Nottingham Lions – Solihull Barons

Recap

Underpinned by a stellar performance by Graham Laverick in net, the Direct Taxis Solihull Barons put Saturday’s disappointment against Widnes behind them with a strong and winning performance against a Nottingham Lions side, full of confidence and capable of upsetting any team in the league.

The Barons Callum Bowley was first to get the puck in the net after just shy of ten minutes. Centring a face-off in the Lions end he fired home from the spot, slipping the puck beneath Luca Sheldon for the opener. By the end of the first period Bowley had added a second, seizing a loose puck following a soft Elliot Farrell shot, the Barons number 72 found his spot in the top right of the Lions net.

The second period would see no scoring but the Lions upped their game and Laverick had to be on top form to ensure the Barons netting was not troubled by the puck.

Midway through the third the Barons more or less ensured the win, as Elliot Farrell in an advanced position coming out of the penalty box, comes close to setting up Tom Soar on the Nottingham goal and while his first attempt is saved by Sheldon a quick reset and follow up got Solihull’s third. By the end of the period the Lions pulled Sheldon for an extra attacker in the hope of getting a goal even if not forcing the tie but when the puck fell to Soar, the Barons forward slotted home in the final seconds of the game and ensured a much needed win.

The Barons now head to Widnes on Sunday to face Wild for the final time this season. The following weekend they begin a four in a row home stand to round-off the regular season as they welcome the Billingham Stars to Hobs Moat. Sunday 20th March, Face-off : 5.30pm

*****

Player Update

Niklas Ottosson – serving a 4 game ban and will return for our next home.

Matt Maurice – sustained an injury against Billingham early in the season and has been ruled out with a season ending injury.

James Smith – recovering from injury and aiming to return in time for playoffs.

Daniel Harrison – ruled out for the remainder season due to a season ending injury.

Paul Stanley – recovering from injury and expected to return to the lineup.

Ashley Calvert – we have decided to release Ashley by mutual agreement.

Henry Adam – we have approved the transfer of Henry to Sheffield Steeldogs to further his development.