Match Report: Widnes Wild Academy U16s 0 - Telford U16s 6 (Challenge Match)

Wild v Telford U16 challenge match, both teams – photo by Paul Breeze

Sunday 26th October – Challenge Match: Wild Academy U16 0 – Telford U16 6

The Widnes Wild Academy Under 16 team put in a spirited performance in a challenge match against higher league Telford U16s but ultimately lost out 0-6 at Planet Ice Widnes on Sunday.

This game was very entertaining to watch and somewhat closer than the final score suggests. The Wild youngsters gave as good as they got but were just unable to make their chances count in front of goal when they fell to them. 

Telford took the lead in the 4th minute but the score remained at a very manageable 0-1 at the first period break. A second goal on 25 minutes saw Telford leading 0-2 at the second break but 4 more unanswered goals – including two within 30 seconds of each other – put the game beyond the reach of the Wild.

The other Wild Academy games of the weekend saw the Wild U12s beat Telford U12s 8-0 at home on Saturday and the Under 14s beat Coventry U14 6-3 straight afterwards in two thrilling matches at Planet Ice Widnes. The Academy Under 18 A team lost 13-3 away to Nottingham, also on Saturday.

This weekend sees the Wild Academy Under 12 team at home to Sheffield at Planet Ice Widnes on Saturday, face off 4.20pm, while the Academy Under 16s are away to Nottingham the same day – 4.45pm face off.

Admission is free for all spectators to Wild Academy home games at Planet Ice Widnes and fans are encouraged to go along and support the stars of the future.

Match Report: Connah's Quay Cobras 8 - Riverside Raiders 2 (Challenge Match)

Sunday 26th October – Challenge Match: Connah’s Quay Cobras 8 – Riverside Raiders 2

The Riverside Raiders recreational team lost out to local Deeside-based rivals Connah’s Quay Cobras 8-2 in a challenge match on Sunday.

The two teams had previously met back in April in what had been the fledgling Cobras team’s first ever game and on that occasion the Raiders won 4-8. This game saw the Raiders on the back foot, however, and they were outshot by 55 to 19 over the course of the 60 minutes.

The Cobras took the lead in the 3rd minute and were 3-0 ahead by the first period break. The score was 4-0 to Connah’s Quay by the time the Raiders finally managed to break their duck with a strike from Shawn McBride on 35 minutes.

Another goal for the Cobras with just 31 seconds left on the clock saw them take a 5-1 lead into the second interval.

McBride scored a second Raiders goal on 52 minutes - with a speculative shot from inside his own blueline - but it was too little too late to spark off any sort of revival and three unanswered goals rounded off a comprehensive Cobras victory. 

Match Report: Telford Wrekin Raiders 8 - DMUK Widnes Wild Women 1 (WNIHL Div2 N)

Katie Fairclough scored the only Wild women’s goal away at Telford – photo by Flyfifer Photography

Saturday 25th October – WNHIL Div2 North: Telford Wrekin Raiders 8 – DMUK Widnes Wild Women 1

The DMUK Widnes Wild women’s team slumped to their 4th defeat in a row with an 8-1 loss away to Telford Wrekin Raiders on Saturday.

The game was the last of a difficult run of 4 back-to-back road trips that has taken them to Edinburgh, Leeds, Sheffield and now Shropshire and has seen them concede 31 goals, while scoring just 8.

The game started badly for the Wild women as they went behind after just 25 seconds.  Telford scored a second goal on 8 minutes to double the lead and then an amazing two goals within 3 seconds of each other on 12 minutes effectively ended the match as a contest.

A fifth goal on 17 minutes saw the home side edge even further ahead, leaving the Wild women the proverbial mountain to climb.

Widnes tightened up their game in the second period and matched their opponents for shots on goal, but were unable to make any sort of breakthrough and two more goals for Telford brought the score to 7-0. Telford had scored their 8th and final goal of the game by the time that the Wild women finally broke their duck – with a consolation strike from Katie Fairclough on 50 minutes.

