Goths Repelled, Vindico Still Standing

Photo Credit; Rebecca Brain

Preseason Record; 3-0-0

The penalty sheet is likely still being counted, making the stats and game day team strong candidates for the General Election counts in the future, add to those resumes folks.

The game was expected to be an entertaining affair and the teams didn’t disappoint.

An early goal by the Gothiques after a strong start by both sides, putting physicality and finesse on display, was quickly cancelled out and extended, with the home side going into the first intermission 2-1 up.

The second frame continued the Devils impressive and relentless style of play, amassing a mammoth 5-1 lead, completely outclassing their visitors in all areas of the ice.

This is where the frustrations from the visitors started to change the terms of this…friendly.

Soon after another light show, it became apparent that the details in the offensive end continued to develop, with the Devils notching 3 more goals to extend an 8-1 lead, leaving the visiting French team with nothing much else to do on a Saturday night in Wales, than to exchange pleasantries.

Again, domination in this facet of the game tilted toward the home team, though it had raised some questions on discipline going forward in the league.

However, for the experienced ice hockey fans, this is more an indication of dealing with a disruptive team, rather than being destructive to your own playbook.

A total of 77 PIMS were accounted for, including slashing, fighting, roughing, ‘miscellaneous’ and a new one, Brandting (Flying from the bench into a wall of sweating, angry hockey guys).

Brandt had a night, with plenty of the rough stuff, a beautiful snipe and a lovely homage to the visiting Amiens team, proving, it is not only ducks that can fly on the ice.

Just an apple short of a Gordie.

The only down side was number 18 Bastian Maia not getting ejected for his antics after the commotion, when the officials were trying to remember the difference between icing and offside, as well as to understand what was actually going on.

I would rather them than me in those moments. The tie finished 8-2.

The next affair is an earlier face-off, so more exchanges would likely be happening, though not to the extent of the displays on Saturday night.

The focus for the hosts would be to wrap up the weekend with a convincing performance, to get ready for their next challenge ahead, another DH, this time vs Glasgow Clan.

My Three Stars for the game are;

Third – Riley Brandt

Second – Trevor Cox

First – Evan Mosey