Match Report: Sheffield Steelstings 1 – Mayhem 3 (BPIHL)

Anthony Booth was the two-goal hero away at Sheffield (Photo by Roksana Oniszczuk)

Saturday 14^th June 2025 – BPIHL: Sheffield Steelstings 1 – Mayhem 3

The Mayhem sledge team notched up their second win of the 2025 British Para Ice Hockey League season with a 1-3 victory away to Sheffield Steelstings on Saturday.

The two teams had met in Widnes the week before where the Mayhem had shut out the Sheffield B team 6-0 but visits to Sheffield are always tricky and the Steelstings put in a gritty display on their home ice.

First period goals from Anthony Booth and Karl Nicholson gave the Mayhem a 0-2 lead heading into the first break and the second period was goal-less.

Lucas Thomas scored for the Steelstings in the third period – only their second goal in the league so far this season – to give the home team a glimmer of hope but a second strike of the game from Booth made sure of the points for the Mayhem.

The other game of the weekend saw the Sheffield A team – the Steelkings – trounce defending champions and league leaders Cardiff Huskies 9-0 at iceSheffield on Sunday.

Here again, the same two teams had met the week before with the Huskies very narrowly winning 2-1 in overtime down in the Welsh capital, so this result was quite a surprise.

Despite the defeat, Cardiff remain top of the league table with 6 points from their 6 games to date while the Steelkings move up to second with 5 points from 3 games.

The Mayhem play Cardiff in their next home game this Saturday 21^st June at Planet Ice Widnes, 4.15pm face off, and - with everybody looking capable of beating everybody else this season - it should be a fascinating contest.

Flintshire Phantoms Back To Back Wins Over Riverside Raiders

Ondra Liebelt scored 4 goals in the Phantoms home win over Riverside Raiders (Photo by Greg Grogan)

1st June 2025: Riverside Raiders 6 – 9 Flintshire Phantoms  

14th June 2025: Flintshire Phantoms 10 – 7 Riverside Raiders

Report by George Perret / Photos by Greg Grogan

The Flintshire Phantoms took both wins in a home-and-away series against old rivals Riverside Raiders. 

Phantoms vs. Raiders was the original hot summer rivalry between the Deeside and Widnes rinks. Since the teams first met in 2016, Phantoms had taken eight wins, Raiders two and one game drawn.   The teams have only met once since the lockdown, so this month saw the rivalry return with home-and-away games. 

Game 1 - Riverside Raiders 6 – 9 Flintshire Phantoms  

In the absence of Sterling Steeves through injury, Phantoms brought in veteran defencemen Brian Chalmers on the back line. Raiders had Ben Donkin out through suspension but plenty of speed and skill with Kai Gennoe leading their attack.

The first two periods saw the Phantoms attack enjoying pressure in the Raiders’ zone, with the home team hitting back with speed on the break. The visitors’ early scoring came from the blue line, with Andrew Cooke scoring twice. Raiders answered with a lovely rush goal from Vaantaja.  Ex-Raider Sam Plant was one Phantom forward finding a way to score, beating Allatt with a precision snipe, while the Phantoms top line of Coombs, Dallavalle and Liebelt were consistently creating chances with some fluid puck movement.     

Phantoms kept the pressure up in the second, with Chalmers, Sheppard and Dallavalle all scoring to extend their lead but the Raiders kept finding ways to answer right back on the break, snatching a couple of quick goals late in the second period to bring the score to 8-6. 

The third period saw the visitors take control of the game defensively. Netminder Andy Teece, making his Phantoms debut, stopped all of the Raiders efforts in the final frame, with Emma Dutton scoring the period’s only goal on the power-play to give a final score of 9-6. 

Phantoms MVP was defencemen Gareth Jones while netminder Allatt took the honours for Raiders with an outstanding performance. 

Game 2 – Flintshire Phantoms 10 – 7 Riverside Raiders

Within a fortnight the teams met again at Deeside. Donkin was back in for the Raiders with Gennoe out and Allatt returning in net. Phantoms swapped Canadians with Geoff Coombs out and captain Ken Valyear returning to the team. They also added Mark Stringfellow for his Phantoms debut, replacing Dallavalle.         

The first period was a close affair, with David Meadows opening for Phantoms and Vaantaja answering right back for the Raiders within a minute. Liebelt’s unassisted goal put the Phantoms back in the lead and he looked to have added another only for the referee Fairclough to judge goaltender interference on the play, ending the period at 2-1 Phantoms.  

