Swindon Wildcats 2 Slough Jets 4
On Wednesday night the Swindon Wildcats faced their first home challenge game of the season and ended with a loss, after a hard battle with local rivals the Slough Jets.
Having gone down a man with a penalty called against them, the home side were left shorthanded and despite fending off multiple shots, it would be Slough who would draw first blood. A quick pass in front of the net left a tap in for the first goal of the game.
With the second period bringing much of the same, both sides attacked hard and worked opposing goaltenders. Having gained possession and on the attack, it took a stroke of brilliance from Swindon’s Jaroslav Cesky who not only got himself around both defensemen, but also used his speed to out skate Slough’s Rockman and find the back of the net and tie the game.
Neither team looked to tire as the game continued and in the 34th minute, Slough Jets’ Adam Calder then found the next goal after preserving on a multiple rebound attempt.
The home team were looking to see out the period at this stage much the like the one before it, having just the one goal deficit to chase back. However, a 5 on 3 situation against the ‘Cats brought about Slough’s third goal. A deflected shot through Carlon saw the Jets double their lead and bring the period to an end.
A good third period saw neither side let off and despite the physicality staying high throughout, more goals were yet to be seen. With just 7 minutes remaining on the clock a nice one-two finish through newly appointed captain Joe Baird and import Michal Pinc gave Swindon a lifeline and their second in this hard hitting fixture.
However, any comeback hopes were short lived when the away sides’ Mindaugas Keiras saw his long range slapshot effort beat the netminder and notch back what was the two goal lead.
Neither side would then come close to scoring again and with it, the first challenge game of the season for both clubs came to an end. A tough first game for both clubs may well have shaken off the cobwebs ahead of the season and prepared both sides, as they prepare to take to the ice once again in challenge games this weekend.
Report courtesy of Swindon Wildcats.
