Match Report by Celyn Evans / Photos by James Assinder & Celyn Evans
Join us for back-to-back home games against Streatham Redhawks on Saturday 7th and Solent Devils on Sunday 8th March. Single game tickets and weekend passes are available HERE to save 10% online or pay on the door.
2 – 5 
Invicta DynamosCardiff Fire vs Invicta Dynamos
Sunday 1st March | Vindico Arena, Cardiff
This past Sunday, the Cardiff Fire commemorated their 10th Year Anniversary with a thrilling tilt against the Invicta Dynamos, that could’ve seen a win for either team.
Whilst the result on ice wasn’t what the team had hoped for, the off-ice atmosphere was one to be celebrated, as just under 1,000 fans packed the stands at the Vindico Arena, bringing the noise and energy to spur the team to a performance they can be proud of. We were delighted to be joined by past Fire players on the ice for a ceremonial puck drop prior to the game and are grateful to those players for being a part of such a special night.
The whistle blew and the game was off to a fiery start, as both teams had some good chances, but it was Invicta that broke through first. An even strength goal timed at 7:03, scored by Cameron Pywell kicked off the game, giving Invicta a slight boost in momentum from that point forward.
With 3:50 left to go in the first period, Invicta doubled their lead, scored by their captain. This however didn’t deter the home team, and they kept the pressure high and had a few solid looks on goal but were unable to fire one home.
The Fire had a powerplay timed at 17:18, with Dylan Worthy heading to the box on an interference call, but were unable to capitalise on the advantage, ending the first period 2 goals behind the visitors.
To start the second period, the Fire received two penalties, essentially back-to-back, but managed to hold the visitors at bay for the duration of both penalties, gaining momentum and getting some good looks off the back of the penalty kills.
Despite the pick-up in energy from the home team, the Mos found the net first in the second period, the first of a hat-trick for Mads Thune, scored at 29:29 on the powerplay. It wasn’t long, however, before the Fire found the net, bringing the home team within two goals, with just under half of the game left to play.
Tempers started to flare and big hits were thrown as we closed out the middle 20, as the energy on and off the ice was unmatched. Both teams were getting their fair share of chances, but neither were able to find the net for the remainder of the period, as the score remained 3-1 to the visitors heading into the final 20.
Both teams came out flying for the third, looking to add to their goal tallies, but it was Invicta that broke through first, a second goal for Thune at 41:08. For the next few minutes both teams were exchanging chances, with some high-pressure plays in both ends which culminated in a beauty of a goal from Fire player, Joe Malfatti, who scored with 11:17 left of the game.
Mads Thune capped off his hat-trick with an empty net goal at 59:05 to seal the deal for the visitors, ending the game with a 5-2 win.
It was a performance to be proud of from the home team, with goalie Gemma Davies making an impressive 45 saves, and amazing efforts from youngsters Alfie Stone, who won player of a game with 2 assists, and Joe Malfatti, who scored his first senior NIHL1 goal!
The team are looking to build on a solid performance as we head into a home double header next weekend vs Streatham and Solent.
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Photos by James Assinder
