With their huge 13-2 victory over the Invicta Mustangs at their season opener, the Solent Devils had their first away game of the season against the Swindon Wildcats 2.
The Devils went in to the game cautious of the Wildcats after last season’s games, but were given an early opportunity to pull ahead when Max Chamberlain received a delay of game penalty, which was quickly followed by Daniel Sullivan heading for the penalty box for cross checking, giving the Devils a 5 on 3 with less than three minutes played.
Last year’s play off champions surged forward, and “retired” Drew Campbell, back to help the Devils due to injuries, found Alex Murray, who in turn got the puck through to Richard Facey, starting the scoring with just 4:07 on the clock.
Alex Quant tied the game back up, as he beat Devils net minder Christian Cole just over half way through the period, this goal his first at senior level after making the step up over the summer.
Seconds before the buzzer though, Devils captain, Alex Cole shot the puck to Facey who gave the assist to Murray, putting the visitors back in the lead in time for the first break.
Returning from the break, it was Cole’s turn to find the back of the net. The stalwart defenceman overjoyed at slipping it past Tyler Perre, helped by Campbell from a face off. Another powerplay goal for the Devils, immediately following Ethan Mayoh heading to the box for tripping, meaning Mayoh spent just three seconds in the penalty box.
A minute later, Haydn Lee gave an assist to Matthew Byron, bringing the score back to 3-2, giving the Wildcats hope once more.
The rest of the second period, however, saw a pair of short handed goals from the Devils, the first – unassisted – from Murray, the second put away by Facey with help from Murray and Jamie Fitzpatrick.
Then, with just over a minute until the second break, the Devils picked up another power play goal, Dan Lackey joining in with Alex Cole to get assists, and Alex Trendall picking up his third goal of the season, ending the period 6-2.
The fourth saw the Devils brimming with confidence, and Mason Wild stepped up in the third getting the Devils seventh, Murray and Facey providing yet more assists. This also saw Perre head off the ice, replaced between the pipes by Liam Mcguire.
Luke Merrick took another Wildcats penalty for interference, and while sat in the box he saw Murray help Facey to push the Devils further in to the lead.
A Minute later, Facey earned his hat trick, Murray and Fitzpatrick helping again on another power play goal (Harry Llewellyn, checking from behind), making the game 9-2 with ten minutes left on the clock.
As the final seconds were counting down, Callum Farrell provided an assist to 16 year old Elliot Lewis – on a two way with the Solent Junior Devils – who scored a goal that had all the Devils fans on their feet, finishing the game 10-2.
The Devils will be looking to continue their winning ways as they head back to Gosport for Saturday’s game against Lee Valley Lions, face off at 5pm, 13th October.
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