The first double header of 2024 saw us take on the Sting at home on Saturday followed by a trip up to Bradford on Sunday. Six straight years of defeats to the Sting was enough to rally the NIHL Blaze into a great performance to kick-start the weekend.

First Period:

One that that Blaze were noticeably up for. Outshooting the Sting 21-4, with nothing to show for it however. Masses of pressure and shots but no way through King in the Sting net. Laverick for the Blaze coming up big when relied upon. The frame finished zeros a piece.

NIHL Blaze 0-0 Sting

Second Period:

A more close period with only one shot between the two teams. Both teams piling on pressure at different points in the period but it was the Sting, whom off the back of a powerplay broke the ice. A nice play behind the net, fed in front for an open man who slotted it home past Laverick to give the Sting the lead. A late powerplay for the Blaze meant they carried it over to the third with work to do and a goal to make up.

NIHL Blaze 0-1 Sting

Third Period:

Another fantastic period of back and forth hockey gave the fans in attendance every pennies worth but even half way through in this period, the games second goal wasn’t scored. It wasn’t long after though, that the game was tied. A huge net front scramble, on the powerplay, that eventually found it’s way to Sam Prosser on the door step who tapped it home and the game was finally tied. Relief amongst the Blaze who finally found a way past King in the Sting net. Despite more powerplays late in the game for the Blaze, this one went to overtime.

NIHL Blaze 1-1 Sting

Overtime:

The Blaze started the extra frame with a 4on3 powerplay and despite chances, couldn’t find a way past King. The powerplay soon ended and it was back to 3on3. Chances at both ends with a 2on1 defended well by Gavigan to deny the Sting. Soden, Kent and Mellet with great chances up the other end for the Blaze. But this would be decided with a good old penalty shootout.

NIHL Blaze 1-1 Sting

Shootout:

Sutton Sting Shoots First

Final Score: NIHL Blaze 2 (SO) 1 Sting

Final SoG: NIHL Blaze 51-28 Sting

MOTM: Hayden Laverick

Scoring Summary:

Sean O’Neill 1+0

Sam Prosser 1+0

Charles Coney 0+1

Daniel Kent 0+1