Jordan Barnes wins the face off. Photo by Ice Hockey Media - Colin Lawson
Whitley Warriors travelled down to Blackburn on Sunday evening for their first game of 2016. Warriors were boosted by the inclusion of Adam Reynolds in their match day squad after the experienced forward opted to rejoin the Whitley roster after a spell away from the game. Callum Watson also returned to the Warriors line up having missed Whitley’s last competitive match up.
Whitley started the game positively and David Longstaff’s side took the lead on 5 minutes when skipper Jamie Tinsley lit the lamp with Daniel Good and Liam Smedley being credited with the assists. Hawks soon levelled the game up though as with 8 minutes played Matt Viney scored for the home side.
Warriors continued to create scoring opportunities in the opening period and Callum Queenan fired home for David Longstaff’s side just a minute later after the Whitley player/coach had set the youngster up. Whitley managed to extend their lead late on in the 1st stanza thanks to a Martin Crammond goal.
Jordan Barnes Warriors power forward and Hawks enforcer Reece Cairney-Witter dropped the gloves during the 1st period and both players were given 14 minutes in penalties for their altercation by referee Steven Brown who officiated the top of the table clash between Blackburn and Whitley.
During the 2nd period of play Blackburn managed to grab a goal back when import forward RJ Berra shot past Warriors netminder Richie Lawson. Hawks went onto level the game up 2 minutes into the final session of the game when Tom King netted an even handed marker for the hosts.
Hawks had 2 late powerplay opportunities in the game and the home side’s special team grabbed the game winning goal after 56 minutes of play when Berra grabbed his 2nd goal of the game while his side had the man advantage. Whitley went onto have a late powerplay opportunity of their own however Warriors were unable to find a way past Hawks goaltender Daniel Brittle in the final minutes of the game and Blackburn claimed a narrow 4-3 success.
Warriors return to action on home ice at Hillheads next weekend when the Telford Tigers head for Tyneside on Sunday in a game that faces off at the normal time of 5pm. It would be great to see as many supporters as possible at the game as Whitley look to claim a victory over one of their rivals for a championship play off place.