Liebelt picked up where he left off in the second period, adding two more with assists to Valyear and Meadows, while Phantoms second line of Plant, Dutton and Spencer contributed two goals to the team’s total. In response, Raiders’ Vaantaja was showing a real scorer’s touch with David Geroc supplying the assists. But Phantoms were piling pressure onto the Raiders net and Allatt was the one keeping the visitors alive with some heroic multi-save efforts. By the end of the second, Phantoms were ahead by 6-3. 

In contrast to game 1 the third period was a wild one, with both teams scoring four times. For the Phantoms, Liebelt claimed his fourth, as did Vaantaja for the Raiders. The visitors sensed a chance to steal the game in the dying minutes and brought themselves within two goals on a delayed penalty, prompting Phantoms to use their time-out to refocus defensively. 

This had the desired effect, and the final goal of the game was scored by Mark Stringfellow (on his debut) and assisted by Chalmers settling the score at 10-7 to the home team. 

Phantoms MVP went to Mark Stringfellow for a lively debut while Raiders NM Allatt rightly deserved the Raiders title for a second game. 

Phantoms are in action next Sunday 22nd when they host the Newcastle Predators, FO 4:30. 

Sledge Hockey 2025: Round-Up #5

Cardiff Huskies moved back to the top of the BPIHL table after a 2-1 overtime win over Sheffield Steelkings in the Welsh capital on Sunday.

Tyler Christopher gave the defending champions a narrow 1-0 lead in the first period and, after a goal-less second period, John Plummer fired in an equaliser to take the game into overtime.

The sudden death winner was scored by Cardiff’s Jon Le Galloudec.

Manchester Mayhem picked up their first win of the season with a 6-0 home victory over Sheffield Steelstings.

Five goals in the first period – from Karl Nicholson (2), Anton Tomlinson (1) and Anthony Booth (2) – did most of the damage, and Booth rounded off his hat-trick with the last goal of the game in the third period.

This weekend sees the return matches in Sheffield, with the Steelstings hosting the Mayhem on Saturday – 6pm face off - and the Steelkings taking on the Huskies on Sunday, 4.30pm start.

 

Read more here:

Mayhem v Steelstings match report: http://www.icehockeyreview.co.uk/2025/06/match-report-mayhem-6-sheffield.html

Steelkings @ Cardiff match report: https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=1285847060212373&set=a.752543950209356

#sledgehockey2025

More Signings For Dragons NIHL2

Kieran Clarkson (Photo by All Sports Photography)

The Deeside Dragons NIHL 2 have announced three more returnees from last year’s Ducks to play for the re-branded team in the forthcoming Laidler Division season.

Kieran Clarkson was a stalwart for the Ducks last season, playing in 20 league games. His contribution of 5 goals and 4 assists made him the Ducks’ 4th highest points scorer overall.

Commenting on Clarkson’s return to the Den, Coach James Parsons said: “Kieran was a player we could rely on last season to play up and down the lineup — whether that meant working alongside younger players or more experienced ones. He can slot into any situation, which is a huge asset. Above all, he’s a team-first guy, and that’s exactly the kind of mentality we want in our senior group.”

Ben Roscoe
(Photo by Paul Breeze)

Ben Roscoe was another regular player for the Ducks last season, playing in 22 games and notching up 6 assists.

Talking about re-signing for the team, Roscoe said: “I am proud to be selected for the Deeside Dragons D2 Seniors. I’m excited to keep developing as a player and contribute to a strong team this season. I can’t wait to hit the ice — thank you to the club for the opportunity!” 

Another Ducks player from last year who returns for the new season is Luke Wainwright. He played in 14 Laidler Division games last time around and scored two goals.

Dragons NIHL2 Head Coach Gary Shaw said of Wainwright:

“I’m pleased to welcome Luke back for the coming season. Having coached him for much of his junior career, I know he’s a player who can contribute at both forward and defence. We’ll use that to our advantage as we continue to develop his game sense and puck movement.”

Luke Wainwright (Photo by Karen Booth)

Match Report: Mayhem 6 – Sheffield Steelstings 0 (BPIHL)

The Mayhem team after their win over Sheffield (Photo by @littlespanishflea)

Sunday 8th June 2025 - BPIHL: Mayhem 6 – Sheffield Steelstings 0

The Mayhem sledge team picked up their first win of the new 2025 British Para Ice Hockey League season with a 6-0 victory over Sheffield Steelstings at Planet Ice Widnes on Sunday. 

The game saw a Mayhem debut for GB women’s international player Nicola Terrell and was the first home outing for Fiona Naylor who is new to the sport for this season. 

The Steelstings are Sheffield’s development team for the main Steelkings A team and their main aim is to encourage and nurture less experienced players, rather than necessarily battle for trophies so this game was always likely to be a win for the Mayhem. 

However, it took a while to get going until Karl Nicholson eventually gave the Mayhem the lead in the 8th minute.

