By Xanthe Boursier-Gazzard

The Bristol Honda Pitbulls faced a 7-0 defeat against the Leeds Knights on home ice last night following three goalless periods leading to a shutout for Sam Gospel.

Heading into the game, the home team continued to see Bayley Harewood out of the lineup serving his suspension as well as Bobby Ragan through injury and both Jacob White-Sey and Tyler De La Bertouche. Despite this, the team was joined by new two-way signing Harry Thomas as well as forwards Alex Rushby, Tyler Somerton, and Ales Padelek for the weekend.

The Knights got an early start in the first period with defenseman Noah McMullin positioning the puck just across the goal line to open the scoring for the evening. Following this, Elliot Lewis led the rush swiftly; however, he couldn’t find a way to deliver the puck to the back of the net. Oli Endicott was quick to bring the puck back into Knights possession, sniping a shot past Tommy Nappier to extend their lead and finish the first period with a two-goal cushion.

Both teams had chances on the power play throughout the second period; however, the visitors were the first to take advantage of this with Kieran Brown sliding the puck past Nappier. Sam Smith fired a shot to the gloves of Gospel following this, however, McMullin chased Brown’s goal just over ten minutes later with another power play opportunity, shooting low to light the lamp, extending their lead to four.

Leeds continued their scoring streak in the final twenty minutes as Mason Lipsey received a slashing call, giving Matthew Barron the chance to launch the puck to the netting off the back of Matt Bissonnette. Rhys Smetham pushed for a chance soon after, bringing the puck where the home side needed it; however, a finish was unable to be found before Mac Howlett could fire a shot deep to get their sixth of the night. Gloves were dropped soon after this, which saw Elliot Lewis and Lewis Baldwin sit multiple five-minute penalties. As the Pitbulls penalty kill came to an end, the Knights had one last goal left in them to finalise the score at 7-0, coming from Howlett bouncing a shot off the posts behind the line.

Man of the Match for the visitors went to Bow Neely and to Tyler Somerton for the Bristol Honda Pitbulls.

 

Image : Pete Fears

 

Xanthe