Warriors² fall short in close encounter
On Saturday 17th January 2026, our second team welcomed Sheffield Ice Tigers B to Leeds for their opening game in the IHSC Cup.
This was our our Warriors 2 side’s first game in the IHSC Cup (Ice Hockey Summer Classic) and their first game since Sunday 1st June 2025 when they went down 4-2 away at Blackburn Buccaneers.
The team were looking forward to getting back into competitive games and were hoping to start with a win!
This is a new look W2 team which boasted 5 debutants - Cain Turner, Chris Hamilton, Dexter Duffy-Howard, Rhys Shears and Matt Jubb all wore the Warriors jersey for the first time.
Great to have you onboard guys.
Dressed players:
Ben Briggs (NM), Joe Quinn (NM), Andrew Everson, Arek Koziel, Cain Turner, Chris Hamilton, Corey Clough-Howard, David Gorog, Dexter Duffy-Howard, Howard Barwick (C), Ivans Lebedjoks, James Way (A), Jamie Thurston, Luke Cadman, Matt Jubb, Mo Lin, Reece Shears, Sam Stokes, Simon Davis, Stu Shepherd and Tim Lyndon-Belt.
1st period:
In the early exchanges, both teams were sizing each other up - and it was clear to everyone this would be a close encounter. But the Warriors looked like they had the ability to take the win in this game.
With only 2:44 on the clock, the Ice Tigers took a penalty, giving a power-play opportunity to the Warriors. Unfortunately, they couldn’t convert, but they were growing into the game.
Only 5 minutes later, at 7:58 the Warriors opened the scoring when Captain Howard Barwick slotted home from an Ivans Lebedjoks assist. 1-0 Warriors.
Howard Barwick
The Captain makes it 1-0 Warriors.
Ivans Lebedjoks
Comes up with the assist
The team were hoping to push on and get some daylight between them but unfortunately they couldn’t secure a second goal during the remainder of the period. Thankfully, they were defensively solid and able to see out the rest of the period without conceding.
The period ended at 1-0 Warriors.
Warriors 1-0 Ice Tigers
2nd period:
Whilst the Warriors could be satisfied with their efforts in the opening period, the visitors were likely to be highly motivated and determined to get back into the game during the second period. Coach Niks Kamaldins will have been aware of the Ice Tigers threat and advised his team to not be complacent.
Coach Niks Kamaldins gives out instructions.
After the restart, it didn’t take long for the Warriors to double their lead to 2-0. At 25:44 Jamie Thurston converted from Andrew Everson and James Way assists. The Warriors were now in the driving seat.
Jamie Thurston
Scorer of the Warriors second goal
Andrew Everson
With the primary assist
James Way
With the secondary assist
But, 2-0 is a dangerous lead - and it only took a few minutes for the Ice Tigers to storm back into the game. At 28:31 the visitors reduced the deficit to 2-1 and it was clear this was not going to be easy.
At 34:45, the Warriors took a 2 minute minor penalty, which gave a power-play opportunity to the Ice Tigers. This was the last thing our guys needed, but they managed to kill this penalty off.
Since scoring their goal, momentum had clearly shifted in favour of the Ice Tigers, who were keen to make the most of this period and grab the equalising goal. Thankfully for the Warriors, they continued to hold firm and closed the period with no further goals from either team.
At 1-1, this was another decent period for the Warriors as they sustained their one-goal advantage.
Warriors 2-1 Ice Tigers
3rd period:
It was all now down to the final 20 minutes. If the team doesn’t concede a goal, they win the game.
But, things didn’t go to plan. The Warriors conceded early in the period, at 42:51 to bring the scores level at 2-2.
The Ice Tigers now had the wind in their sails, whilst the Warriors were on the back foot and feeling panicky.
Could the Warriors regroup and get the go-ahead goal, or would the visitors capitalise on their momentum?
There was some respite for the Warriors at 43:25 when the Ice Tigers took a roughing penalty, giving our guys the numerical advantage, but the visitors managed to kill this off.
At 51:31, the Warriors took a 2 minute minor penalty for interference - and given the direction of play, it was tough for the Warriors to hold out with 4 players.
The Ice Tigers took full advantage of this power-play and after only 28 seconds, at 52:00, they took the lead to make it 2-3.
The visitors take the lead.
This was a crushing blow to the Warriors who had competed so brilliantly in the first two periods. They were now left with 8 minutes to get the equaliser - whilst needing to stay secure defensively.
With energy levels depleting, this was a tall order and ultimately the clock ran it’s course to the 60 minute mark with no further goals, meaning the Ice Tigers won the final period 0-2 - and took the W at 2-3.
Final score:
Warriors 2-3 Ice Tigers
Points scorers:
Howard Barwick 1+0
Jamie Thurston 1+0
Andrew Everson 0+1
Ivans Lebedjoks 0+1
James Way 0+1
Corey Clough-Howard
Player of the game
Joe Quinn
Captain’s player of the game
Player of the Game, as selected by the Ice Tigers, went to Corey Clough-Howard. Whilst a D by trade, Corey played the game as a forward and had a great game.
The Captain’s Helmet went to Joe Quinn for a fantastic performance in goal. Well played Joe!
What a game - but what a blow!
From being 2-0 ahead to a 2-3 loss. Heartbreak for the Warriors - joy for the Ice Tigers. It’s disappointing to lose the game but there are lots of positives to take from it. Clearly these teams are evenly matched which makes us look forward to the away fixture - it could go either way!
Shout out to our 5 debutants who did brilliantly well in the game.
Our 5 debutants:
Chris Hamilton
Matt Jubb
Rhys Shears
Cain Turner
Dexter Duffy-Howard
Massive thanks to Robert Halls Photography for coming down and taking some fantastic photographs of the game.
It’s quite a while until our second team play in the IHSC Cup again and it’ll be the return fixture in Sheffield. See details below:
IHSC Cup:
Saturday 21st March 2026
@ Sheffield Ice Tigers B
Face-off @ 10:10pm
@ Ice Sheffield
For all upcoming Warriors 2 fixtures, please check this page : fixtures and results.
