Lions Down Jets to Get Win

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Following a tough defeat at the hands of Peterborough the previous week, Lee Valley welcomed Slough Jets to Lee Valley for the second time this season, the third meeting between the sides. The Jets have been homeless since both sides last met when the Lions walked away with a 5-3 win, only playing away games since October.

Lee Valley were missing James Gosling, Ronnie O’Connor, Sam Awoyemi, Joe Weare, Ben Duffy & goalie James Andrew. The latters’ absence meant there was a return to the net for head coach, George Alley, his first appearance in a Lions’ shirt since 2014.

1st Period: The game got off to a quick start but Lee Valley were first on the scoreboard when good work in Slough’s zone allowed Chris Fox (1:45, assist James Hepburn) to give the Lions the lead. This was short-lived however as poor marking saw the Jets an immediate response, and Kirkland Rhys-Evans (2:29, assists Webb, Barker) went through on a breakaway to equalise. Lee Valley responded well, putting shot after shot on Chris Douglas in the Jets’ goal and eventually the pressure told. Nathan Darmanin was penalised for Cross Checking and the resulting powerplay saw Chris Fox (PP goal 8:58, assist Jones) go end to end to restore the Lions’ lead. Both teams had chances but Douglas in particular was keeping the visitors in the game, and despite his team taking several penalties the period ended 2-1 to the Lions with no further goals.

2nd Period: Neither side could keep momentum in the early going and despite Slough’s Luke Dreelan sitting for High Sticking, it was the visitors who got the equaliser when Nathan Darmanin (SH goal, 26:32, unassisted) pounced on a loose pass for a second Jets’ breakaway goal. The Lions protested with the referee over whether the puck had actually crossed the line but the decision stood. This seemed to give the hosts the spark they needed as they began to pelt Douglas’ goal and two minutes later they were back in front when Nick Alley (28:32, assists Sin-Hidge, Horter) batted a backhand shot into the goal. The Lions had found a groove and doubled their lead when James Hepburn (31:50, assist Geldart) found the roof of the net from a tight angle. It was only thirty eight seconds before the lead was tripled, Hepburn (32:28, assist Geldart) scoring a second time in the same shift to send them into the third period with a three goal cushion.

3rd Period: Both teams found chances early on in this period but both goalies held firm, and from there Lee Valley were the team able to maintain control of the possession, without gaining reward for it. An early penalty to Slough’s Flynn Cunningham was followed by a Jets’ timeout. Near misses for Ross Sin-Hidge, Matt Hepburn and Jordan Turner were the story of the first ten minutes. As the period wore on, the Lions’ frustration boiled over when Nick Alley’s big hit saw him called for Boarding, before his protests resulted in him being given a misconduct penalty. There were no more goals for either side as the game finished 5-2 to Lee Valley, their first win in three.

GAME STATS

Final Score: Lee Valley Lions 5-2 Slough Jets

Period Scores: 2-1/3-1/0-0
Shots: Lee Valley 63-32 Slough
Penalties: Lee Valley 22-16 Slough
Scorers: Lee Valley – James Hepburn (2+1), Chris Fox (2+0), Simon Geldart (0+2), Nick Alley (1+0), Ross Sin-Hidge, Simon Jones & Oskar Horter (0+1)
Slough – Nathan Darmanin & Kirkland Rhys-Evans (1+0), Matt Webb & Cameron Barker (0+1)
Goaltenders: Lee Valley – George Alley 32 shots/2 goals, 93.75%
Slough – Chris Douglas 63 shots/5 goals, 92.06%

Man of the Match: Lee Valley – George Alley, Slough – Chris Hocquigny

The Lions’ next game sees them complete their NIHL 2 Cup schedule away to Swindon NIHL Wildcats this Sunday (26/02). The season opening meeting saw the Wildcats win 5-2 but the Lions will be looking to keep momentum before three straight games with league leaders Peterborough.

Face off in Peterborough is at 5:00pm.

