Bubbs
03-02-2005, 01:27 PM
Basingstoke Bison (1) v (3) MK Storm U14 1
(0-2, 1-1)
Shots: Basingstoke 18- MK 17
MK finally put the many disappointments of this tough season behind them to record a well-deserved first victory. Although late in the season it gives them a much better chance of avoiding relegation than seemed possible after defeat at fellow strugglers Invicta left them propping up the league with one point.
MK started the match brightly and soon dominated possession. After a lengthy period of play inside the Basingstoke blue line, notable for crisp passing and disciplined positional play, MK finally made their pressure tell, Starkey neatly setting up Green (05:13) to slice through the home defence and score on the powerplay. Confidence soared through the visitors and from this point they played some of their best hockey of the season. A fast passing move from their own defence left Nicklin in front and his rebounded shot was neatly gathered and finished by an effervescent Dahlgren (11:33). Throughout the period MK impressed with their energy and workrate, and they could count themselves unlucky not to stretch their lead before the break. That said Basingstoke finished the period much stronger than they started it, but Chaplen’s calm presence between the pipes kept the visitors out of trouble.
In the second period the hosts pushed hard to narrow the deficit, and were rewarded with a selection of penalties (including one 5-on-3 that seemed to last for ever!), but MK’s defence held fast with Chaplen continuing his good work as last line of defence. With time ticking away the hosts looked to have lost their chance, but gifted with another MK penalty, they attacked and an awkward bouncing puck somehow connected with a Basingstoke stick to leave Chaplen no chance; rough justice for him, as he surely deserved a shutout for his sterling efforts throughout the match. The final minutes passed agonisingly slowly and both sides threatened to score, but finally Dahlgren (39:40) sealed victory for the visitors with a terrific breakaway effort in the dying seconds of the match.
It was no more than MK deserved, and this well-earned victory will surely increase their confidence for the remainder of the season. It is no coincidence that this victory coincides with the welcome arrival of the Topinka family from Canada. Son Mitch has contributed much to shore up the defensive, not least with his physical no-nonsense presence on a relatively lightweight bench. Father Frank brings much coaching experience and enthusiasm from across the Atlantic, and his presence on the bench has clearly helped coach Bowers to make the most of his limited line options.
Stats: Dahlgren 2+0; Nicklin 0+1; Starkey 0+1
Spirit of the Game: Chris Chaplen Man of the Match: Andre Dahlgren
(0-2, 1-1)
Shots: Basingstoke 18- MK 17
MK finally put the many disappointments of this tough season behind them to record a well-deserved first victory. Although late in the season it gives them a much better chance of avoiding relegation than seemed possible after defeat at fellow strugglers Invicta left them propping up the league with one point.
MK started the match brightly and soon dominated possession. After a lengthy period of play inside the Basingstoke blue line, notable for crisp passing and disciplined positional play, MK finally made their pressure tell, Starkey neatly setting up Green (05:13) to slice through the home defence and score on the powerplay. Confidence soared through the visitors and from this point they played some of their best hockey of the season. A fast passing move from their own defence left Nicklin in front and his rebounded shot was neatly gathered and finished by an effervescent Dahlgren (11:33). Throughout the period MK impressed with their energy and workrate, and they could count themselves unlucky not to stretch their lead before the break. That said Basingstoke finished the period much stronger than they started it, but Chaplen’s calm presence between the pipes kept the visitors out of trouble.
In the second period the hosts pushed hard to narrow the deficit, and were rewarded with a selection of penalties (including one 5-on-3 that seemed to last for ever!), but MK’s defence held fast with Chaplen continuing his good work as last line of defence. With time ticking away the hosts looked to have lost their chance, but gifted with another MK penalty, they attacked and an awkward bouncing puck somehow connected with a Basingstoke stick to leave Chaplen no chance; rough justice for him, as he surely deserved a shutout for his sterling efforts throughout the match. The final minutes passed agonisingly slowly and both sides threatened to score, but finally Dahlgren (39:40) sealed victory for the visitors with a terrific breakaway effort in the dying seconds of the match.
It was no more than MK deserved, and this well-earned victory will surely increase their confidence for the remainder of the season. It is no coincidence that this victory coincides with the welcome arrival of the Topinka family from Canada. Son Mitch has contributed much to shore up the defensive, not least with his physical no-nonsense presence on a relatively lightweight bench. Father Frank brings much coaching experience and enthusiasm from across the Atlantic, and his presence on the bench has clearly helped coach Bowers to make the most of his limited line options.
Stats: Dahlgren 2+0; Nicklin 0+1; Starkey 0+1
Spirit of the Game: Chris Chaplen Man of the Match: Andre Dahlgren