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Result: 16th September 2007. MK Storm 4 v. Invicta Mustangs 5
(1-1, 0-2, 3-2)
Milton Keynes opened their league campaign with an entertaining, but ultimately frustrating defeat to a strong Invicta unit.
Starting the match with positive intent, both sides attacked with great energy, and although MK looked sharper and hungrier than the visitors, Chris Chaplen had to be on top of his game in the MK nets. MK deservedly took the lead when solid work from Harrison Goode resulted in a classy finish by Glen Trivett (13:09) in front. Invicta equalized quickly (14:00), and with too many MK players visiting the penalty box, they could count themselves lucky to stay level at the break.
The second period started well for MK, with good attacking movements on all lines, and some no nonsense defence from Mitch Starkey in particular. With MK committed to attack, Invicta caught them on the break with two lightning strikes (33:44 & 34:07). Nonetheless MK continued to attack, and only some spectacular saves from the Invicta netminder stopped MK from narrowing the gap.
The final period started dismally for the hosts with a fourth strike from Invicta in the first shift (40:11). But MK dragged themselves back into contention, when David Coffey’s shot was slotted home by Jacob Heron (41:06) in front. Another Invicta goal (40:11) looked to have sewn up the match, but MK continued to dominate possession and when Glen Trivett’s rebounded shot was smashed home by Nick Wynn (47:25), they looked likely to prevail. Hopes rose higher when Ross Green’s surging run and pass over the Invicta blue line was finished by a spectacular Jacob Heron slap shot (51:59). The final minutes of the match passed by in a blur, but even when forcing a 5-on-3 powerplay, MK just could not breach the Invicta goal line. Finally MK pulled their netminder, but tired MK legs and determined Invicta defence meant that the visitors took home the spoils.
MoM Mitch Starkey
Shots on Goal: MK 50 Invicta 28 (MK N/M Chris Chaplen)
Penalties: MK 26 Invicta 16
Jacob Heron 2+0; Glen Trivett 1+1; Nick Winn 1+0; David Coffey 0+1; Jamie Cox 0+1; Harrison Goode 0+1; Ross Green 0+1