The Manchester Metros (Div1) returned home this past Friday (11/11) to open their home game slate with a match-up against the Newcastle Wildcats at Deeside Leisure Centre. Although, eager to begin play in front of a home crowd, the Metros started off the game by quickly falling behind when Newcastle centre, Nathan Salem, netted a goal just 26 seconds into the contest.
After falling behind early, the Metros once again looked to goalie, Robyn Maby, to give them a chance to win as the offense rallied around her and fed off of her inspiring play. Robyn, who is coming off a stellar 21/22 save performance against Edinburgh, stopped 24 of the 26 shots she faced against Newcastle. Once settled into the game, the Metros began their 2-goal deficit comeback starting with a power play goal from Thomas Revesz midway thru the 2nd period.
By the start of the 3rd period, the Metros had shaken off their sluggish 1st period start and started to take control of the game. Just 5 minutes after the puck dropped on the 3rd period, the Metros found themselves tying the game on a brilliant point shot by Gino Poulin (assisted by: Marius Skogvang).
Not content with settling for another draw, the Metros continued to shut down the Newcastle offense and turned Newcastle defensive mistakes into chances. As the period crept under the 10 minute mark, Metros winger, Joe Holder, found himself halting Newcastle's breakout deep in the Wildcat zone. The puck found Shayne Langlois' stick behind the net who then made a brilliant tape-to-tape pass to Allen Gunn (assisted by: Shayne Langlois and Joe Holder) who was crashing the slot and finished off the lines' efforts.
The Allen Gunn goal would be the decisive goal that separated the two teams at the end as the game finished in favour of the Metros 3-2.
For full stats, gamesheet, and summary, visit:
http://www.buiha.org.uk/gameStats.php?gid=1809
The Manchester Metros (Div I) have two weeks off before they hit the road to square off against the Wawrick Panthers on 27 November, which will be the Panthers' first game of the season. Face off is set to take place at 23.30 in Coventry.
Photo credit to: Martin Klefas-Stennett & Nick Frewin