Ticket and travel information can be found in the Game Day section of our website.

You can follow the Lions on Facebook & Twitter with #LeeValleyLions for up to date news and live scores.

First Period Blitz Gives Islanders Victory

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With the final stretch of the season approaching, a short benched Lee Valley took on league leaders Peterborough Islanders, who were yet to lose in the league this season.

Lee Valley welcomed back Chris Fox from GB Universities duty, but were missing from the Lions’ line-up were Lee Hounslow, Sam Awoyemi, Ben Duffy, Robin Young, Oskar Horter, Joe Weare and Ross Sin-Hidge.

1st Period: Peterborough took off at a fast pace and were constantly in the Lions’ zone. Lee Valley’s lack of coverage in the neutral zone saw the Islanders go in front through Shaun Yardley (5:41, assist Hunter), an soon after Connor Stokes (6:11, assist Cetvertak) doubled for the guests, seeing George Alley call an early timeout for his team. It failed to stem the flow of Peterborough’s play though, James Pentecost (6:47, assists Connor Pollard, Nathan Pollard) then Connor Stokes (11:37, assist Bavin) added further goals before the Lions could respond. Good work by Jordan Turner allowed James Hepburn (13:00, assist Turner) to pull a goal back, but Peterborough scored twice more through Nathan Pollard (14:05, assists Yardley, Connor Pollard) and Deivid Cetvertak (PP goal 17:42, assists Brammall, Yardley) made it 6 for the Islanders at the break.

2nd Period: The visitors didn’t let off at the start of this period either, taking only 31 seconds to add to their lead when Clint Herring (20:31, assist Sansby) was allowed through on net. Despite some back and forth the Islanders tallied another goal, Herring (26:28, assists Hunter, Stokes) again making it 8-1. Discipline started to slip from both teams as Lee Valley’s frustration began to show, an total of 24 penalty minutes being called the period.

3rd Period: Despite the score-line, neither team let up physically with hits being thrown left, right and centre. A powerplay opportunity saw Lee Valley reduce the score, Nick Alley (PP goal 50:11, assists Matt Hepburn, Fox) but despite Peterborough’s high penalty count, the Lions couldn’t add to the scoreboard. The rest of the period was dominated by penalties to both sides before the game closed at 8-2 to Peterborough.

GAME STATS

Final Score: Lee Valley Lions 2-8 Peterborough Islanders
Period Scores: 1-6/0-2/1-0
Shots: Lee Valley 35-46 Peterborough
Penalties: Lee Valley 18-48 Peterborough
Scorers: Lee Valley – Nick Alley & James Hepburn (1+0), Matt Hepburn, Chris Fox & Jordan Turner (0+1)
Peterborough – Connor Stokes (2+1), Shaun Yardley (1+2), Clint Herring (2+0), Nathan Pollard & Deivid Cetvertak (1+1), Connor Pollard & Connor Hunter (0+2), James Pentecost (1+0), Jack Sansby, Kenny Bavin & Jon Brammall (0+1)
Goaltenders: Lee Valley – James Andrew 46shots/8 goals, 82.61%
Peterborough – Daniel Lane 35 shots/2 goals, 94.29%

Man of the Match – Jordan Turner (LV), Nathan Pollard (Pet)

The Lions are back in action this Sunday (19/02) when Slough Jets visit Lee Valley Ice Centre. 

Face off is at 5:30pm.

Ticket and travel information can be found in the Game Day section of our website.

You can follow the Lions on Facebook & Twitter with #LeeValleyLions for up to date news and live scores.

Mustangs Fight Back to End Lions Run

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After as stunning comeback victory in Gillingham the week before, Lee Valley were looking to tie the series between themselves and Invicta Mustangs in the final meeting between the two sides.

Returning to the Lions’ side were Captain Nick Alley, James Gosling, Jordan Turner & Oskar Horter. Missing were Chris Fox, Matt Hepburn, Ronnie O’Connor, Sam Awoyemi & Lee Hounslow.

