Mayhem’s Felicity Gregory contests a face off against Cardiff. (photo by Blindside Trading Cards)
Saturday 14th September – BPIHL Play Off Semi Final: Cardiff Huskies 4 – Mayhem 3
The Mayhem sledge team took part in the British Para Ice Hockey League’s end of season play offs at Nottingham’s prestigious National Ice Centre over the weekend and, although they lost both of their games, they gave a good account of themselves and helped to sign the season off in style.
The top four finishers in the league qualified for the play offs and the semi finals on the Saturday saw league champions Cardiff Huskies take on 4th place Mayhem and runners up Peterborough Phantoms paired up with third place Sheffield Steelkings.
The Mayhem had lost both of their league encounters with Cardiff during the regular season – but only by narrow margins – and this semi final game was just as closely fought.
The first period was goal-less – which is quite unusual in ice hockey - and both teams had an equal number of shots on goal, but the Mayhem took the lead 36 seconds into the second period with a goal from Karl Nicholson.
Cardiff quickly struck back and equalised just 44 seconds later with a goal from their top scorer Tyler Christopher but a second goal from Nicholson 67 seconds after that restored the slim Mayhem advantage.
Cardiff drew level again on 23 minutes with a strike from Jon Le Galloudec but a goal from Tom Kimm edged the Mayhem back in front to lead 2-3 at the second period break.
The third period was similarly close but two goals from Christopher – on 37 minutes and 42 minutes – levelled the scores and then put Cardiff in front for the first time in the game. The Mayhem were unable to manage a late reply and the Huskies went on to book their place in the final with a narrow 4-3 victory.
