Result:             12^th April 2008. Guildford 1 v. M K Storm 3

Fresh from a 5 day training trip in the Czech Republic Storm were in the best shape possible to take on Guildford in Guildford.

The opening minutes of the first period were played at a high pace with both teams feeling each other out.  An early penalty on Ben Russell (1.58) put Storm under some pressure but the penalty kill worked well and the scores remained even at 0-0.  Guildford allowed the Storm power play line an outing at 3.34 but despite some good pressure no goal could be found.  By the time Storm picked up a second penalty at 6.43 the pattern of play was beginning to emerge with Strom “ahead on points” but no goal to show for it.  Guildford took a penalty at 7.29 for hooking which allowed Storm to camp out in the Guildford end for the full 2 minutes and despite some very good work again no goal was produced.  The breakthrough came at 9.58 when Nathan Carmichael sent David Carson away with a well timed pass.  David crossed the blue line at speed but was faced by two defence men, he elected to shoot from the top of the circles with a wicked slap shot which found the top left hand corner making it 1-0 to Storm.  Guildford could not find a quick reply and lost momentum when they picked up another penalty at 10.58.  Storm thought they had gone further ahead at 14.46 when a rebound was pushed under the net minder but after considerable deliberation, and the intervention of a linesman, the goal was washed out.  The reason given was that the ref had blown his whistle for a covered puck before the puck crossed the goal line.  The period finished 1-0 with Storm out shooting Guildford 13 to 5.

The second period started a little flat for Storm and it was only after 2 or 3 shifts that the pace picked up again.  Storm were keeping Guildford pretty well compressed in their own defensive zone and if they did break out the Storm D men were placed to snuff out any attacks.  The pressure was building for Storm and at 25.48 Tom Mboya was on hand to nudge in a short range effort with an assist from Fraser Green.  It was not the prettiest goal but it gave some breathing space.  Storm were looking well in control of the game and picked up a third goal from another rebound at 33.35.  This goal started with some good work by the defence men Pullar and Vincent keeping the puck alive in the Guildford end.  A long range shot from Pullar was nearly tipped in by Ross Tippet but then quick work by Carson, Tippet and finally Tom Mboya saw a 3-0 score established.  Guildford managed a consolation goal with a solo effort at 33.58 but after that Storm effectively shut the game up allowing Guildford no time or space to create chances. The shot count in the second period was 12-6 in favour of Storm.

A well deserved win which keeps hopes alive of a top 2 finish.