Image (C) Jo Loat
Final score: Basingstoke Bison 3-2 Telford Tigers (League)
By Matthew Church
Saturday 14th January 2023
Refs: Belfitt and Korsaks – Linos: Hill and MacPhee
The GalxC Cooling Services sponsored Basingstoke Bison were back on home ice and keen to make amends after their defeat last Saturday against the Bees, as they welcomed the Telford Tigers to town. Having emerged victorious in Telford the previous Sunday, the Herd felt confident in achieving back-to-back wins as the contest began.
Another raucous crowd was given early reason to celebrate as the Bison made a dream start, opening the scoring with only 3:58 gone. A powerplay opportunity saw Aidan Doughty (assisted by Baird and Wilson) parked in front of the net and he tipped in a low slap shot past netminder Brad Day for a 1-0 lead. The home side continued to create most of the clear chances throughout the first frame and at 10:50 they doubled their advantage to the delight of the Bison faithful. A turnover near the Tigers’ blue line saw Marcel Balaz enter the offensive zone before passing to Gaël Lubwele (Balaz) on the right, who then fired a fantastic wrist shot into the top corner of the net and celebrated with raw emotion as the Herd went 2-0 ahead. This lead would remain unchanged as the teams left for the first period break.
Despite looking unlikely to repeat their league title-winning antics of last season, the Tigers still had plenty of fight and hunger inside of them, meaning it was no surprise when they scored their first goal of the game at 26:57 to truly make this a battle. With a failed clearance of the Bison d-zone, the visitors found Jake Price (S.Watkins) alone to the right of goal and he slammed the puck past Jordan Lawday in net, bringing the Tigers back to 2-1 behind.
Shortly afterwards, a five minute penalty assessed to the Bison threatened to undo their hard work thus far, but when the Tigers also fell foul of the officials, 4-on-4 play meant more open ice and the Herd took full advantage. A breakaway saw Liam Morris (unassisted) race towards the Tigers net alone and he fired past Brad Day with precision at 30:45, before celebrating to the crowd in style by proudly holding the Bison badge, as his side moved 3-1 ahead. The Herd would remain resolute in defence and hold onto their two goal lead as the second period intermission arrived.
All that separated the Bison and a hugely important two points, were 20 minutes of hockey and in true fashion, they would be filled with nervous moments. The Tigers continued to press and only fine saves from Jordan Lawday would prevent them from reducing the home side’s lead. However, halfway through the frame, a powerplay opportunity for the visitors was taken full advantage of as they finally brought themselves to within one goal at 51:06. Quick puck movement in the offensive zone left Scott McKenzie (Luka, Howells) alone on the right and he sent a low bullet into the Bison net, to set up a tense finale.
The Bison remained calm and kept clear chances to a minimum as the clock edged towards 60 minutes, with netminder Day being pulled from net in a last attempt to rescue the Tigers’ night. Unfortunately for them, it would not produce the desired outcome and the Herd proudly celebrated a massive 3-2 victory to keep them firmly in the hunt for a playoff spot!
Next up at home, a visit from the Romford-based Raiders IHC on Saturday 21st January. See you all there!
Tickets are selling fast for Saturday’s game
