Storm see off the Junior Bison

MK Storm under 12’s have just started a spell of 5 games in 5 weeks. First up were the junior Basingstoke Bison. Last season we beat them comfortably enough at home but only by the odd goal in 5 away, so no forgone conclusion here.

Well you wouldn’t believe that with the way we started, just 16 seconds were on the clock when Macca broke away beat two defence men and buried the puck top left, 1-0. Then just 40 seconds later Macca turned provider when he passed through to Matt and Matthew finished top right, 2-0. The Bison tried to respond but Callum was having none of it and quickly saw off an attack with a good challenge. This was followed by good work from Garth and an early save from Jonathan M. This early foray was soon quietened as Macca again found Matt in space and he raced away to notch his second and MK’s third before the 4 minute mark. I think the shock of being 3 up so soon affected everyone because within 4 seconds, yes 4 seconds it was 3-1. Then the malaise grew as before the clock had made it to the 6 minute mark it was 3-2. MK got a grip and started to play solid D again, Thomas cleared well then moments later so did Jack. Next Emma pushed a lovely pass to Ryan and he moved in on goal but slid his shot wide, never mind this was better. Macca had a shot saved and then Matt hit the bar, this was much better. Ashley and Luc put a nice move together as Storm continued the pressure and a combination of Douglas, Callum and Garth snuffed out a bison attack. Jonathan M making a save just before the buzzer brought the first period to a close.

The second period started in much the same vein as the first but without the goals; the effort was there though, so we were quite encouraged. Just before the 19 minute mark Matt did break through to claim his hat-trick with a very nice finish, 4-2. Basingstoke were not done though and Callum made a lovely defensive interception before finding Emma in space. Emma then played a nice one two with Ryan before being stopped but Jack tackled back well and cleared the puck up ice. Round about the half way point in the second period, Macca collected the puck from mid ice and skated passed two players before finishing well for 5-2. Just a couple of minutes later Matthew did the same with a top corner finish, 6-2. Then with the period almost over, a tiny lapse led to the Bison getting a third and the period ended 6-3.

That late goal clearly annoyed Storm as from the start of the third they were on a mission, before the clock had ticked to 31, Matthew had notched goals 7 and 8, the first assisted by Douglas, making 6 in total for Matt. That seemed like game over and it also seemed like half-termitis set in as the team totally took their foot of the gas. Jonathan L and Ashley did mount one attack and Macca had a little foray but gradually the Bison crawled back into the game. To be honest they never looked like getting close but they did grab a couple of goals near the end to make it 8-5. With about a minute to go the defence had left town and Jonathan M had two Bison bearing down on him, but he came up big and turned the shot away to ensure our 8-5 victory.

Strange game this one, 3 up in 3 but only 1 up after the first and the game ebbed and flowed. We really should have buried this one but another two points is in the bag. Next week we play them again at their place and I guess they will be looking for revenge.

 

 

 

 

Game Stats

 

 

 

00:16 1-0 Macca unassisted
00:56 2-1 Matt from Macca
03:40 3-0 Matt from Macca
03:46 3-1
05:56 3-2
18:55 4-2 Matt from Thomas
23:40 5-2 Macca unassisted
26:00 6-2 Matt unassisted
29:20 6-3
30:39 7-3 Matt from Douglas
30:46 8-3 Matt unassisted
36:24 8-4
37:15 8-5

 

 

 

SOG on Johnathan 30 (5) on Basingstoke 25 (8)