The YKK Widnes Wild feel to a 2-7 defeat to league newcomers Leeds Knights during their final game of September on Sunday 29th after a closely fought game.
1st period: 0-1
A penalty for Wild #61 Bailey Thomson at 3:10 for hooking gave the Knights an early opportunity to capitalise on a powerplay, however they failed to generate any notable chances in this team.
The best opportunities in fact were falling to the YKK Wild, #70 Ross Chalmers having an opportunity after the Knights lost possession in their own defensive half, his shot flew just wide of the net but it showed signs of the Wild’s intent to take the game to their opponents.
At 10:11 both Knights #23 Michael Danecko and Wild #20 Berwyn Hughes landed themselves two minutes off the ice for roughing, after the Knights opportunity to send themselves ahead was saved by Wild #72 Charlie Henry.
Despite the hosts looking to have control of the game, it was the visitors Leeds Knights who were able to find the breakthrough goal at 12:56 through their #3 Bailey Perre, the assists going to #8 Edgars Vengis and #27 Jake Wiggington.
Whilst searching for an equaliser in the final minutes of the first period, Wild #3 William Daley and Wild #61 Bailey Thomson found themselves in the penalty box on separate occasions, for slashing and hooking respectfully.
Leeds #39 Matthew Barlow also received a two-minute penalty for interference at 17:12.
2nd period: 1-4
Wild started the second period brightly, however the Knights believed they had extended their lead at 21:28 when they slide the puck into an open net past Wild #72 Charlie Henry, however the goal did not stand and the scored stayed at a one goal difference.
At 25:48 Knights #23 Michael Danecko began serving two minutes for hooking, leaving the Wild with a momentary advantage.
With just seconds of the Wild powerplay remaining, at 27:44, #61 Bailey Thomson swerved through the Knights defence and slotted the puck into the bottom corner for the Widnes Wild equaliser, assisted by #64 Ben McLellan and #18 Jonathon Williamson.
Not even a minute later and the Knights sent themselves back ahead through #39 Matthew Barlow, #4 Nathan Bennett getting the assist.
At 10:32, Knights #46 Alex Mitchell, much to the dismay of the home crowd, received only a two-minute penalty for boarding after a strong hit on Wild #70 Ross Chalmers.
Wild continued to create chances through the second period, however it was Leeds Knights who followed up with another goal at 34:59, through #8 Edgars Vengis, assisted by #3 Bailey Perre and #23 Michael Danecko.
At 38:18 Knights extended their lead even further through #34 Owen Dell, assisted by #39 Matthew Barlow and #78 Friedrich Heinzle, as one of the final actions of Period 2.
3rd period 2-7
It was a difficult start to the third and final period for Widnes Wild, conceding a fifth goal at 40:36 courtesy of Knights #34 Owen Dell, who’s quick goal after face-off shifted the game out of the hands of the Wild.
This was followed by a penalty against Wild #70 Ross Chalmers at 41:39 for high sticking.
It wasn’t all bad for the Wild though, they kept pushing back on the Knights, and their pressure payed off at 44:11 when #18 Jonathon Williamson stole the puck inside the Leeds defensive zone and fired past goaltender #31 Danial Norton to pull one back for the hosts.
Wild continued to work hard for another goal, however that allowed Leeds Knights to break down the ice at 50:32 through #39 Matthew Barlow, who slotted past #72 Charlie Henry and sent the Knights up to six, assisted by #34 Owen Dell and #78 Friedrich Heinzle.
At 51:39 the Knights got a final goal courtesy of #27 Jake Wiggington, assisted by #8 Edgars Vengis, working past the Wild defence and sending into the net.
As a result of this goal, and for the remaining minutes of the period, Wild pulled #72 Charlie Henry out of the game, and replaced him with fellow goaltender #37 Logan Reid.
In the final few moments, at 54:37 and 59:55, Knights #78 Friedrich Heinzle and Knights #39 Matthew Barlow both received two-minute penalties for roughing.
It was a harsh score line on the YKK Widnes Wild, who had enjoyed plenty of control and chances throughout the game, just lacking the final step in hitting the back of the net.
Match MVPs were awarded to Wild #18 Jonathon Williamson for his one goal and assist during the game. Knights #27 Jake Wigginton received his for the same achievements.
Officials: Goodfellow, Horner, Kolarz.
STATS- (0-1) (1-3) (1-3)
Widnes Wild: Jonathon Williamson 1+1, Bailey Thomson 1+0, Ben McLellan 0+1, Ross Chalmers 0+1
Charlie Henry: (11, 9, 8) 28 Shots.
Logan Reid (0, 0, 7) 7 Shots.
Leeds Knights: Bailey Perre 1+2, Nathan Bennett 0+1, Edgars Vengis 1+2, Michael Danecko 0+1, Jake Wiggington 1+1, Owen Dell 2+1, Matthew Barlow 2+1, Friedrich Heinzle 0+3
Danial Norton (5, 15, 13) 33 Shots.
Article written by Carys Wallace
Images Ellie Middleton