Warriors² in close encounter with Blazers
On Saturday 16th May 2026 our Warriors 2 team travelled to Ice Sheffield to take on Blazers B in an IHSC Cup fixture.
This was the fifth fixture in the IHSC Cup for Warriors² and their first contest with the Sheffield Blazers B team.
The Warriors narrowly lost their previous game 5-8 against Telford Spartans, so were keen to bounce back.
Dressed players
Lewis Pickering (NM), Howard Barwick (C), Matt Jubb, Matt Bolan, Petr Dostal, Rhys Shears, Sam Stokes, Sarah Djuric, Simon Davis, Andrew Everson, Arek Koziel, Chris Hamilton, Corey Clough-Howard, David Gorog, Ivans Lebedjoks, James Way, Jamie Thurston, Stewart Nelson, Tim Lyndon-Belt.
1st period
The game started at a high tempo, with both sides looking to establish early momentum.
The Blazers were handed the game’s first penalty at 02:12 for elbowing, giving the Warriors an early power-play opportunity. The Warriors moved the puck well but were unable to capitalise.
The dead-lock was eventually broken at approximately 05:12, when Blazers found the net to take a 1–0 lead.
Shortly afterwards, the Warriors found themselves short-handed after a tripping penalty at 07:26, but defended well to keep the game scoreless.
Despite trailing, the Warriors remained composed and competitive throughout the remainder of the period, continuing to create chances while staying firmly in the contest heading into the first intermission.
Blazers 1-0 Warriors
2nd period
The Warriors came out strongly after the re-start and eventually found the equaliser at 26:18.
A strong attacking move saw David Gorog finish clinically from an assist by Captain Howard Barwick, levelling the game at 1–1.
The equaliser shifted momentum toward the Warriors briefly, but the Blazers responded quickly.
At 28:20, the Blazers regained the lead to make it 2–1, restoring the narrow advantage for the home side.
The remainder of the period remained tight and physical, with both teams trading chances but unable to find another break-through before the break.
Blazers 2-1 Warriors
3rd period
The final period exploded into life, with four goals scored in just over three minutes.
At 42:42, the Warriors battled their way back level once again when Stewart Nelson scored unassisted to make it 2–2.
However, Blazers answered almost immediately.
The Blazers restored their lead at 44:42, edging back in front at 3–2 and threatening to take control of the game.
The Warriors refused to back down though, and just over a minute later at 45:44, Rhys Shears scored unassisted to level the game once more at 3–3.
But the dramatic spell continued.
Only seconds later, at 46:16, the Blazers struck again to regain the lead at 4–3, a goal which ultimately proved to be the winner.
The Warriors pushed hard in the closing stages searching for another equaliser, but the Blazers defended resolutely and managed to hold on for victory.
Final score:
Blazers 4-3 Warriors
Points scorers :
David Gorog 1+0
Rhys Shears 1+0
Stu Nelson 1+0
Howard Barwick 0+1
Sarah Djuric
Player of the game
Stew Nelson
Captain’s POTG
The Player of the Game for the Warriors as selected by the Blazers, went to Sarah Djuric - and the Captain’s helmet went to Stewart Nelson. Well done both!
What a game! What a final period!
Well played to Warriors². They were narrowly beaten in a fast-paced and highly competitive contest that swung dramatically back and forth throughout the evening.
This was a tense battle where neither side looked fully in control for long - with momentum constantly shifting throughout all three periods.
The next game for Warriors² was the following weekend - on Saturday 24th May (also in the IHSC Cup) away at Telford Spartans- and here’s a link to the game report for that one.
For all upcoming Warriors² fixtures, please check this page : fixtures and results.
