At the Milton Keynes Arena on November 10, 2023, an intense hockey match unfolded between the Milton Keynes Lightning and the visiting Swindon Wildcats. The game was a display of skill and strategy, with both teams giving their all. Here’s how the action went down, period by period.
First Period
The first period started with a bang as Gaël-Mukeba Lubwele of the Wildcats scored at 1:07, assisted by Reed Sayers and Samuel Godfrey. However, the Lightning quickly responded with Corey McEwen finding the net at 1:24, assisted by Mack Stewart and Edward Knaggs. The period ended with both teams tied at 1-1.
Second Period
The Wildcats gained a brief lead with Colby Tower scoring on a power play at 27:54, assisted by Chris Jones and Tomasz Malasinski. But the Lightning retaliated with two goals. Ross Venus scored at 30:16, assisted by Milique Martelly and Lewis Christie. Then, Mack Stewart scored a short-handed goal at 39:01, assisted by Rory Herrman, putting the Lightning ahead 3-2.
Third Period
In the third period, Russell Cowley of the Wildcats scored at 47:23, assisted by Godfrey and Malasinski. However, the Lightning maintained their lead with Stewart scoring again at 41:32, assisted by McEwen and Toms Rutkis. Tim Wallace sealed the deal for the Lightning with an empty-net goal at 59:26, assisted by Harry Gulliver and Venus. The period ended with the Lightning leading 5-3.
Penalties
The game had its fair share of penalties. The Wildcats had penalties from Gaël-Mukeba Lubwele, Bálint Pákozdi, Edgars Bebris, and Stephen Whitfield. The Lightning’s penalties were from Harry Gulliver, Ben Solder, Tim Wallace (twice), and Lewis Christie.
Goal Scorers and Assists
| Team | Scorer | Assist 1 | Assist 2 | Type | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wildcats | Lubwele | Sayers | Godfrey | Even Strength | 1:07 |
| Lightning | McEwen | Stewart | Knaggs | Even Strength | 1:24 |
| Wildcats | Tower | Jones | Malasinski | Powerplay | 27:54 |
| Lightning | Venus | Martelly | Christie | Even Strength | 30:16 |
| Lightning | Stewart | Herrman | Short Handed | 39:01 | |
| Lightning | Stewart | McEwen | Rutkis | Even Strength | 41:32 |
| Wildcats | Cowley | Godfrey | Malasinski | Even Strength | 47:23 |
| Lightning | Wallace | Gulliver | Venus | Empty Net | 59:26 |
Penalties
| Team | Player | Penalty | Mins | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wildcats | Lubwele | Hi Stick | 2 | 12:25 |
| Wildcats | Pákozdi | Hold | 2 | 14:14 |
| Lightning | Gulliver | Hook | 2 | 20:49 |
| Lightning | Solder | Hook | 2 | 27:01 |
| Wildcats | Bebris | Hold Stick | 2 | 35:15 |
| Lightning | Wallace | Trip | 2 | 38:00 |
| Wildcats | Whitfield | Trip | 2 | 43:25 |
| Lightning | Christie | Slash | 2 | 54:27 |
| Lightning | Wallace | Hook | 2 | 55:05 |
Goaltender Summary
| Goaltender | Shots Faced | Save % |
|---|---|---|
| Jordan Hedley (Lightning) | 44 | 93.18% |
| Renny Marr (Wildcats) | 29 | 82.76% |
Player Summary
Milton Keynes Lightning
- Corey McEwen: 1 Goal, 1 Assist
- Mack Stewart: 2 Goals, 1 Assist
- Rory Herrman: 1 Assist
- Ross Venus: 1 Goal, 1 Assist
- Tim Wallace: 1 Goal, 2 Penalties
- Harry Gulliver: 1 Assist, 1 Penalty
- Lewis Christie: 1 Assist, 1 Penalty
- Ben Solder: 1 Penalty
Swindon Wildcats
- Gaël-Mukeba Lubwele: 1 Goal, 1 Penalty
- Colby Tower: 1 Goal
- Russell Cowley: 1 Goal
- Chris Jones: 1 Assist
- Tomasz Malasinski: 2 Assists
- Reed Sayers: 1 Assist
- Samuel Godfrey: 2 Assists
- Bálint Pákozdi: 1 Penalty
- Edgars Bebris: 1 Penalty
- Stephen Whitfield: 1 Penalty
In conclusion, the Milton Keynes Lightning showcased a strong offense and defense, ultimately claiming a well-deserved 5-3 victory over the Swindon Wildcats.