1st Period: The game started at a slow pace with neither team really able to grab control, chances were fairly even with Lee Valley killing an Invicta Power-play when Ollie Glover was called for slashing. As the period wore down the Lions began create more chances against Matt Passmore in the Mustangs’ goal, finally good work from the corner saw Ross Sin-Hidge (16:36, assist Alley) bundle home to get Lee Valley the lead going into the 2nd.

2nd Period: Lee Valley got off to the best possible start when a quick break from their zone saw Hidge return the favour and Nick Alley (21:45, assists Sin-Hidge, Jones) buried the puck for a 2-0 lead. Despite the lead, the Lions’ discipline was waning and a hit from Nick Alley saw him called for Charging. The resulting power-play was the opportunity Invicta needed and Kwame Holt (PP goal 27:22, assists Tyrell, Laming) halved the lead. Invicta now had a grip on the game and put contstant pressure on the Lions, who hadn’t learnt their lesson and saw both Simon Geldart & James Hepburn penalised. Invicta capitalised on both Power-plays, first on the 5-on-3 through Tom Dennis (PP goal 34:06, assist Luton), and despite a timeout being called, after Geldart returned to play Jake Luton (PP goal 35:02, assists Dennis, Laming) gave the visitors the lead. Back to full strength now and Lee Valley began to grind their way back into the game with some big hits being made in the Invicta zone, James Hepburn then chased the puck down behind the Invicta goal and found Nick Alley, who in turn found Ross Sin-Hidge (39:54, assists Alley, Hepburn) to tie the game going into the 3rd.

3rd Period: Although they had the better of this period. Lee Valley struggled to creat clear cut opportunities, not getting to any rebounds or finding Passmore in their way. Instead, it was Invicta again who got their noses in front when a turnover at the Invicta blue line aloowed Jake Luton (50:04, unassisted) to race away to score. The Mustangs soon doubled their lead after a clearance bounced awkwardly in front of the Lions’ defence and Artyom Grzibovskis (51:03, assist Dennis) punished the hosts for their error. Lee Valley attempted to mount a comeback but couldn’t create the chances need to pull the lead back. Invicta ended the game as winners, bringing an end to the Lions’ recent winning streak.

GAME STATS*

*Please note, some stats vary from those on the offical game sheet

Final Score: Lee Valley Lions 3-5 Invicta Mustangs

Period Scores: 1-0/2-3/0.2
Shots: Lee Valley 27-46 Invicta (11-13/8-15/8-18)
Penalties: Lee Valley 10-10
Scorers: Lee Valley – Ross Sin-Hidge (2+1), Nick Alley (1+2), James Hepburn & Simon Jones (0+1)
Invicta – Jake Luton (2+1), Thomas Dennis (1+2), James Laming (0+2), Kwame Holt & Artyom Grzibovskis (1+0), Kyle Tyrell
Goaltenders: Lee Valley – James Andrew 46 shots/5 goals, 89.13%
Invicta – Matthew Passmore 27 shots/3 goals, 88.89%

Man of the Match – James Hepburn

Next Saturday (11/03) sees the first league visit of leaders Peterborough.

Face off is at 5:30pm

Ticket and travel information can be found in the Game Day section of our website.

You can follow the Lions on Facebook & Twitter with #LeeValleyLions for up to date news and live scores.

Twelve Man Lions Stun Mustangs

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After an impressive victory against Chelmsford the previous week, and a challenge win against Wightlink Buccaneers. Lee Valley were looking to keep the momentum going against an Invicta side who had already beaten them twice this season.

Missing from the Lions’ line-up were Captain Nick Alley, Lee Hounslow, Chris Fox, Jordan Turner, James Gosling, Oskar Horter & Joe Weare. This left the Lions with 12 skaters and goalie James Andrew, whilst the Mustangs featured a full squad of players.

