Martin Crammond. Photo by Ice Hockey Media - Colin Lawson
Whitley Warriors faced the Blackburn Hawks on Saturday evening in Lancashire. Warriors travelled across the Pennines with a squad missing several first team players including a number of blue liners such as Dan Pye, Harry Harley, Josh Maddock and Joe Stamp who were all unable to ice for Whitley in their 2nd league game of the season.
Dean Holland skippered Warriors with Shaun Kippin and Callum Watson being named as Whitley’s alternate captains. Ross Douglass made his debut for the Tynesiders as the youngster wore the number 3 jersey against the Hawks.
Once the action got underway Warriors were able to take the lead after 4 minutes of play when summer signing Niall Simpson found the back of the net for Whitley in only his 2nd game in NIHL North with player/coach David Longstaff picking up the assist. Warriors were able to retain their lead until the end of the 1st period thanks to several fine saves from netminder Richie Lawson.
The 2nd period of play saw Blackburn level the game up when import Mikko Sierman lit the lamp for the home side with 36 minutes on the clock. At the end of the middle session of play Warriors Shaun Kippin and Hawks Steve Duncombe were both sent to the sin bin by referee Tom Pering for 2 minutes for roughing misdemeanours.
final stanza of action saw both sides looking for that elusive winning goal and it was Blackburn who were able to find the back of the net when Aaron Davies found a way past Warriors goaltender Richie Lawson. Whitley were unable to find a way back into the game and Blackburn were able to take the points on offer thanks to a 2-1 scoreline.
The hard working Martin Crammond was selected as Whitley’s Man of the Match while Hawks netminder Stuart Ashton was named as the home side’s top player on the night for saving 18 out of the 19 shots that came his way during the match up.
Whitley are back in action on Sunday evening on home ice when David Longstaff and his side take on the Solihull Barons in a game that faces off at 5pm at Hillheads Ice Rink in Whitley Bay. Tickets are available on the door and are priced at £9 for adults, £7 for children while a family ticket can be bought for £26 which allows 2 adults and 2 children to attend the game.