Two more goals quickly followed after that – from Nicholson, again, on 9 minutes and Anton Tomlinson on 10.

A brace from Anthony Booth within 14 seconds of each other around the 13 minute mark rounded off the scoring for the period and the Mayhem took a commanding 5-0 lead into the first period break.

The second period saw the Mayhem firmly on top in terms of puck possession and shots on goal but solid defending and netminding from the Steelstings meant that it played out goal-less.

The only goal of the third period fell to Booth on 40 minutes - rounding off a well-taken hat trick and the game finished as a 6-0 win for the Mayhem.

Anton Tomlinson was the Mayhem MVP against Sheffield
(Photo by Paul Breeze)

The MVP awards went to Chris Haynes for Sheffield and Anton Tomlinson for the Mayhem.

Mayhem netminder Daniel Hartshorn also deserves a special mention for picking up a “shut-out” in what was only his second ever game in goal.

The Mayhem are away in Sheffield this Saturday 14th June to face the same opposition – 6.10pm face off – and are next at home on Saturday 21st June when they take on last year’s champions Cardiff Huskies at Planet Ice Widnes, 4.25 pm face off.

Match Report: Connah's Quay Cobras 7 - Blackburn Buccaneers 5 (Challenge Match)

The victorious Cobras team - with mascots (Photo by Scott Dutton)

Saturday 7th June 2025 – Challenge Match: Connah’s Quay Cobras 7 – Blackburn Buccaneers 5 

The Connah’s Quay Cobras picked up a 7-5 win in a challenge match against the Blackburn Buccaneers at Deeside Leisure Centre on Saturday.

After the rigours of the Summer Classic Cup campaign in recent weeks, this was a “development” game aimed at giving wider squad members some extra ice time and was very close throughout and highly entertaining to watch.

The match saw a Cobras debut for Jaakko Tulkki and a first full game for Tom Wlodarczyk. The occasion had a nice family atmosphere with a number of junior mascots on the ice before and after the game.

The Cobras took the lead on 6 minutes with a goal from Sam Hunt but the Buccaneers equalised on 13 minutes.  Former Dragons 2 and Bradford Bulldogs league player Gez Evans edged the home side back in front with just 90 seconds left on the clock handing the Cobras a narrow 2-1 lead at the first period break.

Cobras Player Coach Emma Dutton fired Connah’s Quay further ahead with a goal just 30 seconds after the restart and a second goal from Evans a minute after that saw the hosts leading 4-1.

Blackburn pulled a goal back on 23 minutes and two more strikes saw them draw level at 4-4. A hat-trick goal from Evans on 36 minutes put the Cobras’ noses back in front and they led 5-4 at the second interval. 

A second goal for Dutton on 42 minutes doubled the Cobras advantage early in the third period but Blackburn hit back again on 55 minutes to set up a nail-biting finale.  Gez Evans fired in his fourth goal of the game to restore the Cobras’ two-goal cushion on 57 minutes but the Buccaneers kept pushing forward, trying to salvage something from the game. 

Andy Teece and Theo Coulson split the netminding duties for the Cobras, playing half the game each, and Coulson was called upon to make a number of impressive saves to keep the Blackburn attack at bay in the closing stages.

There was no more goal action, however, and the game finished 7-5 to the Cobras – with Coulson being named MVP for his performance.

Cobras MVP Theo Coulson (Photo by Scott Dutton)

The Cobras are back on the cup trail for their next game when they face a tricky trip away to last year’s champions Don Valley Vikings in Sheffield on Saturday 21st June – 8pm face off. They then finish off their qualifying group matches with an away game in Whitley Bay on Saturday 2nd August.

 

Sledge Hockey 2025: Round-Up #4

Sunday 1^st June 2025 – BPIHL: Peterborough Phantoms 7 - Cardiff Huskies 6

Peterborough Phantoms moved back to the top of the British Para Ice Hockey League table after close-fought a 7-6 victory at home to defending champions Cardiff Huskies on Sunday.

This was the Phantoms’ second win over the Huskies this season and leaves them with a 100% record at this early stage of the campaign.

Gary Farmer scored 6 of the 7 Phantoms goals with the other coming from Callum Shakespeare.  Tyler Christopher scored 3 for Cardiff with Josh Davies adding 2 and Jon Le Galloudec 1.