The DMUK Widnes Wild women will be looking to get back to winning ways with their first home game for over 2 months when they take on the Kingston Diamonds at Planet Ice Widnes on Sunday 10th December, 4.25pm face off.

Match Report: Billingham Stars 12 - Widnes Wild 2 (Moralee Division)

Will Harper was the Wild MVP away
at Billingham – photo by Dave Arrowsmith

Sunday 26th October – Moralee Division: Billingham Stars 12 – Widnes Wild 2

The Widnes Wild NIHL team slumped to a 12-2 defeat away to league leaders Billingham Stars on Sunday.

Despite the eventual scoreline, the game started quite well for the Wild.  Billingham took the lead on 5 minutes but Conner McNulty equalised with a superbly taken breakaway goal on 7 minutes.

Two more goals for the Stars saw the home side leading 3-1 at the first period break but Widnes looked far from out of the game at this stage.

The Wild halved the deficit two minutes into the second period when Kyle Carruth picked up a rebound off the Billingham netminder and slotted it into the net to pull the score back to 3-2.   

The Stars scored again to restore the 2-goal cushion just 60 seconds later and this sparked a disastrous spell for the Wild as they conceded a further 5 unanswered goals to trail 9-2 at the second interval.

Three further goals followed for Billingham in the third period to round off a disappointing night on Teesside for Widnes.

The result means that the Stars have done an early season “double” over the Wild, having won the first meeting between the teams 1-9 at Widnes back in October, and the final score of 12-2 represents the Wild’s heaviest defeat in the league since they lost by the same margin to Solihull Barons in March 2014.

The Wild are next in action this weekend, Saturday and Sunday 2nd and 3rd December, with a tantalising home double header when they take on local rivals Deeside Dragons in back to back fixtures.  The game on the Saturday evening (7pm face off) is the Wild’s first match in the triangular M56 Cup series, which also features the Blackburn Hawks, while the game on the Sunday is a league fixture, facing off at 5.30pm.

A special ticket offer is available for the two weekend games with a saving over the normal single match price. Double header offer tickets must be purchased in advance via the Wild ticketing website at: https://iceaccount.co.uk/widnes-wild

Match Report: Connah's Quay Cobras 8 - Riverside Raiders 2 (Challenge Match)

Sunday 26th October – Challenge Match: Connah’s Quay Cobras 8 – Riverside Raiders 2

The Connah’s Quay Cobras put in a superb performance to beat local Widnes-based rivals Riverside Raiders 8-2 in a challenge match at Deeside Leisure Centre on Sunday.

The two teams had previously met back in April in what had been the fledgling Cobras team’s first ever game - with the Raiders winning 4-8 - but this game saw the Cobras very much in control from the outset and they outshot the visitors by 55 to 19 over the course of the 60 minutes.

The Cobras took the lead with a 3rd minute goal from Martin Rybka. A second goal from the same player on 12 minutes and a strike from Sam Krempasky on 15 minutes saw the home side leading 3-0 at the first period break. 

The Cobras edged further ahead with a hat-trick goal from Rybka on 23 minutes and there followed a tense goal-less spell before the Raiders finally managed to break their duck with a strike on 35 minutes. However, Ken Valyear restored the 4-goal cushion with just 31 seconds left on the clock to give the Cobras a healthy 5-1 lead at the second interval.

The Raiders scored their second, and final, goal of the game on 52 minutes but the Cobras hit back with three unanswered goals - from Rybka again, and two from Kieran Clarkson - to round off a comprehensive victory.

After the game, Cobras’ coach Emma Dutton said:

“I am really proud of everyone - we really worked as a team throughout a very physical and fast paced game littered with penalties. We had good chunks of the game where we had total possession and moved the puck around to create those scoring opportunities. I am looking forward to continuing this level of play in the upcoming Summer Classic series." 

The Cobras are next in action on Sunday 10th December when they take on the Bradford Ice Wolves at Deeside Leisure Centre. Face off is 8.30pm – after the Deeside Dragons v Sheffield Scimitars NIHL game - and admission is free for all spectators.

