Warriors 3 get sinked by Trawlers
On Saturday 12th July 2025, our development team welcomed the Grimsby Trawlers development team to Planet Ice, Leeds, for what was the first-ever challenge game between the two development sides.
However, this wasn't the first time the two clubs had crossed paths - our first team has already faced-off against Grimsby’s A Team both home and away in this season’s IHSC Cup (Ice Hockey Summer Classic).
So it raised a few eyebrows when we recognised two familiar faces in the visitors’ line-up: #10 Wright and #9 R. Smith, both regulars for the Trawlers’ A Team.
Let’s just say the visitors didn’t come under-strength - these two were about to play two tiers down, and their impact would be felt.
This was game number 11 of the season for our Warriors development squad. Heading into the fixture, their record stood at 6 wins, 3 losses, and 1 tie.
Although the last outing had ended in a tough defeat to Beighton Bombers, it had come on the heels of a five-game winning streak.
Spirits were high and the squad were eager to bounce back. But the presence of seasoned A Team talent on the Trawlers’ bench would make this a much taller order than anticipated.
Dressed players:
Kieran High (NM), Andis Jansons, Ash Davies, Charlie Tang, Connor Brocklebank, Craig Baker, Freddy Monk, Gary Clough, Heather McCarten, Jared Weldon, Jonjo Marshall, Paul Eaglestone, Phil Bradley, Phil Pearce, Sam Stokes, Simon Davis, Tomasz Molenda and Zach Huntley.
Game summary
The game began with plenty of energy and effort from both sides. The first period was a 0-0 stalemate with both sides working hard to try and break the deadlock.
24:14 – A few minutes into the second period, the deadlock was broken by the Trawlers, with #10 Wright - their A Team forward - providing the assist for the opening goal.
26:08 – Barely two minutes later, it was Wright’s fellow A Team teammate, #9 R. Smith, who doubled the Trawlers' lead.
35:24 – Not content with just setting one up, Wright added a goal of his own, putting the Trawlers firmly in control at 0–3. All three first period goals had direct involvement from their A Team contingent.
At the end of first period, the score was: Warriors 0 – 3 Trawlers
With a three-goal deficit to overcome, the Warriors re-grouped for the second period, but the Trawlers showed no signs of easing up.
21:53 – Less than two minutes into the second period, Wright struck again, grabbing his second goal and third point of the night (2G, 1A), pushing the score to 0–4 in favour of the visitors.
Despite the mounting score-board pressure, the Warriors dug deep and continued to battle, showing resilience and heart. The rest of the second period saw no further scoring and this extended to the end of the game itself - thanks in part to some solid goal-tending and better defensive structure from the home side. But maybe it was also because the visitors’ A team players decided they had done enough to secure the victory for their team.
Final score :
Warriors 0-4 Trawlers
A frustrating night in terms of the result, but despite the score-line, the Warriors can be proud of their commitment and attitude against a side bolstered by top-tier players.
It’s a real shame, because this match had the potential to be a fantastically competitive and evenly-matched contest — the kind that truly benefits all players involved. Instead, it became another example of how short-term wins are often being prioritised over long-term growth.
We remain proud of our team’s effort, resilience, and sportsmanship — and we stay committed to the spirit of true development.
Jonjo Marshall
Player of the game
Phil Pearce
Coach’s player of the game
But on the bright side, we still saw some stand-out performances from our Warriors team. Player of the game, as selected by the Trawlers, went to Jonjo Marshall - and the Warriors helmet was awarded to D-man Phil Pearce for yet another solid performance at the back. Well done guys!
It’s a busy time for our development team as they’re back competing again this coming Saturday - and also on the following Saturday. Details below:
Challenge game
Saturday 19th July 2025
Warriors v Peterborough Warriors
Face-off : 17:00
@ Planet Ice, Leeds
Challenge game
Saturday 26th July 2025
Warriors v Hamilton Hawks
Face-off : 17:00
@ Planet Ice, Leeds
Watch this space for all future Warriors 3 fixtures : Fixtures and Results.
