Altrincham Aces v Bradford Bulldogs - match report and reaction
PAYING RESPECTS: Players from both teams stood for two minutes’ silence, in memory of Nottingham Panthers’ forward Adam Johnson and also as part of Altrincham’s Remembrance Day game. Picture courtesy of All Sports Photography.
BRADFORD BULLDOGS saw their losing streak extended to seven games with a 4-3 loss at Altrincham Aces - but it was a day when results didn’t really matter.
Given the horrific freak accident at the Utilita Arena the previous evening which led to the tragic death of Nottingham Panthers’ forward Adam Johnson in his team’s Challenge Cup clash with Sheffield Steelers, the EIHA stated on Sunday morning that all scheduled games should, where possible, still go ahead.
Bulldogs’ head coach Andy Brown admitted it was a “tough day” for anyone to play hockey.
“Given the awful, tragic circumstances, both teams played well,” said Brown. “Many of my players had aired their views that perhaps all senior games should be cancelled but as the game was sanctioned by the EIHA we made a decision that the most respectful thing we could do was fulfil our obligation to play.”
As was declared by the EIHA in a Sunday morning statement, a period of two-minutes silence in memory of 29-year-old Johnson was held.
UNDER PRESSURE: Bulldogs’ players battle to clear the puck from in front of net. Picture courtesy of All Sports Photography.
The teams also paid their respects to the country’s war heroes as the game was also the closest home match Altrincham had to Remembrance Sunday, both teams laying wreaths at centre ice, with the home team wearing a specially-designed jersey.
Looking to snap a six-game losing streak, it was the Bulldogs who gained the early advantage through Josh Stockton with just over four minutes on the board.
The Bulldogs took a 2-0 lead into the first intermission when Stockton struck again at 9.47, this time on the power play, with Joe Howie picking up his second assist of the game.
But the second period belonged to the hosts, who halved the deficit through Max Sullivan just over a minute in. Just over six minutes later, Josh Crawley levelled for the home team, beating Sam Bolwell who was again in impressive form for the Bulldogs and had turned away 23 shots on her net in the opening 20.
BATTLING HARD: Josh Stockton (left) scored twice in the 4-3 defeat at Altrincham Aces. Picture courtesy of All Sports Photography.
A frantic opening to the third brought goals at both ends, the visitors getting their noses in front again through Connor Medley - thanks to help from Declan Kime and Stockton - just 15 seconds in, only for Altrincham to level 10 seconds later through Sam Dunford.
With both netminders playing well, the next goal was always likely to be a winner and so it proved, captain Ronnie Grimes securing both points for his team when he beat Bolwell at 56.13.
“We started the game strong, but allowed Aces back into the game,” added Brown.
“We had a 5 on 3 in the 3rd, a chance to put the game to bed, but once again we failed to capitalise on it. That’s something that’s becoming a bit of a habit and, ultimately, we paid the price again.
“On the whole we played better as a team but we are still lacking the ability to control games at key times.”
The Bulldogs will hope to snap their losing streak when they return to the ice on Sunday (November 5) when they take on Billingham Stars. Face-off is at 5.30pm, doors open at 4.45pm.
Tickets prices (payable on the door) are: Adults: £5; U-16s/concessions: £2.50; KIDS (U-12s) FOR A QUID; Family of Four: £12
FREE matchday programme available on the door.