The YKK Widnes Wild travelled to Nottingham on Sunday night to face the Lions at the National ice centre for the first time this season. The wild unfortunately lacked numbers due to several injuries and unavailability, so could only ice 2 full lines, putting the squad at a disadvantage from the start.

The Wild battled hard from the first face-off and gave the Lions a fast-paced game to deal with. However, Nottingham handled this relatively quickly so the clock soon ran down with minimal stoppages in the first. Chances for either side were created, but both netminders stopped every shot that came their way in the 1st period to finish the opening 20 at 0-0.

Momentum carried through into the second period, and tensions started to build after #11 Will Harper and #23 Zach Yokoyama were sent to the box for co-incidental holding and interference penalties. Wild continued to put pressure on Goodman in the Nottingham goal, but it was #29 Dan Martin who opened the scoring at 37:01, to put the Lions ahead.

Just 18 seconds later, #23 Yokoyama doubled the lead to 2-0 for Nottingham. Widnes were then handed a 2min man advantage after #39 Matty Barlow was given a roughing penalty and #67 Harry Rushby received a 2+2 for holding Barlow’s stick. However, #28 Kieran Gibbs snuck another past Luca short-handed at 38:33 to finish the second period with a 3-0 lead to Nottingham.

The Lions came out firing in the opening minutes of the final period, and another goal for #28 Gibbs gave his side a healthy 4 goal lead. Widnes were determined to narrow the scoreline, and finally made a breakthrough at 49:50 with a tap-in by #20 Bez Hughes, from #21 Donaldson and #84 Jackson to set the score at 4-1. The Wild found themselves on 2 power-plays late in the 3rd period, but were unable to capitalise, ending the game at a 4-1 loss on the road.

MVPs were awarded to #9 Ken Armstrong for Widnes after his consistent effort in every shift, and Nottingham’s #28 Kieran Gibbs for his 2 goals on the night.

Your YKK Widnes Wild are back in action on Sunday 8th October, back at home at Planet Ice Widnes to face the Whitley Warriors at 5:30pm. Tickets are available to purchase now.

Officials: Fraley, Arnold, Astill

Article written by Fleur Tobin