Warriors 2 draw with Cannibals

On Sunday night our Warriors 2 team took on the Bradford Cannibals on home ice.

This was the return fixture from the 10-6 loss at Bradford on 30th April.

The Warriors knew this was going to be another tough game, as Bradford Cannibals are an experienced team, with several standout talents. Despite that, the Warriors were determined to push them closer this time round.

It was the Warriors that took the lead in the 1st period after Simon Morrow converted the rebound from Captain Niku Ghaemi’s shot.

This was cancelled out by an end to end goal by Bradford’s Mark McDonald, assisted by Andrew Heald. The score being 1-1 at the end of 1st period.

Warriors goalie Ben Cohen had taken 14 shots and Cannibals goalie Robert Caddle had taken 12.

The 2nd period was more of a scrappy affair. Bradford took a 1-2 lead through an Andris Bergs goal, set up by John Foster.

Bradford had plenty or pressure and possession and only big saves from Ben Cohen, particularly some right on the doorstep, kept the Warriors in the game.

The Warriors were able to respond again with a goal from the same combination - Simon Morrow assisted by Niku Ghaemi.

But, another goal for Bradford - Dyson from Mason, meant the score at the end of the 2nd period was 2-3 to Bradford.

Warriors goalie Ben Cohen took 10 shots in the 2nd period and Cannibals goalie Robert Caddle took 9.

After a fresh ice cut, the 3rd period started with more pace and better execution from Warriors. Niku Ghaemi scoring to close things up at 3-3 with Simon Morrow returning the favour with an assist.

Unfortunately, somewhat against the run of play, Bradford scored twice to open up the first two goal lead of the game at 3-5. Goals coming from Chris Mason and Paul Crowcroft.

Warriors Captain Ghaemi scored again on a tight angle shot to bring the score back to 4-5. Assisted by Kristaps Savickis.

With 5 mins to go, we saw the move of the game with the Warriors breaking out of the zone smartly as Callum Muir fed Howard Barwick who then laid on a neat sauce pass for Tom Cokill to score low on a partial breakaway to tie the game at 5-5. The Warriors failed to capitalise on a late powerplay to close out the 3rd.

As the game finished tied at 5-5, it was time for a full 5 mins of overtime.

One minute into overtime saw a scrappy Bradford goal from Mark McDonald appear to have clinched the game for Bradford.

But, a face-off win in the Bradford zone gave Warriors’ Corey Clough-Howard a great opportunity to score his first Warriors goal, which he did, with a low shot from the point.

The game played out with minor chances for both teams, ending 6-6 in a fair representation of a tight game with plenty of drama.

This was a great result from the Warriors 2 guys and they should be proud of themselves.

They won the final period 3-2 and took the game to OT, never giving up.

Player stats

Niku Ghaemi 2 + 2

Simon Morrow 2 + 1

Tom Cokill 1 + 0

Corey Clough-Howard 1 + 0

Kristaps Savickis 0 + 1

Player of the game was goalie, Ben Cohen. His 3rd award in as many games. Having taken 44 shots. Well done Ben!