Widnes Wild Academy Round Up

The Wild Academy Under 18B team’s home game against Nottingham that was scheduled for Saturday was postponed in the wake of the carbon monoxide issue at the Widnes rink but the three away games all went ahead as planned.

The Under 12 team lost 9-1 away at Solihull on Saturday while the Under 14s lost 9-5 away at Nottingham and the Under 18B team lost 3-0 at Sheffield, both on Sunday.

The Wild Academy Under 12 team are at home to Telford this Saturday 25th November at Planet Ice Widnes, face off 4.20pm, and the Under 14 team are at home to Coventry, also at 4.20pm.

The Under 18A team are away to Nottingham on Saturday, 4.45pm start.

Admission is free for all spectators to Wild Academy home games at Planet Ice Widnes and fans are encouraged to go along and support the stars of the future. 

UPDATE - The Planet Ice rink at Widnes was able to fully reopen on Tuesday 21st November after the issue had been resolved.

The company said: "Planet Ice are sorry that this incident occurred but are pleased that the authorities found that the actions we have taken since identifying the cause of the problem means the rink is safe to re-open.

"Planet Ice are also taking this opportunity to make a number of other improvements to the venue which will mean that all our visitors can enjoy a safer and more welcoming environment at the rink into the future."

DMUK Widnes Wild Women Away To Telford

DMUK Widnes Wild women's team (Photo by Mike Lennon)

The DMUK Widnes Wild women’s team face a tricky trip to Shropshire this Saturday 25th November when they travel to take on the Telford Wrekin Raiders, 4.15pm face off.

Both teams currently have 2 points in the WNIHL Div2 North table and both teams have had mixed starts to the new season.   Widnes opened the new campaign with a 5-0 win over Grimsby Wolves but have since lost three away games in a row – away in Edinburgh, Leeds and Sheffield.

Telford won their first game 2-9 away to Kingston and then lost 2-0 away in Sheffield, so both teams will be keen to get a win on the board on Saturday.

Following Saturday’s away game, the Wild women will be at home on Sunday 10th December when they entertain Kingston Diamonds at Planet Ice Widnes, 4.25pm face off.

Riverside Raiders Travel To Deeside

The Riverside Raiders make the short journey across the border into North Wales this Sunday 26th November to take on the Connah’s Quay Cobras in a challenge match at Deeside Leisure Centre – 8.30pm face off.

The two teams met back in April in what was the Cobras team’s first ever game and the Raiders returned with a 4-8 victory.  

A lot has happened since then in both camps with the Raiders winning the Summer Classic Cup “treble” of conference, league and play offs and the Cobras picking up a number of challenge game wins and finishing as runners up at the Sheffield Recfest.

Due to the relatively close proximity of the two venues and a regular interchange of players over the years, Deeside v Widnes encounters are always very keenly contested, with local bragging rights at stake, and Sunday’s game is bound to be no exception.

The game on Sunday takes place after the Deeside Dragons v Blackburn Hawks Moralee Division match and admission is free so fans of both sides are encouraged to stay on afterwards and support northwest grass roots hockey.

Connah’s Quay Cobras To Face Riverside Raiders

The Connah's Quay Cobras team (Photo by HJ Photography)

The Connah’s Quay Cobras play their first home match of the new recreational season this Sunday 26th November when they face the Riverside Raiders in a challenge match at Deeside Leisure Centre – 8.30pm face off.

The two teams met back in April in what was the Cobras team’s first ever game and the Raiders notched up a 4-8 victory.  

A lot has happened since then in both camps with the Cobras winning their last three challenge games and finishing as runners up at the Sheffield Recfest, and the Raiders winning the Summer Classic Cup “treble” of conference, league and play offs.

Due to the relatively close proximity of the two venues and a regular interchange of players over the years, Deeside v Widnes encounters are always very keenly contested, with local bragging rights at stake, and Sunday’s game is bound to be no exception.

