Ice-hockey: Streatham win major silverware – and this time their supporters are there to enjoy the big moment

BY STEFAN FROST & DAVID CARR

Streatham demolished Invicta Dynamos 16-1 on Sunday night to clinch the NIHL South Britton Cup in style.

The South Londoners had a 7-1 advantage after a big first-leg victory on Saturday night.

The six-goal advantage ahead of the return leg in Streatham ensured a party atmosphere, with the doors of the arena having to be closed after capacity was met for only the second time since it opened in 2013.

Streatham ended a 38-year wait for a trophy just prior to the pandemic, then a few weeks later were unable to lift the league title in front of fans due to Government closure of UK ice rinks.

The convincing victory was made that extra bit sweeter as a trio of local youngsters took centre stage with forward Conner Smith hitting a hat-trick, teenager Stanley Ratcliffe scoring two, and GB U18 blueliner Milique Martelly playing a key role.

“It was undoubtedly the best night of my career so far,” said Smith. “The fans didn’t let us down throughout with the noise and it was a real thrill to play in front of a sold out arena.

“The goals just kept coming- everyone had a good night.

“To get a hat-trick and man of the match on an occasion like this is what dreams are made of. I couldn’t have done any of that without the support from my team-mates.”

Ben Paynter scored two on the night and was elated with his team’s performance.

“We all play to win so winning the cup is great – it’s what we’re here to do,” he said. “Hopefully there will be many more to come.

“It was a little one-sided which surprised us. We expected more of a fight from an Invicta team that is usually strong, but the fans enjoyed it and we dominated all weekend. We couldn’t have asked for a better start. You’ve got to enjoy these things, winning trophies doesn’t come around very often.”

The beating of drums echoed around the stadium as Streatham started brightly, with Samuel Waller and Ryan Watt forcing smart saves out off Owen Rider.

Brandon Miles intercepted the puck in the Dynamos’ half and played through Ben Ealey-Newman, who converted from close range, to hand the RedHawks an early lead.

With less than 10 minutes remaining in the first period, Scott Bailey played a firm pass to Ben Paynter, who cracked the puck into the net.

The Dynamos came to life with a surging drive by Tomas Banovsky as he cut the deficit.

Any hope of a comeback was soon crushed as Rider fumbled Danny Ingoldsby’s long shot to give Streatham a 3-1 advantage. A minute later and Martelly drove behind the Dynamos net and fed Ealey-Newman, who scored his second of the night. A tip on from Ivan Antonov during the power play extended the score to 5-1.

Dynamo’s Mason Webster then showed signs of frustration and vented by charging Smith. Miles rushed to the aid of his team-mate the pair pummelled each other before they were sidelined for the remainder of the period.

Martelly slotted the puck into the right corner of the net less than a minute before the buzzer sounded.

The Dynamos sat deep at the start of the second period, restricting Streatham’s shot count.

The hosts had to wait six minutes for their next clear chance. Watt received a pass completely unmarked, and converted.

A goalmouth scrap two minutes later ended with Smith scoring his side’s eighth of the evening. Ratcliffe added another before the end of the period with a fierce strike.

Dynamos’ despair deepened soon into the final period as Ingoldsby assisted Paynter before scoring his second of the night from range.

Smith became the latest player to bag two goals with a close-range finish that bobbled past Rider.

With just under 10 minutes remaining the Dynamos facetiously asked the referee if she wanted to hand out another card after losing three players to the penalty box.

A minute later Karl Lennon and Banovsky were sent there as well. After spending considerable time consulting her assistants, the referee chose to eject Banovsky from the ice.

Smith remained focused despite the off-field confusion and secured his hat-trick with a little more than seven minutes remaining.

The Dynamo’s Anthony Leone was ejected and Streatham bagged quick-fire goals from Ratcliffe and Waller.

Webster became the third Dynamos player to be ejected after his second fight of the evening, this time with Watt.

Ingoldsby played a one-two with Ealey-Newman and scored his third.
Streatham host Dynamos again on Sunday in the league.