Blackpool Seagulls 7 - Altrincham Aardvarks 14
Period Scores: 3-5, 2-5, 2-4
Penalties In Minutes: Seagulls 16 - Aardvarks 12
Seagulls Scoring: Mark Gillingham 2+2, Gary Shearman 2+2, Chris Bamber 1+0, Bobby Hall 1+0, Brian Slater 1+0, Mick Buchanan 0+1, Stefano Simi 0+1, Dave Anthony 0+1, Craig Shaughnessy 0+1.
Seagulls MVP: Mark Gillingham (in photo - not from actual game)
Ignoring the final scoreline just for a moment this was a great game of ice hockey - and nowhere near as one-sides as the result suggests.
It was entertaining stuff from beginning to end and memorable for many reasons. First off, all credit to the Aardvarks who agreed to come at play at short notice after original opponents Sheffield Squeelers had pulled out. Then we had a minute's silence in honour of Harold Leese - long time supporter of ice hockey in Blackpool - and it was nice to see his grandson Mark Gillingham playing for the Seagulls.
The game itself had everything you could wish for in a game of ice hockey:John Dunford - who played in nets for the Seagulls last weekend - was in goal for the Aardvarks. There were lots of goals, a few tussles, the drama of a penalty shot and - somewhat fittingly - Mark Gillingham picking up the MVP award at the end.
Blackpool Seagulls are in home action again next Saturday against Manchester Metros at the Jubilee Ice Arena on Cleveleys Promenade - 5pm face off.
