With rumours that Coventry Blaze are one of the clubs interested in signing Sean "The Sheriff" McMorrow who has been released by Dundee Stars, The Blaze took on Braehead Clan at the Sky Dome.
The visitors managed 13 shots to the Blaze's nine in the first period but it was the Blaze who scored first when Luke Fulghum found the net on 20.41.
The Blaze killed two penalties before the visitors equalised on 33.56 with a goal from Neol. They were not level for long as Matt Soderstrom put Coventry back in front on 35.38 and thirty four seconds before the end of the second period, Luke Fulghum, assisted by Carlson and Zanon, hit his second goal of the match.
Braehead scored a second goal on 48.07 through Landry. Things go tense and it was anyone's guess as to which way the game was going to go as the Clan got the better of the Blaze in the closing minutes.
On Saturday, the Blaze travel to Hull before they face them at the Sky Dome next Sunday.
ENL Blaze lost 3-2 to the Warriors
REPORT BY CJ
Coventry Blaze v Braehead Clan Elite League 7/11/10 - 6pm face off
Pre match positions
POS TEAM P W L OTL SOL F A PTS
4th Blaze 14 10 4 0 0 60 39 20
6th Clan 12 7 4 1 0 46 37 15
Last time out Blaze 3 - 2 Dundee Stars Clan 3 - 6 Nottingham Panthers
Last 6B laze home: WWLWWW Clan away: WWLLWW
Team news
Blaze Jeff Smith's knee injury is worse than first thought and after Cartilage surgery is expected to be out for 3 months. It was announced after the game that ex Blaze enforcer Jason Robinson will be returning for the forceable future as cover for the injured Smith. Clan'sEx Colorado Avalanche NHL star Jordan Krestanovich is expected to play after signing on Thursday.
REFEREE/LinesmenDE BRABANDER, Hesselberth, Beck
Pre match views
BlazeGeordie Gareth: The team look stong and as long as we work well together and we have all our key playes playing it should be a good game. We can't say its going to be an easy game because the Clan have had some good results againt the big teams. My score prediction is 4-1 to the Blaze.
Kirky: Hockey night in Coventry sees newboys Braehead Clan take on the Blaze at the `dome in what should be a very tightly contested match. Blaze beat the Clan last time round in a shoot out at the Braehead Arena in a 2-1 win. I think it will be another tight game with blaze taking the win by 1 goal. expect JF Perras to get some stick!
Foz: I think the hardest battle for the Blaze will not be physical but mental. If we underestimate the Clan and start to show boat we could loose it but if we stay focused I think we could really hurt them. I don't like doing predictions as I consider it bad luck but if I was pushed I'd say 3-0 Blaze. ClanKim
McCracken: Our enforcer is not in the fighting zone yet following a broken hand, but on the back of last night, I wouldn't be surprised to see Bruce Richardson back out with a bit of a chip on his shoulder. He feels pretty disappointed in last nights results, which in all fairness was for pretty much the whole game the panthers had an extra player, Hicks! I hate to blame officials, but no goal calls, ignoring goal judges and his complete blindness to every foul clarke made in front of him, whilst our guys were penalised for any infraction - that referee was most deffinately on the panthers payroll (bring back Moray Hanson, all is forgiven)!I think the game will be quite different to the other week, we have shaken off that "3rd period team" style and if last night is the new us, we should come out fighting in the first! We played a much more offensive game, we just need to keep it going, as there is a risk on the back of last night and a very energetic performance, we might be a bit weary tonight!I'm going for 3-3 with you guys taking the win in overtime! Just because you are better rested :)Andy Ayr: It will be a good close game tonight but I am a little bit worried about how our D men will cope with your forwards. However if Wedderburn and Landry are on song we should be ok. There will be big pressure on JF Perras tonight returning to his former club but hopefully he can handle it. I am going for 2-2 with the winner being decided in a Shootout.
Attendance Around 1750 (16 Clan)
Period breakdown 1st- Goals: Blaze 0 - 0 Clan Pen Minutes: Blaze 2 - 2 Clan 2nd- Goals: Blaze 3 - 1 Clan Pen Minutes: Blaze 25 - 11 Clan3rd- Goals: Blaze 0 - 1 Clan Pen Minutes: Blaze 2 - 8 Clan
Overall
Blaze goals 20.41 - FULGHUM, Weaver, Carlson
35.18 - SODERSTROM, Chambers, Lee
39.45 - FULGHUM, Carlson, Zanon
Clan goals
33.56 - NOEL, Phillips
48.07 - LANDRY, Krestanovich, Campbell Blaze
Penalties Cruikshank - 15.20 - HookingLee - 21.18 - HoldingCowley - 24.19 - HookingSoderstrom - 27.53 - Roughing (2+2 minutes)Farmer - 37.25 - Fighting & instigation (5+10+2)Weaver - 52.07 - Slashing Clan penaltiesWathier - 7.14 - Cross checkingBernier - 27.53 - Roughing (2+2 minutes)Landry - 37.25 - KneeingRichardson - 37.25 - Fighting (5 minutes)Bostock - 42.41 - SlashingRichardson - 44.54 - Delay of gameLandry - 52.07 - SlashingBostock - 52.18 - Elbows
FightsFarmer v Richardson - Tight one, call it a draw
Full time totals Score: Blaze 3 - 2 Clan Pen minutes: Blaze 29 - 21 Clan
Blazing travels Man of the match Soderstrom with votes for Fulghum and Jaeger
Post match viewsJoe: Much better than last Sunday against a better side.
Whose next?BlazeHull Stingrays away - 13/11/10 - 7pm ClanHull Stingrays away - 10/11/10 - 7pm
Fancy a Blaze away trip? Speak to Foz or Dale from Blazing Travels underneath Block Two during period breaks or search for 'Blazing Travellers' on Facebook. A seat on the bus costs just £10 for anywhere South of the Scottish border and £20 for anywhere North of the border