Last weekend, the Hull Jets landed at Blackburn Arena for a high-pressure clash against the Hawks. Heading into the game, Hull was the only team that hadn’t faced Blackburn in their opening eleven fixtures. Despite a strong season start, Hull’s recent faltering form made this matchup crucial for both teams. With both the Hawks and Jets tied at the top of their Cup group, the game promised to give the victor a valuable edge, as anticipation ran mile-high among fans.
The first period commenced, and it was immediately clear that this was to be a close fought contest. Hull came dangerously close in the opening minutes, with Ben Keddie sparing the blushes of the Blackburn defence. From this defensive scramble, the Hawks regrouped and took up a semi-permanent position in the Jets zone. After this flurry of action, Adam Barnes managed to draw first blood, squeezing the puck past Hull goalie Brandon Stones. This early Hawks goal, almost expected at this point, settled the team after the nervy opening moments. Whilst the Jets grew more into the game as the period chugged along, Blackburn contained the opposition, getting to the end of the period with their one-goal lead intact.
When action resumed, the Hawks came out flying. The Blackburn offensive lines were stretching the Hull defence to breaking point, with the Jets defenders holding on for dear life. The previous period had ended with 20 shots on Stones, with this imperious shooting display continuing. Hull’s defence gave way after an attacking onslaught was ended in spectacular fashion. Jacob Lutwyche batted a floating puck out of mid-air with his backhand, doubling the Hawks lead. This startling strike provided a cushion for the Hawks as Hull scrambled to respond. Keddie faced 12 shots in this period and, in what is becoming a common sight at the Hawks Nest, comfortably handled each attempt to end his shutout.
The start of the final period saw Hull’s best efforts towards goal, however lead scorers Vlads Vulkanovs and Blackburn-born Rhys Edwards couldn’t find a way past Blackburn’s Scottish shotstopper. Frustration at this inability to score could explain what happened next, as the Jets nosedived in the final 10 minutes. First came an Adam Barnes snipe to secure his second goal of the game. This was succinctly followed 18 seconds later by James Royds knocking in the fourth goal. This doubling of Blackburn’s lead in less than 20 seconds was more than some could handle, as Jets Keeper Brandon Stones pulled the ejector seat on his night with 5 minutes to go. Back-up Dominic Smith had little time to prepare as the Hawks relentless attack continued.
Blackburn showed no mercy, even when reduced to four men following a Lee Pollitt penalty, big man Luke Watson danced around Hull’s depleted defence and shot a missile straight past Smith’s shoulder to welcome the young keeper to the game. This short-handed goal was only the start of Watson’s night on the scorecard, as two minutes later he would assist a Devids Jurinenoks slapshot, which sailed in from the blueline. This sixth goal would mark the end of the game. As the final buzzer sounded, Hawks keeper Ben Keddie was swamped by his teammates as the celebrated his shutout, perfectly pairing with Ollie Thomasson’s from the week before. This dominant display against Hull sees Blackburn fly past the Jets in both league and cup tables.
With every team in the league now played, a greater picture of the season has been painted. Blackburn currently sit 2nd place in the table, edging out Deeside on goal difference. In the Cup, the Hawks perch atop of the standings, remaining unbeaten against all 5 opponents. What’s more impressive is Blackburn extending their unbeaten streak to 4 games, scoring 38 goals in the process and only conceding 4. This Sunday will see the Hawks gather on Remembrance Sunday for a Armed Forces Night face-off against Nottingham Lions.
The Blackburn Hawks will play against the Nottingham Lions @ Blackburn Arena on Sunday 10th November, Face-Off: 6:00pm
Article Courtesy of Nathan Dove
FEATURED IMAGES PHOTO CREDIT: LUKE RILEY