MK Storm get revenge on Guildford

After a disappointing defeat a couple of weeks ago, MK Storm were ready for Guildford. They thought the 3 goal margin was harsh and were determined to do better. The Fireflies were unbeaten home and away all last season and in fact MK were the only team to take a point off them.

The game started with early forays for both teams, Jordan made two good saves, Thomas cleared well up to Matt and Douglas did the same moments later. From the pass Matt went on a lovely run beating three men but his shot was saved. When Guildford fought back Jack chased back hard to make an interception. It was clear to see from the early exchanges though that MK could win this one. This was enhanced when Matt saw another shot saved and then terrific battling by Ryan in the corner, won the puck and sent in a lovely cross which Macca just pushed wide. Callum cleared up to Jonathan and he pushed the puck over the blue line to Ryan who shot wide, a little later Macca also narrowly missed the upright as he fired on goal. It wasn’t all one way though and Jordan had to be alert when a deflected shot almost made it 0-2, scrambling well to his left to turn the puck away. A minute later a well worked move opened the scoring for the Fireflies, 0-1. MK tried a quick response but fell foul of the ref when Garth was called for tripping. A great short handed shift followed from Jack, Thomas, Douglas, Macca and Matt who replaced Douglas half way through, where Guildford were prevented from even getting in a shot. 30 seconds after getting back to full strength more great corner work from Ryan and a cross to Emma, who netted with aplomb led to the equalizer 1-1.
The Fireflies responded quickly but Jordan made a great save and the pressure switched to the other end as Luc, Matt, Macca and Dougie all pushed for the go ahead goal. Guildford held out though and the period ended 1-1.

At the start of the second MK again pressed Guildford back and Matt saw an effort just clear the bar. Garth challenge well to keep an attack going and when this was finally undone, Callum made a great check to prevent a chance. Guildford were the first ones in the bin this period and in just over a minute they paid the price. Macca stormed up the ice leaving bodies in his wake, found Matt and Matthew gave the minder no chance 2-1. MK were soon back on the defensive though as Macca was called for slashing. Another great shorthanded shift saw out the penalty and even threatened to score themselves. With just about 2 minutes to go Macca went on another lovely run but saw his shot saved. No problem, 30 seconds later he found Matt and his fine finish made it 3-1. The Fireflies were clearly riled as 13 seconds was all it took for them to claim one back 3-2. MK were a little despondent after seeing all that work to get a two goal lead quickly disappear. This is a strong MK team though and there was still time for Matt to go on a great solo run and score his hat trick goal 4-2.

So a two goal lead to take into the final period but this is Guildford and they don't lie down, add to that we were starting this period shorthanded again. No problem, soon seen off but when Ryan was called less than a minute later for another penalty, MK could hold out no more 4-3. In the next three minutes we saw some brilliant junior hockey and credit must go to both sides. First Matt hit his forth with a superb solo effort, beating three men as he flew up the ice, 5-3. Just 40 seconds had elapsed when Guildford struck back 5-4. Then when Dougie was called for interference we feared the worse but it looked like MK were on the PowerPlay not Guildford as Macca and Ryan both had efforts saved. In fact once again Jordan was kept fairly quiet but when called upon always came up big and saved the day. Then with just 20 seconds of the shorthanded shift to go Ryan picks up the puck, carves his way through the D and buries number 6, two goal lead restored. MK saw out the rest of the PowerPlay with ease. Unfortunately they picked up another penalty with 5 minutes to run and Guildford did make this one count, 6-5 and 41:43 on the clock. MK call a timeout to calm the nerves and a solo run from Macca almost eases them on resumption but the shot is wide. Jordan then pulls off an amazing save when it looks like the scores will be levelled. Then Guildford call their own timeout, 43:16 on the clock now. Great D once again from MK see out the time, the fireflies even pull their keeper for the last 30 seconds but to no avail and MK hang on for a famous victory.

A superb victory over a Guildford team that was unbeaten over the last couple of years. MK played great attacking hockey, defended well and to their credit never looked worried when conceding but always looked for a quick reply. Next up at the end of the month is Basingstoke at home.