Whitley Warriors picked up a superb victory over the Sutton Sting at Ice Sheffield on Saturday evening in a match up that faced off at 7.30pm in South Yorkshire.
Warriors started the game well and took the lead with 9 minutes on the clock when player/coach David Longstaff fired home after some pleasing build up play from Callum Queenan and Jamie Tinsley. Five minutes later the same 3 players combined to make the scoreline 2-0 in the visitors favour.
Sutton were able to pull a goal back late in the 1st period when Sting found the back of the net with a powerplay strike. Warriors extended their lead at the start of the 2nd period when they grabbed a powerplay goal of their own when Shaun Kippin found the back of the net after being set up by blue liner Harry Harley and forward Dean Holland.
Sting were still in the game though and Sutton netted 2 quick goals just after the 25 minute mark as Matt Darlow’s side showed the quality they have in their line up. The final period of play saw both sides looking for that elusive game winning goal and it was Whitley who were able to net a late strike and take the 2 points on offer thanks to a powerplay effort from Adam Reynolds.
Richie Lawson was selected as Warriors Man of the Match as he recorded a save percentage of 90% as he turned away 27 of the 30 shots that came in his way in the match up.
Warriors are back in action on Sunday evening when Whitley face local rivals the Billingham Stars at Hillheads Ice Rink in Whitley Bay in a NIHL North Division 1 league game that faces off at 5pm. Tickets are priced at £8.50 for adults and £6.50 for juniors while a family ticket can be bought for £24 which allows admission for up to 2 adults and 2 children.