1st Period: Both sides were quick out of the blocks but the game lacked in clear cut chances early on. Lee Valley were first to find a rhythm but were unable to beat Matt Passmore in the Invicta net, Simon Geldart twice coming close with tips in front of net. The game turned in Invicta’s favour when Simon Jones was called for high sticks, then Matt Hepburn was penalised for cross-checking, giving the hosts a 5-on-3 advantage and Thomas Dennis (PP goal 8:57, assists Ferris, Terry) duly obliged to give Invicta the lead. Once back to even strength, Lee Valley went back on the offensive but, were unable to a tying goal.

2nd Period: Invicta were quick out of the blocks and doubled their lead 59 seconds in through Jake Luton (20:59, assist Holt). They maintained a constant threat for the first half of the period as Lions struggled to keep possession of the puck, even on the powerplay. As the period wore on, the Mustangs found a break from their blue line and James Laming ( 32:29, assist Holt) drove hard to the net to score. The result of the drive left James Andrew dazed and hurt, which gave Lee Valley a couple of minutes to recover and they began to find a way back into game, helped by some important saves from the netminder. Geldart continued to be a nuisance in front of goal and Sam Awoyemi went close with a drive to net but it wasn’t until late in the when James Hepburn (38:26, assists Sin-Hidge, Matt Hepburn) first fanned on a shot before received a pass from behind the net to get the Lions on the board. With the period winding down, Greg Hales was given a penalty for cross-checking and Lee Valley pounced immediately when Henry Aiken (PP goal 38:59, assist Hepburn) blasted a slap-shot past Passmore to bring the game within one goal going into the 3rd.

3rd Period: With renewed optimism, Lee Valley pressed ahead and began to keep constant pressure on Invicta. Their efforts bore fruit early into the period after hard work in front of net saw Simon Geldart (44:04, assist SIn-Hidge) bundle the puck in to tie the game. The Lions didn’t hold back, continuing to go forward, a turnover in the neutral zone seeing Invicta’s Lucy Gruber called for tripping. Despite the man advantage, the Lions struggled to get the puck out of their zone, but a pass from Henry Aiken saw Simon Geldart (PP goal 52:19, assists Aiken, Glover) race free and calmly slot the puck by Passmore to complete the comeback. Lee Valley then had to withstand an Invicta fight-back, James Andrew making more big saves and a small scrap in front of goal that saw Ollie Glover and Aaron Ferris thrown out for Roughing. Both teams called timeouts in the last two minutes, Invicta also pulling their goalie but Lee Valley stole the puck in the dying seconds to see out the win, their second in succession.

GAME STATS

Final Score: Invicta Mustangs 3-4 Lee Valley Lions

Period Scores: 1-0/2-2/0-2
Shots: Invicta 49-44 Lee Valley (17-16/21-12/11-16)
Penalties: Invicta 24-12 Lee Valley
Scorers: Lee Valley – Simon Geldart (2+0), James Hepburn & Henry Aiken (1+1), Ross Sin-Hidge (0+2), Oliver Glover & Matt Hepburn (0+1)
Invicta – Kwame Holt (0+2), Thomas Dennis, Jake Luton & James Laming (1+0), Aaron Ferris & Danny Terry (0+1)
Goaltenders: Lee Valley – James Andrew 49 shots/3 goals, 93.88%
Invicta – Matthew Passmore 44 shots/4 goals, 90.91%

Man of the Match: Lee Valley – Simon Geldart

Next Saturday (04/02) sees the fourth and final encounter between the two sides this season at Lee Valley Ice Centre.

Face off is at 5:30pm

Ticket and travel information can be found in the Game Day section of our website.

You can follow the Lions on Facebook & Twitter with #LeeValleyLions for up to date news and live scores.

Lions Defeat Champions Chelmsford

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After starting 2017 with a disappointing loss to Bristol, Lee Valley welcomed Chelmsford Warriors to East London for the second time this season. The first game ended in a 7-3 win for the Champions.