Looking back over the year so far, Cobra’s Coach Emma Dutton said: 

“Our first ever game was against the Raiders back in April and since then we have grown so much as a team. We welcomed new faces and travelled to our first tournament where we came second.” 

Looking ahead to the game on Sunday, Dutton said:  

“We're looking forward to playing the Raiders, it will prove to be a great benchmark as to how far we've come over the last 10 months.”

“We've recently signed former Altrincham Aces and Bradford Bulldogs NIHL player Kieron Clarkson - a real asset up front - and Alex Fisher in defence, as well as new netminder Andy Teese from Scotland so we are in a great place to play some of our best hockey.” 

“We have just confirmed a space in the Elite group of the Summer Classic Cup, along with the Raiders so this will be a good preview of what to expect.”

The game on Sunday takes place after the Deeside Dragons v Blackburn Hawks NIHL Moralee Division match and admission is free, so fans of both sides are encouraged to stay on afterwards and support northwest grass roots hockey.

Wild Apologise for Player Release By Text

Widnes Wild NIHL Head Coach Joey Coulter (Photo by Ste Cunningham / Shots By Ste)

The Widnes Wild NIHL club attracted negative headlines recently after they reportedly released two players - Calum Ruddick and Jack Murray - by text message.

The impersonal manner of their release was viewed by a number of observers as being insensitive and unprofessional and the decision was criticised by some fans, coming at a time when the team had been struggling in terms of consistency and manpower for certain matches.

Ruddick had been one of the Wild’s first ever signings when the team first started back in the summer of 2013 and, in two spells with the club, had made some 130 Widnes appearances. Jack Murray joined the Wild for the 2021/22 season and in the intervening two years has played over 80 games in the yellow and black.

No reason was made public for the dismissal of the two players but it is thought to concern dressing room morale issues.

Following the controversy, Wild Player Coach Joey Coulter said: “I can only apologise for the recent approach made in regards to the dismissal of Jack & Calum. It might be tough to believe from a distance that this came from a good place, but my intentions were pure and just lacked professionalism.”

“I have a lot of time for both players, I wanted them to have everything in writing, so nothing gets lost in translation with a sensitive subject and hopefully they could take the feedback on board if they were to join a new squad. Jack and Cal are good hockey players, I really didn’t want to make anything public about their release, or why, and hinder both players’ chances of finding a new team.”

“The way I conducted on this occasion shouldn’t reflect the club, I’m the youngest coach in the league and it has shown here, there’s more to the role than just hockey and I will learn from this.”

Meanwhile, Danny Davies – the Wild’s co-owner, added: “Whilst we are disappointed in the way this situation has been handled, we fully support Joey in his role as Head Coach. We have already reached out to both players personally, and we wish them the best of luck going forwards”

Widnes Wild v Sheffield Scimitars NIHL Match Postponed Following Health Scare

Match action from a Wild v Sheffield home game last season (Photo by Geoff White)

The Widnes Wild NIHL team had their home match against Sheffield Scimitars postponed on Sunday after the Planet Ice rink was closed due to a carbon monoxide issue.

The situation arose after the home game against Solihull Barons the previous Saturday when a number of players and spectators reported feeling unwell. Planet Ice subsequently made the following statement:

“On Sunday morning, monitoring equipment identified levels of carbon monoxide in parts of the building and a decision was made to evacuate and close the premises. The emergency gas services were then contacted and notified.”

“This is the first time we have ever experienced such an incident and are truly sorry that it resulted in people feeling unwell. We extend our best wishes to them all and hope they are now feeling much better.”

“Extensive investigations, involving our own engineers and external authorities have been conducted and eventually the cause of the problem was found to be within the ice resurfacing machine, equipment that is used in the breaks between periods of play in a hockey game to treat the ice pad.”

“This machine is currently out of service. The replacement will be tested in a mock hockey game scenario and the premises examined by an air quality expert. If, as we expect, carbon monoxide levels are returned to safe levels and those authorities involved are satisfied, then we will announce a re-opening date.”

