, scored by Alex Murray, and the second at 28:42, scored by Dan Lackey, meaning the Devils took a 3-goal lead heading into the final 20. The Fire couldn’t break past Martin-Edwards, despite putting plenty of pressure on him during the period.
The final period began and was just as intense and competitive as the previous two, with plenty of chances but both goalies stood on their heads and blocked every shot that came their way. A big moment came for the Fire goalie, Brochan Evans, who faced two consecutive penalty shots and saved them both in the dying moments of the game to keep the score at 3-0. While it may not have been the result the team wanted, the game was a display of grit and determination as the players maintained a high level of energy and confidence against an incredibly strong Solent team.
We go again Saturday night against the Streatham Redhawks, for the final time at home this season, as we look to build off our close game this past weekend.
Click HERE to view the team stats.
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