Lions boasted a near full strength squad, only missing Robin Young, Joe Weare & Jordan Turner. Chelmsford featured former Lion TJ Fillery, former Chelmsford Chieftain Ross Brears & new addition Bailey Chittock from Lions’ co-tenants London Raiders.

1st Period: After a technical difficulty with the Zamboni, the game started without a resurface. Lee Valley took advantage early on as Henry Aiken (2:45, unassisted) shot from a turnover that was deflected past Billy Cook in the Warriors’ goal. The Lions kept the pressure on and were rewarded again for their hard work, an interception led to a 2-on-1 breakaway and Nick Alley found Ross Sin-Hidge (7:13, assist Alley) with a backhand pass. The momentum stayed with the Lions but Chelmsford were creating chances too. Lions tripled their lead through Chris Fox (14:24, assist Jay Hepburn), and from there the momentum swung in Chelmsford’s favour. The Warriors finished the period strongest and were rewarded when Sean Martin (19:39, assist Boolkah) saw his shot fool James Andrew, giving his side a foothold at the close of the period.

2nd Period: The Warriors had come out to play and began to create chance after chance early on, not helped by Ross Sin-Hidge being given a 10 minute penalty for illegal equipment. Chelmsford were forcing mistakes from the Lions and reduced the lead to one after Lee Valley failed to clear the zone, Thomas Wilson (26:43, unassisted) with the solo goal. Smelling blood, Chelmsford continued to pepper Andrew and a turnover in the neutral zone saw a goal from Gary Brown (29:56, assist Polston). Lions called a timeout and began to re-assert themselves into the game, drawing a penalty from Ethan Boolkah for Hooking. The resulting powerplay lasted only 22 seconds when Ross Sin-Hidge (PP goal 33:35, assists Alley, Aiken) fired a wrist shot past Cook from the blue line to give Lions the lead once more. Both teams went close again, Chelmsford hitting the post and Nick Alley having another powerplay goal disallowed for a player in the netminder’s crease. With 8 seconds left, a quick breakaway saw Nick Alley (39:52, assist Geldart) fan on a shot that trickled past Cook to restore the Lions’ two-goal lead going into the 3rd.

3rd Period: Chelmsford were determined to keep themselves in touching distance, and were back within one goal almost immediately, Gary Brown (41:34, assists Campbell, Fillery) the recipient of good play from the visitors. Chelmsford had the better of the possession but they were being reduced to mostly long-range efforts, although they came close on a couple of occasions. With the game finely poised, neither side was able to break through until very late in the game when Chris Fox (56:24, assists James Hepburn, Matt Hepburn) found the net. The resulting celebration saw James Andrew penalised for leaving the blue zone, giving a Chelmsford a powerplay but Lee Valley were able to kill it off. The Warriors then pulled their goalie to keep the man advantage but again, the Lions withstood the pressure to pick up their first win since October.

GAME STATS

Final Score: Lee Valley Lions 6-4 Chelmsford Warriors

Period Scores: 3-1/2-2/1-1
Shots: Lee Valley 32-41 Chelmsford (11-11/10-12/11-18)
Penalties: Lee Valley 14-14 Chelmsford
Scorers: Lee Valley – Nick Alley (1+2), Chris Fox & Ross Sin-Hidge (2+0), Henry Aiken(1+1), James Hepburn (0+2), Simon Geldart & Matt Hepburn (0+1)
Chelmsford – Gary Brown 2+0, Thomas Wilson & Sean Martin (1+0), Donald Campbell, TJ Fillery, Will Polston & Ethan Boolkah (0+1)
Goaltenders: Lee Valley – James Andrew 41 shots/4 goals, 90.24%
Chelmsford – Billy Cook 32 shots/6 goals, 81.25%

The Lions are back in action today against the Wightlink Buccaneers in a challenge match at Lee Valley Ice Centre.

Face off is at 5:30pm and entrance to the game is free.

Ticket and travel information can be found in the Game Day section of our website.

You can follow the Lions on Facebook & Twitter with #LeeValleyLions for up to date news and live scores.