The temporary closure of the rink meant that none of the Widnes-based ice hockey teams - Wild NIHL, Wild Women, Academy Juniors, various recreational teams nor the Mayhem sledge team – were able to train during the week.  Training sessions for figure skaters, ice dancers and public sessions were also affected. 

The postponement comes at an unfortunate time for the Wild as they had had won their previous game – away to Sheffield Scimitars 3-4, the day after the Solihull game - and were looking to build on this result to help kick start their “Jekyll & Hyde” start to the Moralee Division season.

They have been struggling with consistency in recent weeks, due to a combination of long term injuries to a number of key players and chequered availability of others because of 2-way arrangements with other clubs, and previously lost 5 games in a row – equalling the team’s worst ever runs of results from November / December 2013 and October / November 2019. 

The Wild are away this Sunday 26th November when they travel to the North East to take on league leaders Billingham Stars, 5.30pm face off.

They are then scheduled to be at home on both Saturday and Sunday 2nd and 3rd December when they take on local rivals Deeside Dragons in back to back fixtures.  The game on the Saturday evening (7pm face off) is the Wild’s first match in the triangular M56 Cup series, which also features the Blackburn  Hawks, while the game on the Sunday is a league fixture, facing off at 5.30pm.  

UPDATE - The Planet Ice rink at Widnes was able to fully reopen on Tuesday 21st November after the issue had been resolved.

The company said: "Planet Ice are sorry that this incident occurred but are pleased that the authorities found that the actions we have taken since identifying the cause of the problem means the rink is safe to re-open.

"Planet Ice are also taking this opportunity to make a number of other improvements to the venue which will mean that all our visitors can enjoy a safer and more welcoming environment at the rink into the future."

Widnes Wild Academy Round Up - 11th /12th November.

The Wild Academy teams enjoyed a 100% weekend with wins for both the Under 12 and Under 16 sides.

The Under 12 team beat Coventry U12s 8-0 at Planet Ice Widnes on Saturday while the Under 16 team won 0-4 away to Sheffield U16s, with netminder Finn Ogden picking up his second shut out of the season.

The Academy Under 10 team travelled to Blackburn on Sunday to take part in a 4-team cross ice tournament featuring Manchester and Deeside as well as the host club. No match results or player statistics are recorded in Under 10s games.

This Saturday 18th November, the Under 18A team are at home to Nottingham, face off 6.35pm, while the Under 12 team are away to Solihull U12s starting at 6.15pm.

On Sunday, the Under 14s are away to Nottingham U14s and the Under 18B team are away to Sheffield U18s – both games face off at 4.45pm.

Admission is free for all spectators to Wild Academy home games at Planet Ice Widnes and fans are encouraged to go along and support the stars of the future.

Match Report: Sheffield Shadows 5 - DMUK Widnes Wild Women 4 (WNIHL Div2N)

Lise Gillen scored two goals away at Sheffield on Sunday (Photo by Wil Evans)

Sunday 12th November – WNIHL Div 2 North: Sheffield Shadows 5 – DMUK Widnes Wild Women 4

The DMUK Widnes Wild women put in a battling performance away to Sheffield Shadows on Sunday but narrowly lost out 5-4 in an entertaining game at iceSheffield.

Widnes took the lead in the 8th minute with a goal from Lise Gillen but Sheffield equalised late in the period and the score stood at 1-1 at the first break.

The second period went badly for the Wild women and they conceded three unanswered goals to trail 4-1 after 40 minutes playing time. Sheffield scored a fifth goal just 2 minutes into the third period but this seemed to spur the Wild team into mounting a late rally.

A shorthanded goal from Gillen narrowed the score on 50 minutes and then a brace from Preston Gennoe just 45 seconds apart on 55 minutes brought the deficit down to just a single goal.

Widnes piled pressure on the Shadows net and withdrew goaltender Stephanie Drinkwater for the last minute in favour of an extra attacker in an attempt to force a late breakthrough. Unfortunately, it was to no avail, and Sheffield held on to record a 5-4 victory.  

