The Deeside Dragons overcame adversity, a short bench, and a penalty-heavy contest to claim a dramatic 7-6 overtime victory against the Solihull Barons on Saturday night. With just 13 players in the lineup and several battling illnesses, the Dragons delivered a gutsy performance to secure a vital road win in front of their dedicated travelling supporters.
From the outset, the game saw frequent stoppages as penalties were called at a steady pace, disrupting the rhythm of play. Both teams had to adjust to the flow, making special teams a crucial factor in the contest. Despite the interruptions, both sides found ways to create scoring opportunities and capitalise on their chances.
The Dragons struck first through Ross Kennedy at 5:22, assisted by Henry Phillips and Jake Witkowski. Solihull responded with a goal from Brandon Anderton at 10:19, before Cade King restored Deeside’s lead on the power play. The visitors extended their advantage early in the second period, with Witkowski netting a shorthanded effort at 26:47.
Solihull fought back, with Nilas Ottosson and Charlie Webb both finding the net to tie things up before the Dragons’ relentless attack regained the lead through Witkowski once again. The teams continued to trade goals, with Jacob Race scoring for Solihull and Daniels Fedejevs recording his first-ever senior goal for the Dragons in a momentous milestone. Garry Simpson added another for Deeside just moments later, giving the visitors a crucial edge.
However, with just under a minute left in regulation, Solihull found the all-important equaliser, forcing overtime in dramatic fashion. But the Dragons refused to let fatigue or adversity stop them. At 63:36, Jake Witkowski completed his hat-trick with an overtime winner, sealing a heroic 7-6 victory for Deeside.
Both goaltenders were kept busy in this high-intensity matchup. The Barons’ netminder faced a barrage of 47 shots, while Phil Pearson stood tall for the Dragons, facing 56 shots in a valiant effort between the pipes. Despite the relentless pressure, Pearson made several key saves to keep his side in the fight.
The Barons’ last-minute equaliser could have been a gut-wrenching blow for the short-benched Dragons, but instead, they regrouped, dug deep, and found the energy to push for the win in overtime—a testament to their resilience.
With a total of 24 penalties called in the game, tempers flared throughout. Both teams dished out their fair share of big hits, with multiple players heading to the box for roughing, cross-checking, and even abuse of officials.
The Dragons’ locker room was electric after the win, with players ecstatic over the result, especially considering the obstacles they had to overcome. With illness sweeping through the squad and no training leading up to the game, securing back-to-back wins over the weekend was nothing short of remarkable.
A special mention goes to 16-year-old forward Daniels Fedejevs, who netted his first senior goal for the Dragons. The young talent showed immense composure and skill, and this will surely be the first of many for the rising star.
Stats Section
Final Score: Solihull Barons 6-7 Deeside Dragons (OT)
Shots on Goal:
- Deeside Dragons: 20 | 22 | 12 | 2 (56 total)
- Solihull Barons: 10 | 20 | 12 | 5 (47 total)
Goal Breakdown:
- Deeside Dragons: Kennedy (1), King (1), Witkowski (3), Fedejevs (1), Simpson (1)
- Solihull Barons: Anderton (1), Ottosson (2), Webb (2), Race (1)
Power Play Performance:
- Deeside Dragons: 1/4
- Solihull Barons: 1/4
Penalty Minutes:
- Deeside Dragons: 20 PIM
- Solihull Barons: 18 PIM
Key Highlights:
- Daniels Fedejevs (16 years old) scores his first senior goal.
- Jake Witkowski nets a hat-trick, including the OT winner.
- Short-benched Dragons battle through illness for a heroic win.
What’s Next?
The Dragons’ push for the playoffs continues with a crucial home game on Sunday, 2nd March, against the Hull Jets. With four home fixtures in March, every fan’s support just!
