Storm Hold Off Flames in Dramatic Challenge Cup Thriller

Storm returned to home ice on Sunday afternoon for their third game of the week as the Guildford Flames made the long trip north from Surrey for an intriguing Challenge Cup encounter. The visitors arrived in strong form, but Critchlow's side were determined to respond after suffering defeat in Nottingham the previous evening.

The home team came out with purpose right from the first face-off, getting early shots on Arvanitis in the Flames net. Storm found themselves on the penalty kill in the fifth minute as Cutler sat for a face-off violation, a kill that very nearly led to a shorthanded goal as the forwards broke away. A power play of their own saw Cutler come closest when he rang a heavy slapshot off the near post. It took until the final moments of the opening stanza for the scoreboard to be lit up when McGauley lifted the puck high into the net from close range, assisted by Kudla and Gilmour. A period of penalties came to an end with Storm leading 1-0.

A string of minor penalties against the Flames in the opening minutes of the second period gave the Storm a great opportunity with a two-man advantage. Guildford held firm, however, thanks to some last-ditch defensive work as the Storm pressed hard. It was an even-strength goal that doubled the lead at the midpoint of the period, when Dow finished off a nice passing play after breaking into the zone, with assists from Karlsson and Ulett. Hook was next to put his name on the scoresheet late on, redirecting Cutler's shot from the blue line. A healthy 3-0 advantage was carried into the second intermission.

Storm’s three-goal cushion didn't last too long as Sanford got the Flames on the board with a low shot that found a way through. Moments later, Gosselin added a second, followed by the equalising goal, also scored by Gosselin, who rounded Weninger to finish at the far post. A few words from Critchlow seemed to steady the ship and refocus the players. Just twenty seconds after the equaliser, the Storm regained their lead when Hook tipped in Jenion's long-range effort to make it 4-3. Guildford continued to pile on the pressure, eventually pulling their netminder in the dying seconds of the game. The Storm held on, however, and secured the points in a dramatic home win.

By: Kristian Stokwisz