The Wild women have one more away game - at Telford Wrekin Raiders on 25th November - before their next home game on Sunday 10th December when they entertain Kingston Diamonds at Planet Ice Widnes.

Match Report: Sheffield Scimitars 3 - Widnes Wild 4 (PS) Moralee Division

Nathan Britton scored an important goal away at Sheffield  (Photo by Ste Cunningham)

Sunday 12th November – Moralee Division: Sheffield Scimitars 3 - Widnes Wild 4 (PS) 

The Widnes Wild NIHL team had a mixed weekend, losing 3-4 at home to Solihull Barons on Sunday and then dramatically winning in a penalty shootout away to Sheffield Scimitars on Sunday.

The away game at Sheffield on Sunday afternoon started badly for the Wild and they found themselves 2-0 down after only 8 minutes. 

A shorthanded goal from Torran Anderson halved the deficit on 11 minutes but then penalty trouble saw Widnes battling on a 3 v 5 powerplay that eventually led to a third Sheffield goal on 16minutes.

The game tightened up in the second period and a string of niggly penalties for both sides prevented any sort of momentum being built up.  The only goal of the period came from Nathan Britton on 30 minutes to drag the Wild back into the game and the score remained 3-2 at the second break.

The third period was just as closely fought with plenty of chances - and penalties - for both sides. Conner McNulty tied the score with 5 minutes left to play and Widnes finally looked in with a chance of getting something out of the game. 

Will Harper picked up a penalty in the final minutes and the Wild had to defend against a late Sheffield onslaught.  When Harper came out of the penalty box with just 45 seconds left on the clock, he was presented with a chance to win the game with a breakaway shot but was thwarted by the Scimitars netminder.

The score remained 3-3 at the end of the regulation 60 minutes playing time and the game went into an extra period of 5 minutes sudden death overtime. Widnes weathered a penalty call that saw them battle shorthanded for two minutes and the game then went to a penalty shoot out.

After one strike each from two penalty shots, Wild netminder Harrison Walker made a crucial save and Conner McNulty fired in to hand Widnes the win, securing two important league points for the Wild, with Sheffield getting one point for drawing at the end of normal time.

Sunday’s win means that Widnes have been able to avoid setting an unwanted record of 6 consecutive defeats  - which would have been the worst run of results  in their 10½ year history - and can now look to start on a winning run of their own.

The Wild NIHL team are next in action this Sunday 19th November when they take on Sheffield Scimitars at Planet Ice Widnes, 5.30pm face off.

Match Report: Widnes Wild 3 - Solihull Barons 4 (Moralee Division)

Owen Rae was the MVP against Solihull on Saturday (Photo by Ste Cunningham)

Saturday 11th November – Moralee Division: Widnes Wild 3 – Solihull Barons 4

The Widnes Wild NIHL team had a mixed weekend, losing 3-4 at home to Solihull Barons on Sunday and then dramatically winning in a penalty shootout away to Sheffield Scimitars on Sunday.

The preparations for the weekend’s games had been overshadowed by the controversial release of two players - Calum Ruddick and Jack Murray - with the decision being criticised by some fans, coming at a time when the team has been struggling in terms of consistency and manpower for certain matches.

Fortunately, despite the departures, the Wild were able to ice a healthy bench for Saturday’s game, albeit being bolstered by a number of players on 2-way deals with other clubs, with extra spice being added to the game with former Widnes import Dani Haid returning to Widnes for the first time since joining the Barons in the summer.

This game was evenly matched, very entertaining to watch and the result could have gone either way until the dying seconds. After a very tense opening spell – with numerous chances for both sides - Widnes took the lead with a goal from Mikey Gilbert with just 90 seconds left in the first period making the most of a powerplay on a Solihull tripping call.

The Barons levelled the score just 90 seconds after the restart with a powerplay goal of their own but Widnes edged back into the lead on 27 minutes with a goal from Kyle Carruth. The score remained at a finely balanced 2-1 to Widnes with one period left to play and both teams still having all to play for.

