Photo Credits: Paul Travers
The Veygo Comets welcomed the Chelmsford Pythons to our first clash of the season this weekend. The excitement was increased with the support from our game sponsor Stickman Hockey and special guests 1st and 2nd Magor Brownies!
The Chelmsford team battled from the outset even after a slightly worrying lead up to the game where 5 of their players were delayed. The first goal of the game came within the first two minutes from Amy Cannon with strong support from the D line however the Comets were kept off the scoreboard by strong positioning from the Pythons until a flurry of goals in the last five minutes of the first period scored by Maddie Davies, Mya Harewood and Liv Taylor.
The second period was a battle for the Comets as the Pythons stuck to their game plan and made the Comets work for each puck. The Pythons also had their first goal in the 22nd minute of the game and held the Comets off from replying until the Pythons had a holding call
giving the Comets a chance which was quickly capitalised on by Gemma Kellond. There were no more goals leaving the 2nd period meaning an even 1-1 for the period and making the overall score 4-1 to the Comets.
The 3rd period started with energy from the Comets after a period break pep talk from player coach Sally Williams. The first goal of the period came 2 minutes in as Gemma Kellond scored again followed 5 minutes later by a goal from Liz Shackley. A few minutes later Maddie Davies scored her 2nd of the game which was also Mya Harewood's 3rd assist in a row. A slightly worrying moment as it seemed the Chelmsford goalie might be injured but after a quick check she felt ok to carry on. The Comets strong offense continued as Liv Taylor shot at the goalie from halfway down the ice with a quick tap in from Meg Lawrence to take the score to 9-1 in the 53rd minute. The next goal was a first for Chloe Smith as a Comet (fantastic job Chloe!) and assisted by a Comets veteran Sharon Edwards who had a surprise return to the game after not playing hockey for a year (welcome back Sharon!). The last goal of the game in the 58th minute gave Maddie Davies a hat trick and finished the scoring at 11-1 to the Comets.
The player of the game went to Amy Cannon and spirit of the game to Meg Lawrence. A fantastic effort from two excellent players.
An amazing effort from a shortbenched Chelmsford Pythons. Thanks for a great game Pythons and we will do the return trip to Chelmsford in April. The Veygo Comets next game is against Streatham Storm at the Streatham Ice Arena on the 17th of March.