The Dynamos made their return to Gillingham after a three-week hiatus, welcoming the Romford Buccaneers for the first time this season. The match served as a league and cup fixture for both teams. The Buccaneers arrived with a roster of 20 players, while the Dynamos had 19 players registered for the game. The officials for the evening were Hill and Stephenson, operating a two-man system. The starting goaltenders were Max Van Mullem for the Buccaneers and Brad Windebank for the Dynamos. Both teams assembled on the ice for the national anthem, and the puck was set to drop, signalling the start of the game.
Period 1
The game began at a frantic pace, with early penalties setting the tone. Just 33 seconds in, a collision resulted in Maskalans of the Buccaneers and O’Neil of the Dynamos both heading to the penalty box. Maskalans received two minutes for cross-checking, while O’Neil was assessed 2 + 2 minutes for slashing, giving the visitors an early power play. However, the Dynamos effectively killed off the penalty. Shortly afterward, at 3:34, Smith was whistled for tripping, but the Dynamos responded with their own opportunity when Lillis broke free, only to be denied by the goalkeeper. The home team successfully defended the ensuing power play, and the game remained at even strength.
As the period progressed, Invicta began to find their rhythm, but at 10:50, they were penalised again, Gatenby for cross-checking, yet once more, the Dynamos’ penalty kill held firm. The game returned to five-on-five hockey. The Dynamos started to control play, with shots from Connolly testing the visitor’s netminder, and Windebank making critical saves to keep the game scoreless. The first period ended with the score still tied at 0-0, as both teams battled fiercely.
Period 2
The second period began with the home side again eager to establish an early advantage, and they were rewarded when, at 22:37, Connolly poked the puck past Van Mullen to open the scoring, with assists credited to Jackson and Ranson, making it 1-0. The Dynamos earned their first power play of the evening shortly after, when at 22:57 Wickes was penalised for roughing. However, they failed to capitalise, and the Buccaneers successfully killed the penalty with ease. Shots from Ranson and Connolly once again tested Van Mullen in the visitors’ net, and at 27:59, the Dynamos doubled their lead when Jackson redirected a shot from Connolly in front, with Gatenby earning an assist as well, making it 2-0.
Following the goal, the Buccaneers created a couple of promising chances, but Windebank once again made crucial saves to keep the puck out. The Dynamos responded with increased offensive pressure, and a strong rush by Vigar saw his shot saved by Van Mullen. At 37:07, Wakeling of the Buccaneers was penalised for holding, receiving a two-minute penalty. Despite the power play opportunity, the Dynamos couldn’t convert, and the period ended with them leading 2-0.
Period 3
Period 3 began with the visitors seeking a comeback, and they created an early opportunity, but Huska’s shot was saved by Windebank. The Buccaneers were also awarded a power play at 40:52 when Pascale was penalised for cross-checking. However, the Dynamos effectively killed the penalty, returning to full strength.
From that point, the Dynamos took control, dominating possession and applying sustained pressure in the Buccaneers’ defensive zone. Numerous shots from Gatenby, Connolly, Ranson, and Stokes were well saved by Van Mullen. Their persistence paid off when Thune fired a shot into the top corner, assisted by Gatenby, to make it 3-0.
The home side continued to pressure the visitors, who were limited to breakaway attempts. The relentless attack finally paid off at 54:55 when Connolly, unassisted, poked the puck into the net, extending the lead to 4-0. In response, the Buccaneers called a timeout in an effort to stem the tide.
The strategic pause seemed to work temporarily, but at 59:26, Connolly completed his hat-trick, skating clear and firing past Van Mullen, with Ranson and Connolly earning assists. The game concluded with the Dynamos securing a convincing 5-0 victory.
As the game progressed, the Dynamos grew stronger, shaking off the rust from their three-week break and demonstrating significant improvement in their overall play throughout the night. Their efforts culminated in a well-deserved victory. The man of the match awards went to Woolmore for the Buccaneers and the impressive Jackson for the Dynamos, whose excellent link-up play with Connolly was particularly noteworthy at times.
Written by Jon Akers