Warriors¹ overpower the Stormers on the road
On Sunday 26th April 2026 our Warriors 1 team travelled to Grimsby to take on the Stormers in an IHSC Cup fixture.
This was the return fixture in the IHSC Cup, with the Warriors having beaten the Stormers 13-5 back in Leeds on 28th February 2026. If you would like to read the previous game report, click here.
With several key players unavailable and the challenge of adapting to the smaller rink, the Warriors knew this would be a tough test. There were no illusions about how demanding the task would be, but the team were determined to make a fast start to help settle into the game and establish their rhythm early.
Dressed players
Joe Quinn (NM), Chris Giles (C), Andy Giles (A), Ellen Gallimore, Adam Gibbons, Tyler Heming, Dylan Noonan, Mitch White, Jordan Batty, Andrew Hughes, Adam Tomlinson, Chris Scampton, Will Gibbons, Harvey Galloway, Jake Wagner.
1st period
The game began with an early set-back for the Warriors when they were handed a two-minute tripping penalty at 3:42, but thankfully the Warriors killed it off well and quickly seized momentum.
At 6:45, Mitch White opened the scoring, finishing from Andy Giles to make it 0-1.
Just 11 seconds later, White struck again as he buried his second of the night at 6:56. 0-2 to the Warriors.
The Warriors continued to press, and at 8:28, Dylan Noonan got on the score-sheet, converting a pass from Will Gibbons to make it 0-3.
The Warriors had got their quick start but, 0-3 is only a fragile lead in hockey - and this was proven when the Stormers responded quickly at 8:38 to make it 1-3 and keep them in touch. It’s at these points in hockey games where the next goal is crucial, and this was no different. Depending on who scored, it would make it either 1-4 or 2-3.
So it came as a huge relief for the Warriors when at 9:32, White completed a first-period hat-trick to make it 1-4 and preserve some daylight between the teams. The goal being assisted by Chris Scampton.
What followed was 7 minutes of pure stalemate. The Stormers were throwing everything they had into the game, but thanks to resolute defending and the outstanding performance of Warriors goalie Joe Quinn, the visitors held firm.
With the end of the period looming, the Warriors managed to snatch a late 5th goal to cap a very satisfying first period. At 16:55, Will Gibbons got on the board with the assists coming from Noonan and Giles.
As the buzzer sounded, it marked the end of an excellent period for the team and left them firmly in control. However, hockey games can change in an instant with just a couple of goals conceded, so the Warriors remained fully aware that the contest was far from over. They needed to avoid complacency creeping in.
Stormers 1-5 Warriors
2nd period
What the team needed was another fast start and an early goal - something that could take the wind out of the Stormers sails. And just 41 seconds into the period, Giles made it 6–1, assisted by Noonan. Just what the team needed.
But despite that blow to their ambitions, the Stormers remained determined to get back into this game - fighting back with goals at 21:51 and 23:21 to reduce the score to 6–3.
This was a concern for the Warriors - the score-line had gone from looking comfortable to quite close and this is how momentum can start to swing in the opposing favour. The team needed to respond - and soon.
Thankfully they didn’t have to wait long - at 23:35, Chris Scampton restored the four-goal cushion with an unassisted effort. It was now 3-7 and that felt like a pivotal goal in this game.
That goal helped to alleviate the foothold that the Stormers were looking to get in the game and the Warriors kicked on from here - at 24:53, Noonan grabbed his second of the game - assisted by Giles and Gibbons, making it 3-8.
The Warriors continued to dominate possession and chances, and at 34:53, Jordan Batty got on the scoresheet, assisted by Mitch White, to send the Warriors into the second interval with a commanding 3-9 lead.
Stormers 3-9 Warriors
3rd period
With a six-goal cushion, the Warriors didn’t need to take any chances in the final period. It was all about discipline in defending and shutting the game down. But, they were still keen to win the period.
The Warriors made another fast start to the period, and after just 48 seconds Noonan completed his hat-trick, finishing a move created by Gibbons and Giles to extend the lead to 3-10.
But hats off to the Stormers, they never gave up and added a goal at 43:48 to make it 4-10 - but the Warriors answered back quickly - at 46:08, Andrew Hughes scoring an unassisted goal.
Then just six seconds after the puck-drop, at 46:14, Noonan struck again to register his 4th goal of the game, assisted by Giles. This completed the scoring at 12–4.
Final score:
Stormers 4-12 Warriors
Points scorers :
Dylan Noonan 4+2
Andy Giles 1+5
Mitch White 3+1
Will Gibbons 1+3
Chris Scampton 1+1
Andrew Hughes 1+0
Jordan Batty 1+0
Mitch White
Player of the game
Joe Quinn
Captain’s POTG
The Player of the Game, as selected by Stormers’ captain Andy Portess, went to the Warriors’ Mitch White, who scored a first period hat-trick - and the Captain’s POTG went to netminder Joe Quinn who held everything that came at him. Great performances guys.
This was a fantastic road performance for the Warriors against a good Stormers team who had recently beaten the Sheffield Ice Tigers.
It was pleasing to see that contributions came from all areas of the team regardless of who posted up goals and assists. Great team effort in a difficult environment.
The team had a good attitude throughout - never allowing complacency to creep in at any stage.
Commiserations to the Stormers and thanks for hosting us - we wish you well for the remainder of your IHSC Cup campaign.
The next game for Warriors¹ is back in the IHSC Cup and it’s another tough one - see the details below:
IHSC Cup
Saturday 23rd May 2026
Warriors¹ v Sheffield Blazers A
@ Planet Ice, Leeds
Face-off : 9:45pm
All Warriors 1 fixtures can be found here : Fixtures and Results
