Warriors 2 exact revenge on Blazers
On Saturday 5th April 2025 our second team welcomed Sheffield Blazers to Planet Ice for an IHSC Cup game.
This was the Warriors' fifth game in the IHSC Cup and their first since a humbling 12-0 loss to the Blazers at Ice Sheffield on March 1st. Eager to restore some pride on home ice, the team was determined to bounce back with a win. In the interim, they played two challenge matches, using the opportunity to rebuild confidence and momentum.
Dressed players:
Joe Quinn (NM), Adam Tomlinson, Andrew Hughes, Liam Symington, Luke Cadman, Louis Feather, Stu Nelson, Tim Lyndon-Belt, David Reid, Corey Clough-Howard, James Way, Matt Bolan, Jamie Thurston, Arek Koziel, Petr Dostal and Adam Gibbons.
1st period
From the opening exchanges, it was clear this would be a far more evenly contested game than their previous encounter. The Blazers appeared to be missing some of the key players who had made such an impact last time out.
With 09:03 on the clock, Jamie Thurston broke the deadlock for the Warriors, finishing off a well-worked play set-up by Louis Feather. Buoyed by the breakthrough, the home side pressed forward, looking to build on their momentum. Just 90 seconds later, netminder-turned-skater Andrew Hughes doubled the lead, slotting home after a neat assist from Liam Symington.
The hosts found themselves in a strong position and continued to play with confidence. Solid defensive work allowed them to consolidate their lead, keeping the Blazers at bay and limiting their chances.
Warriors 2 Blazers 0
2nd period
Heading into the middle period, the Warriors had every reason to feel satisfied with their strong start and looked to carry that confidence forward.
But the Blazers had other ideas. Aware that a two-goal deficit can be quickly overturned, the visitors came out with renewed determination.
Their efforts paid off just 1:26 into the period, as they pulled a goal back—an ideal start that threatened to shift the momentum and put pressure on the home side.
However, the Warriors held their nerve. Despite the early setback, they remained composed and resilient, with the rest of the period playing out as a tense stalemate.
Warriors 2 Blazers 1
3rd period
With just one goal separating the sides, the final period was always going to be tense.
An early strike would have given the Warriors some breathing room—but that breakthrough didn’t come until 51:22. Once again, it was Andrew Hughes who stepped up, slotting home his second of the night from a James Way assist to make it 3–1.
From there, the task was clear: defend smartly and see out the final eight minutes. But the Warriors went one better. With less than two minutes left on the clock, Hughes struck again—this time unassisted—to complete his hat-trick and put the result beyond doubt.
With a 4–1 lead and the clock winding down, the Warriors could finally relax and enjoy the closing moments, their victory well and truly sealed.
Final score :
Warriors 4 Blazers 1
Points scorers:
Andrew Hughes 3+0
Jamie Thurston 1+0
Liam Symington 0+1
Louis Feather 0+1
James Way 0+1
Despite being scarred by their previous encounter with the Blazers, the Warriors showed real character, refusing to be fazed and instead focusing on playing to their strengths. It was a gutsy performance—and one that earned them a well-deserved result: their first points in the IHSC Cup!
Joe Quinn
Player of the game
Petr Dostal
Captain’s player of the game
Player of the Game, as selected by the Blazers, went to Joe Quinn - and the helmet went to Petr Dostal! Well played guys.
Our second team’s next game in the IHSC Cup is against the Blackburn Buccaneers at home.
Details below:
IHSC Cup
Saturday 10th May 2025
Warriors v Blackburn Buccaneers
@ Planet Ice, Leeds
Face-off : 21:45
Free entry
Watch this space for future Warriors 2 fixtures : Fixtures and Results.
