Lions Maul Metros

Posted on March 6, 2012 by Simon

Trafford Metros 2 Nottingham Lions 5

Four goals from Joe Wightman and one from Gareth O’Flaherty helped the Lions to a deserved 5-2 victory over the Trafford Metros at Altrincham Ice Dome on Saturday evening.

In one of their best performances of the season, Nottingham dominated the game with some controlled passing and decisive finishing, whilst Trafford spurned the majority of chances that did fall their way.

Wightman grabbed his first after six minutes, combining well with Nick Whyatt to fire past Metros goalie Dave Clancy.

Trafford found Lions netminder Richard Griffiths in fine form from the off, as he tipped a Jamie Rogerson shot onto the post six minutes later, but he couldn’t prevent Max Drakeley equalising with seven remaining in the first period.

four goal hero - Joe Wightman

Wightman put Nottingham back in front within three minutes of the start of the second period before Michael Rose got a good few more punches in than his opponent John Murray after the pair dropped their gloves on the half-hour mark.

A prolonged Lions attack on Clancy’s goal then followed, Gareth O’Flaherty finally slotting home with twenty seconds left to give Nottingham a two goal cushion going into the third.

Wightman completed his hat-trick after three minutes of the restart before getting his fourth of the night ten minutes later.

Metros’ Sean Day scored what was only ever going to be a consolation goal with six minutes remaining before referee Dave Emmerson was kept busy, dishing out a plethora of penalties after a line brawl in the dying seconds of the game.

Post-game interviews with Man of the Match Joe Wightman and Head Coach Matt Bradbury are available to watch on LionsTV – the Lions’ online TV channel.

Nottingham now have two more games left to pick-up more points in the hope of avoiding the uncertainty of a relegation play-off against the runners-up in Division 2. Both games are at home against the Blackburn Hawks and the first is this Sunday (11th March) with a 7.15pm face-off at the National Ice Centre.

Game Stats:

Joe Wightman 4+1, Gareth O’Flaherty 1+0, Jack Clarkson 0+3, Nick Whyatt 0+2.

Period Scores: 1st 1-1, 2nd 0-2, 3rd 1-2.

Shots: 1st 12-6, 2nd 11-13, 3rd 12-11. Total 35-30.

Penalty Mins: 1st 0-0, 2nd 4-6, 3rd 40-12. Total 44-18.

Lions MOTM: Joe Wightman.

Lions Pair To Make The Cut

Posted on November 16, 2011 by Simon

Tomorrow night (Thursday 17th) at the NIC, Lions winger Reece Glossop and centre-man Joe Wightman may feel a bit of an extra chill out on the ice as they prepare to lose their flowing locks all in the name of Children In Need.

The pair will be out in the middle of the ice having their heads shaved by a selection of the Lions junior players and are preparing themselves for more than your average short-back and sides whilst hoping to raise lots of cash for the BBC Telethon in the process.

Lions GM Danny Harrison commented ” The guys have been extremely sporting to offer up their hair all for a good cause. We hope as many players, management, juniors, parents and supporters can make it down tomorrow evening and sponsor the guys - if they can’t make it in person, they can also donate online or via text.”

All the details on how to donate are on the BBC Children In Need website – If you wish to let us know how much you have donated so we get work out an accurate total figure raised – then please get in touch via our official Facebook page or our official Twitter page.

The National Ice Centre’s own Pip The Penguin will also be in attendance and fingers-crossed – a very special guest may also be making an appearance. All the fun begins right after public skating/before Lions training, tomorrow night at 9.30pm.

Nottingham Lions 6 – Solihull Barons 2 (30/10/11)

Posted on November 1, 2011 by Danny

With period scores of 2-1, 2-1, 2-0 the Nottingham Lions won the “battle of the basement” convincingly 6-2 at the NIC over local rivals the Solihull Barons.

Lions found themselves an early goal down however Joe Wightman responded to be level on terms with Chris Colegate getting the go ahead goal. There was no looking back for the Lions who dominated the proceedings and finished their chances well.

Head Coach Matt Bradbury said after the match “It’s been a long time coming but it is no more than the team and back room staff deserve, the commitment and professionalism of all involved has been exemplary”

Against Solihull Lions welcomed back key players that have been unavailable and carrying injuries. Lions have a young team and they are learning each week what it takes to compete at this level and this is only another step on our journey this season. Marcus Maynard had a solid night on defence and our 3 units of forwards really clicked and put the puck in the back of the net which was encouraging.

This Sunday Lions play Whitley Warriors at home at the NIC for a 7.15pm face off. With the Panthers playing at 4pm it would be fantastic if the Panthers season ticket holders could stay after and support the boys – it’s only £3.00 with your season ticket with all funds going back in to support the team.

Goal scorers:- Colegate 1+3, Wightman 2+0, Whyatt 1+1, Wood & Bennett 1+0, O’Flaherty 0+3 & D Rose 0+1
Man of the Match: Joe Wightman

Lions Pick Up a Well Earned Point On The Road

Posted on October 13, 2011 by Danny

Last Sunday the Nottingham Lions made the long trip to Whitley Bay to face last year’s league and play off champions. After the match Lions Head Coach Matt Bradbury said “We realised that we would have to really dig deep and grind out points up there, having said that the pressure was firmly on Whitley as they have high expectations and had got beaten 7-3 by Coventry the night before”.

“We kept chipping away, played a battling game and at last we got a couple lucky bounces! (which made a welcome change). We should have come away with both of the points being 3-1 up going into the last twenty minutes however we had to settle for 1 point as Whitley rallied their troops in the final third”.

“I am really pleased with the players as individuals and as a team by the way that they have responded to the recent challenging times. We have remained focus and well aware of the job in hand so far this season.”

This Sunday the Lions face the Telford Titans which is normally a gritty and feisty affair. Face off at the National Ice Centre is 7.15pm.

Scorers vs Whitley Bay:- Joe Wightman 2 Goals & Gareth O’Flaherty 1 Goal. Assists Quinn, Wood, Whyatt & Rose 0+1