ICE HOCKEY: A PAIR of early strikes helped Coventry Blaze earn an important win on the road against Guildford on Saturday.
Blaze went two-nil up after just four minutes courtesy of markers from Marco Vallerand (3.28) and Garrett Ladd (4.14).
Ladd’s goal proved to be his only moment of celebration though as referee Tom Darnell ejected the Blaze skater from the match for an alleged elbowing offence.
The Flames took advantage of their five minute powerplay – during which they had four minutes of five-on-three time – to register their only goal of the night, despite having nine powerplay opportunities throughout the game.
Skipper Jordan Pietrus reestablished Blaze’s two-goal lead at 37.44 with a goal on the powerplay before Vallerand netted while shorthanded on the breakaway at 52.06 to wrap up the two points.
Head Coach Danny Stewart said: “It lost us games last weekend but tonight our penalty-kill won us one.
“I thought Nastiuk was great. We got a big powerplay goal to go 1-3 up and again short-handed for 1-4.
“It was a great road win for us to start the weekend.”
