Tigers clip the wings of Hawks

Tigers had lost twice in Blackburn last season, once on penalty shots and once when Tigers played without the required bench coach. Despite winning that night, Tigers were punished with a 5-0 defeat.

For the third game running, Tigers were without Jonathan Weaver – and they started badly at the Blackburn Arena.

The hosts caught Tigers out after just 30 seconds of the game as Danny Rose misjudged a puck sent through the middle, allowing James Royds a one-on-one chance with netminder Tom Hovell – and he made no mistake.

Tigers responded with an equaliser in the ninth minute, Brodie Jesson scoring from Scott McKenzie’s pass.

Blackburn restored their lead 30 seconds later when Luke Boothroyd scored, and went in 2-1 to the good at the end of the first period.

Precise

Tigers had to wait until the 37th minute to level the game. Blackburn’s Petr Valusiak was given a tripping penalty, putting Tigers on a power play. Neat passing between McKenzie and Warren Tait left Jason Silverthorn with a great chance in front of goal and he scored with a precise wrist shot to tie the game up.

A minute later Tigers led for the first time, McKenzie scoring from Jack Watkins’ pass to send Tigers into the break ahead at 3-2. As the buzzer went for the end of the period, scuffles broke out and Tigers’ Jesson was ejected from the game after being given a match penalty for fighting.

The third period was scrappy and in the 50th minute, Tigers received a further match penalty. Andy McKinney was ejected from the game for high sticking and Tigers given a five-minute penalty. However, Tigers scored the next goal while short-handed, Ricky, Plant scoring from Silverthorn’s pass and they held on for the last eight minutes despite further penalties to Corey Goodison and Rose, to win a feisty game.

Coach Tom Watkins hailed his side’s ‘gritty’ performance.

He said: “Coming from behind on the road in a tough building and securing the two points is huge. It really is tough to adjust to the surroundings and it is farcical we play hockey on an ice pad like that.

“We played short for the majority of the third period with Hovy (Hovell) making three or four huge saves. The guys really battled to ensure we got the points, showing real character.”

He added: “I’m annoyed about the penalties we received at the end of the second period after Blackburn cleared the bench when an altercation was under way, which leaves us with no choice but to follow suit.

“We then receive a match penalty when one of the guys defends his team-mate after Joe Hazeldine has been punched in the head by their number 71 which is clear to see on the video.”

We made sure our guys stayed on the bench but then we end up being worse off.”