Josh Stockton - Bradford Bulldogs’ record-breaker

RECORD-BREAKER: Josh Stockton moved to the top of the BRadford Bullsogs’ all-time points-scoring list. Picture: Andy Bourke/Podium Prints

IT was a mixed bag in terms of results for Bradford Bulldogs - but for forward Josh Stockton it was a weekend that will live long in the memory.

A 5-2 loss at Billingham Buccanneers on Saturday was quickly forgotten in the wake of a 6-0 home win over fellow NIHL North Two newcomers, Kingston Sharks just under 24 hours later. 

And it was on home ice when Stockton’s history-making moment arrived, his assist on Declan Kime’s 35th-minute goal (watch below) seeing him go into the record books as the Bulldogs’ all-time leading points scorer, surpassing 80s legend Paul Mahon record of 405.

He even added another goal to take his overall points tally to 407 in 228 games. 

This season has already seen the 34-year-old winger set a new record for the number of assists by a Bulldogs player and he now needs just four more goals to become the club’s all-time leading goalscorer, adding up to what would be a unique treble all in the one season. 

“It feels really good, it has been something I’ve been chasing all season, to try and finish off on a high,” said Josh afterwards.

“I’ve been playing for Bradford for about eight, maybe nine years now so it has been a long time in the making. 

“It is special to move above somebody like Paul Mahon. He was obviously a quality player and he was around long before I came here, but it’s a big achievement and I’m really pleased. 

“This club is special to me. It’s like my hometown club and I’ve never wanted to play for another club, I’ve always played for Bradford and I always will.

“I managed to set a new assists record earlier in the season, I’ve done points now and I think four more goals will see me set a new record there.” 

Head coach Andy Brown - himself fourth on the all-time points list with 231 - played alongside Mahon and said his long-standing record could not have gone to a more deserving player. 

“Josh has been a fantastic player for the Bulldogs over the years and he’s a great lad as well - it is a fantastic achievement for him,” said Brown.

“He’s deadly in front of the net, but he sees the ice so well, makes good plays, brings other players along - hopefully he feels like he’s got a few more seasons in him. 

“He’s top goalscorer in the league and he deserves all the credit coming his way - I couldn’t be happier for him.”

On Saturday, Tom Cummings and Stuart Jackson gave Billingham a 2-0 first period lead, the scoreline remaining that way until the third when Stockton halved the deficit at 43.46. 

But goals from Lucas Dowdle and Simon Geldart (2) saw the hosts take control, Kime grabbing a 59th-minute consolation goal for the Bulldogs. 

HERO DAD: Josh Stockton celebrates a memorable day with his family. Picture: Alien Aerial Photography

Back at Bradford Ice Arena, Stockton drew level with Mahon when he opened the scoring against the Sharks at 11.10, Lucas Vince doubling the lead for the hosts just 17 seconds later.

The hosts were nothing if not consistent throughout, adding two more in the second period, Stockton posting his record-breaking assist on Kime’s strike at 34.31 before finding the net again himself to make it 4-0 just under three minutes later. 

Connor Medley and Michael Speare added third period goals to wrap up a deserved victory for the Bulldogs - giving them a regular season clean sweep against the Sharks and moving them up to sixth in the standings with five games remaining.