(You can see a more detailed match report on the Peterborough Phantoms website HERE)

This weekend sees Manchester Mayhem play their first home game of the season when they take on Sheffield SteelStings on Sunday 8^th June at Planet Ice Widnes, 4.15pm face off  

Cardiff take on the Sheffield A team, the Steelkings, in the Welsh Capital the same day, 7.15pm face off

Previous Results:

• 3^rd May:  Cardiff Huskies 4 – Peterborough Phantoms 5
• 16^th May: Sheffield Steelstings 0 – Sheffield Steelkings 7
• 17^th May: Cardiff Huskies 6 – Manchester Mayhem 4
• 24^th May: Sheffield Steelstings 1 - Cardiff Huskies 8

Mayhem Ready For Home Face Off

Peter Hagan
(Photo by Blindside Trading Cards)

The Mayhem sledge team play their first home game of the new 2025 British Para Ice Hockey League season this Sunday 8th June when they take on the Sheffield SteelStings at Planet Ice Widnes, 4.30 pm face off.

They opened their campaign with a narrow 6-4 defeat away to defending champions Cardiff Huskies three weeks ago and are hoping to build on that performance against the Sheffield development side.

There are 5 teams in the league, with Peterborough Phantoms and the Sheffield A team - the Steelkings - making up the full complement.  Each team plays the others once home and away and the top four qualify for the play offs at the end of the season.

Looking ahead to Sunday’s game, Mayhem Team Manager and Head Coach Peter Hagan said: 

“The team are excited to get back into league action! We had a great game in Cardiff, despite a depleted squad, a new goalie and a brand new skater too!”

“Last season was the closest league for quite a few years, with a bounce here or there meaning 4 teams could’ve won the league, so hopefully be as competitive again. The women will be really going for it as they look to get to optimal performance for the inaugural Women’s World Para Ice Hockey Championships in August…so it should be a great league!”

“We are hoping to try and convert the narrow losses into wins this year and battle for the league and play off titles. We also want to bring new players into the sport, so are always happy to her from anybody who is interested. Next year it could be YOU on the ice!”

“I am looking forward to seeing new players, familiar foes & some great hockey at Widnes…and it’s all FREE!”

Anybody interested in trying out Para Ice Hockey – or sponsoring the Mayhem team - is asked to contact them in the first instance via email to info@manchestermayhem.co.uk

Widnes Wild Women Presentation Evening

Wild Women's award winner Stephanie Drinkwater with Head Coach Steve Furber (Photo by Ellen Tyrer)

The Widnes Wild Women’s team rounded off their successful Division 2 North title winning season with their annual awards evening at the weekend.

The player awards for the 2024/25 season were:

• Best Defence: Jennifer Greenwood
• Best Forward: Ruth Leopold
• Most Improved Player: Eleanor Johnson
• Coaches’ Player Of The Season: Stephanie Drinkwater
• Players’ Player Of The Season: Stephanie Drinkwater
• Unsung Hero: Rachael Pearce

Ruth Leopold had actually retired from playing after an impressive 37 year career with Blackpool, Sheffield, Swindon and Bristol but was tempted back onto the ice after a year away to play for the Wild Women this season.

She summed up her feelings thus: “Thank you so, so much to all at Widnes Wild Women's ice hockey team for such an enjoyable season. To get a league winners medal (and hat!) - and to top it off with an unexpected Best Forward award - and some very kind words from the coaches at the end of season do tonight, was amazing and emotional for me! I appreciate it so much.”

As well as being named Coaches’ Player and Players’ Player of the season, inspirational netminder Stephanie Drinkwater was the first inductee to the Wild Womens’ 100 Club, which has been newly set up to celebrate various playing milestones.

Drinkwater passed 100 appearances for the Wild Women this season – the first player on the team to do so.

She has been with the Wild Women since the team first started 10 years ago following its relocation from Altrincham. This season is actually her third title win overall as she also won the Division 1 North title (as it was then called) with Widnes in 2020, and with the previous Manchester Phoenix team in 2015.

In that time, Drinkwater has notched up 104 appearances for the Wild Women, and it would probably have been more had the league not been suspended for the 2020/21 season due to the Coronavirus pandemic. 

Hot on her heels in the “Appearances Stakes” are two more original Wild Women and triple title winners, Catherine Fell with 92 games and Leen De Decker with 91.   De Decker was also inducted into the 100 Club for having passed 100 goals for the team. She has 104 goals from her 91 games, and her tally of 46 assists and 150 points overall are also the all time highs for the Wild Women.

Talking about her hat-trick of accolades, Stephanie Drinkwater said:

“What an end to this year’s season. I am lost for words after receiving Coaches’ Player and Players’ Player awards last night! Also being inducted into the 100 Club with officially playing 100 games for the Wild Women. It has been an amazing year and I have so much love for this team - forever my girls!”

The Wild Women now have a few weeks’ well-earned rest before they return to the ice to prepare for the 2025/26 WNIHL season. 

They are always keen to attract new players – especially anybody with league or international experience - and anybody interested is asked to contact the team via their Facebook page HERE in the first instance.