A Wild goal from Bez Hughes two minutes into the third period put daylight between the teams for the first time and there were hopes that Widnes might start to pull away. Unfortunately, a disastrous spell around the 50 minute mark saw them concede two goals within 38 seconds of each other, which saw the Barons draw level. 

A further goal for Solihull on 54 minutes put them into the lead for the first time and Widnes threw everything forward to try and salvage something from the game. The Wild withdrew netminder Luca Tessadri for the final 30 seconds in favour of an extra attacker but they were unable to make the most of the man advantage and the game finished 3-4 to Solihull.

Match Report: Widnes Wild 0 - Hull Jets 5 (Moralee Division)

A minute's silence was held before the Wild v Hull game in memory of Nottingham Panthers player Adam Johnson
(Photo by Rebecca Hindle 

Sunday 5th November – Moralee Division: Widnes Wild 0 – Hull Jets 5

The Widnes Wild NIHL team suffered back to back defeats at the hands of Hull Jets over the weekend, losing 4-2 away on Humberside on Saturday and then 0-5 at home at Planet Ice Widnes on Sunday. 

The home game on Sunday was preceded by a minute’s silence and a minute’s applause in memory of Nottingham Panthers player Adam Johnson who tragically died the weekend before following a freak accident in an Elite League match against Sheffield Steelers.

The Wild were able to ice a stronger team than in the previous night’s game – with 18 skaters as opposed to just 13 – and the game saw a Wild debut for 16 year old Scottish player Flynn Massie on a 2-way deal from SNL club North Ayrshire.

Having put in a spirited performance with a weakened team in the away game on Saturday, and only really losing out in the dying seconds, it is difficult to put into words how a stronger Wild side finished up on the wrong end of a 0-5 scoreline in the home game against the same opposition just 24 hours later.

The game was fairly even in terms of overall puck possession and shots on goal – 31 for Widnes and 32 for Hull over the 60 minutes – but a certain spark appeared to be missing.

While Hull were able to make the most of their chances in front of goal, Widnes weren’t and not being able to ice the same lines on a regular basis has meant that the team has been lacking a sense of cohesion in their play.

The Jets took the lead in the 5th minute with a powerplay goal punishing an early Wild charging call and, two minutes later, the score was 0-2 following a goal from former Wild player coach Richard Haggar.

The next 28 minutes played out goal-less and the only breakthrough of the second period fell, once again, to Hull, handing them a 0-3 lead at the second break. 

A 4th goal for the visitors just 84 seconds into the third period effectively killed the game off as a contest and a powerplay strike on 50 minutes rounded off the scoring for the game.

The two defeats over the weekend mean that the Wild have lost four games in a row, which is their worst run of results since October / November 2019. 

They will be looking to give their season a bit of a kick start next weekend when they face Solihull Barons at home on Saturday 11th November at Planet Ice Widnes – 7pm face off – and then travel to face Sheffield Scimitars away at iceSheffield on Sunday. 

Widnes Wild Academy Round Up - 4th November

A minute's silence was held before both Wild Academy games on Saturday in memory of Nottingham Panthers player Adam Johnson (Photo by Wild Academy)

The Widnes Wild Junior Academy teams had a successful weekend, with two wins from the two home games played on Saturday at Planet Ice Widnes.

The Wild Under 16 team beat Billingham U16s 6-2 and the Wild Under 18B team beat Grimsby 10-4.

Widnes player Jared Knowles – who earned an England call up at Under 16 level at the end of last season – played in both games, scoring 3 goals in the U16 match and 6 in the U18 match. 

The Wild Academy Under 12 team are at home to Coventry U12s this Saturday 11th November, 4.20pm face off. The Under 16 team are away to Sheffield U16s the same day at 6.35pm.

The Academy Under 10 team take part in a 4-team cross ice tournament at Blackburn Sunday featuring Manchester and Deeside as well as the host cub. The fun starts at 5pm.

Match Report: Leeds Roses 8 - DMUK Widnes Wild Women 2 (WNIHL Div2 N)

Saturday 4th November – WHIHL Div 2 North: Leeds Roses 8 – DMUK Widnes Wild Women 2

The DMUK Widnes Wild women’s team slumped to their second away defeat in a row with an 8-2 loss away to Leeds Roses on Saturday.

