GUILDFORD, 7 MARCH – Following a win away in Glasgow on Friday, the Guildford Flames returned to the Spectrum where they were beaten 3-1 by the Fife Flyers in an Elite Ice Hockey League (EIHL) game, following a review of the second goal by Ethan Somoza.
American forward Somoza hit the right post of Flames’ goaltender Taz Burman’s net, causing the puck to meekly cross the line, and after a lengthy review from the referees, the second goal was granted in the 13th minute.
“It is unfortunate we got down early, because we were able to push back a lot more later with shots and puck possession to help get back in it,” said Paul Dixon, head coach for the Flames.
Forward Mathieu Gosselin slotted the puck past Shane for a hattrick in the 49th minute, playing on passes from fellow Canadians Travis Brown and Cole Ully.
To give the Flyers an early lead, British forward Logan Neilson stuck the puck past Burman in the sixth minute, assisted by Canadians Ryan Nicholson and Josh Winquist.
The Flames scored their first in the 25th minute for a power play goal, as Gosselin shovelled the puck past Canadian goaltender Shane Owen for his 19th goal of the season.
Fyfe regained their two goal lead in the second period, with Keaton Jameson netting his 12th goal of the season, slipping the puck into the net in the 33rd minute, assisted by previous goalscorer Neilson.
Dixon said: “We had an adversity-filled journey home from Glasgow and I thought the guys in difficult circumstances gave what they could, but it was just a little short tonight.”
For his second of the night, Gosselin sunk the puck into the net in a simple yet effective play in the 38th minute, leaving Shane unable to deny the Flames another.
Cementing their lead, Canadian forward Justin Ducharme found space in front of the net to shoot the puck past Burman to give the Flyers a concrete lead in the 47th minute.
The Flames now prepare for a game on the road against the Dundee Stars on Friday 13th March for another EIHL matchup.
