Report

Cardiff for the second year running came runners up to Sheffield in the group stage separated only by penalty minutes. So a semi-final against Nottingham Mavericks C who looked very impressive in their group games. From the start of the game Nottingham had a lot of pressure but some brilliant and at times desperate defending from defence and forwards alike kept the game goalless. Cardiff’s best chance of the game came when Baker had the puck, about to shoot in the slot when he had his legs taken from underneath him legally. Nottingham had the puck in the Cardiff zone for most of the game and got their reward after about 10 minutes as at the fourth rebound they stuffed the puck into the net to go 1-0 ahead. Despite excellent defending and huge effort from every player Nottingham squeezed another in on a 5 on 3 powerplay to go 2-0 up. Baker had a chance for a consolation right at the end, but player through the pain barrier he just couldn’t puck the puck in the back of the net. Final score 2-0. A truly huge effort from all Redhawks players throwing themselves in front of pucks even in the final minute of the game when trailing by 2. Still a bronze medal to challenge for though.

3rd /4th play-off against Warwick who were a surprise team in the semi-finals. Always difficult to pick themselves up for this game, but both teams put in everything. Warwick had more chances in the game, but Dibble stopped breakaways, players just in front and made a highlight real glove save to keep the scores tied. With about 3 minutes left Baker walked into the zone and shot the puck, which was saved but Ian Smith playing his first ever ice hockey games pounded on the rebound to give Cardiff a 1-0 lead. 3 minutes of final effort from Cardiff kept the score like that and the bronze medals went to Cardiff Redhawks.