After a fairly close start, Leeds took the lead on 8 minutes and, 3 minutes later, the score was 2-0 to the hosts. Two more goals followed late in the period to give the home side a 4-0 lead at the first period break.

The second period played out goal-less, giving the Wild women some hope of bouncing back in the third, but it was not to be. The Roses further extended their lead just 51 seconds in and then two more goals within 20 seconds of each other on 42 minutes effectively killed off the game at 7-0.

Widnes finally found the back of the net for themselves with a well taken breakaway goal from Katya Oliver, making the most of a powerplay to pick up on a superb pass from Preston Gennoe, but there was never much chance of the Wild women making up the deficit by that stage. 

Leeds scored their 8th goal of the game on 54 minutes and Widnes rounded off the goals for the night with a powerplay strike from Rachael Pearce with 2 minutes left on the clock.

The Wild women have two more away games  - at Sheffield Shadows (12th November) and Telford Wrekin Raiders (25th November) - before their next home game on Sunday 10th December when they entertain Kingston Diamonds at Planet Ice Widnes.

Match Report: Hull Jets 4 - Widnes Wild 2 (Moralee Division)

Wild Captain Tom Jackson and netminder Luca Tessadri defend against a Hull attack on Saturday (Photo by Vince Cowell) 

Saturday 4th November – Moralee Division: Hull Jets 4 - Widnes Wild 2

The Widnes Wild NIHL team suffered back to back defeats at the hands of Hull Jets over the weekend, losing 4-2 away on Humberside on Saturday and then 0-5 at home at Planet Ice Widnes on Sunday. 

The Wild went to Hull and back on Saturday to take on the Jets, who are taking part in the Moralee Division for the first time this season.

The two teams have a lot of history, with many exciting games between them in the Laidler Division over the years - including the neck and neck title race in 2019/20 - which was decided in Hull’s favour after the early curtailment of the season due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Further spice was added to this first meeting since 2020 as the Hull team included a number of former Widnes players, including erstwhile Wild player coach Richard Haggar.  

Widnes travelled with a short bench again due to long term injuries and other player  unavailability and, despite Hull having more of the puck in the first period, out-shooting the Wild by 20 to just 3, the score remained 0-0 after the first 20 minutes of play.

The Jets took the lead on 24 minutes with a goal from another former Wild player, Kieran Beach, and then a Penalty Shot converted by Haggar on 29 minutes doubled the advantage.  A third goal for Hull followed 6 minutes later and the score stood as 3-0 at the second period break.

Widnes had a much better third period and a 5 on 3 powerplay handed them their first goal courtesy of Jonathon Williamson on 45 minutes. A goal for Nathan Britton 4 minutes later narrowed the deficit to just one and it looked as if the game could be in for a dramatic finale.

Chances came for both teams but there was no further breakthrough and Widnes called a strategic time out with 3 minutes left to play.

The clock ticked down and Wild netminder Luca Tessadri was removed for the last 40 seconds in favour of an extra attacker – but it was to no avail and Haggar scored an Empty Net Goal for Hull with 18 seconds left.

Wild Academy Round Up - 28th October

The Widnes Wild Junior Academy teams played two games on Saturday. The Under 16 team lost 7-2 away to Sutton while the Under 18s won 3-4 away to Manchester.

The home games that had been scheduled for Sunday – a 4 team “cross-ice” tournament featuring the Under 10s and the Under 14s against Leeds - were both postponed following news of the death of Nottingham Panthers Elite League player Adam Johnson.

The Wild Junior Academy have two home games this Saturday 4th November at Planet Ice Widnes. The Under 16 team take on Billingham U16s in a 4.20pm face off game and the Under 18B team face Grimsby U18s straight afterwards.

Admission is free for all spectators to Wild Academy home games at Planet Ice Widnes and fans are encouraged to go along and support the stars of the future.