11/12/11

London Dragons B v. Bristol Lions

1:2

In this game, both teams were lacking many players and so each team only had just about enough players to ice one line with three subs. Even though it was agreed that there will be running clock, most players were exhausted by second half of the second period. Nevertheless, everyone put great effort in and both teams clearly wanted to win.

It needs to be said that the Lions had many more chances compared to the Dragons and it was only the brilliant defending by Liddell, Pniewski and Fedotovs that prevented further goals. What the Lions were mostly struggling with though, was how to get the puck behind incredible Vlismas who managed to save 34 shots! It was his debut game for the Dragons and he has certainly demonstrated a high level of skill and talent.

3/12/11

London Dragons A v. Cambridge Blues

17:5

What more to say? Total domination!!

26/11/11

Oxford Blues v. London Dragons A

8:7

 

19/11/11

Oxford Vikings v. London Dragons B (this game was forfeited by BUIHA in favour of Imperial)

 

 

1:8

Travelling to Oxford on the Student Nightrider fare by the Oxford Tube was shown to be an excellent decision as it certainly increased the team’s morale before the game. Everyone was stepping out on the ice chilled out and ready to give their best performance despite being quite late.

The Dragons were dominating the game. Especially the performances of Mathison and Beaudoin were the most notable. It was going really well for Michael Hebert who was stopping all shots without any problems. It was therefore very unfortunate when the puck was deflected just in front of the goal where it was picked by one of the Oxford players and shot behind Michael’s back.

Things didn’t go well for Vikings’s captain who fell over while trying to tackle Mathison. Embarrassing!

Special mention: the drunk guy who fell in the bus on the way back, punching Tom in the face. Dick!

 

06/11/11

Imperial College Devils A v. London Dragons B (this game was forfeited 5-0 by BUIHA in favour of Imperial)

 

13:9

After the game with Nottingham, the London Dragons B were eagerly awaited by their London rivals at Streatham Ice rink just one day after.

There was a slight delay in the face-off as the referee was unable to find his way to Streatham. He did make in the end and nothing was in the way of the derby.

First period was very unlucky for the Dragons as they conceived, falling 7-0 behind the opposition. This called for a change in tactics initiated by the B team captain Tom Liddell and a fierce forward Kalle Uusitallo. Lines were reformed to one attacking line and one defense line which proved to be a much better strategy as Dragons came back with many impressive chances, some of which led to brilliant goals. The Finnish forward Uusitallo deserves a special mention here as he fired away deadly shots, 4 of which ended behind the Imperial’s goalie back.

Even though the Dragons left everything on the ice in second and third periods they were unable to catch up with the 7 goal lead with the opposition. Nevertheless, the Dragons ended the game with dignity scoring 9 goals in Streatham.

Second period of this game can be watched HERE

Special mention:

Gianfranco Raimondo - for being brave enough to stand in goal; certainly made some very impressive saves!!

Kalle Uusitallo- no wonder he was the Man of the Match after scoring 4 goals and assisting 2

 

05/11/11

London Dragons B v. Nottingham Mavericks B (this game was forfeited by BUIHA in favour of Nottingham)

4 : 1

What seemed to be as a tied game after the first period when no goals were scored, turned out to be a very dramatic match!

First goal was scored by the opposition early in the second period. E.Plenty surprised our goalie M.Hebert with a well-aimed shot right through his legs. The Dragons pulled it back; however, with fantastic play by Jan Hermans, who scored 3 of the four goals, and assisted the fourth which was put in by Aadil Johnson. Mavericks had some impressive chances but no more goals went behind our amazing goalie, who got awarded Man of the Match by the away team in the end.

Spectators saw some big hits during the game, dealt and received in equal manners, with one poor guy from the away team getting both a stick in the face (that led to the ejection of Gianfranco Raimondo from the game) and a puck in the shoulder, which put him out of action for the rest of the game. A fight broke out in the third period between J.Pasternak who, as always, had been having an amazing game, and R.Clarke. Both players fought to the best of their abilities and although no one came out as obvious winner, Jeff definitely had the upper hand.

Special mention:

M. Hebert - his debut for the Dragons in a BUIHA Competition; saved 32 shots

J. Hermans - First games for the Dragons ended better than great for him, scored 3 goals and assisted 1

that French girl from Nottingham- not only that she was a very good player but she deserves to be mentioned here for attacking Tom from behind, trying to protect her team-mates..well done!