Streatham Storm come up short against table-topping opposition

Streatham Storm’s two sides suffered defeats against table-topping opponents in the English Women’s Ice Hockey Elite league and Division One, writes Hugh Carnegy.

The newly-promoted Elite side lost 6-2 at Solihull to remain one place off the bottom of the early standings.

Head coach Sam Nicoll said: “We’ve been shown a bar to reach, step by step. We are still adapting to the level of competition in the top flight. This will be a very educational season for us.”

Solihull opened the scoring early on the powerplay and stretched their lead with a second in the 10th minute. Carolyn Scott pulled one back with an unassisted goal. The Vixens bagged another score to lead 3-1 at the first break, but Storm dug in to hold the hosts to a scoreless second period.

The home side scored their fourth on another powerplay early in the third, but Danielle Hogan replied within two minutes on a Vixen’s penalty, set up by Isabelle Whiteley and Jamie Endrizzi.

Solihull netted twice more in the final 10 minutes.

Storm’s Division One team, determined to battle for a promotion spot this season, suffered a setback as they were beaten 4-1 at home by Basingstoke Bison Ladies. Despite outshooting the visitors by 43 shots to 32, Streatham could only find the net once, through top-scorer Parris Moore, from an assist by Margaux Cesar.

Sue Parsons was given a major penalty for roughing after she had been floored by a two-handed punch from a visiting player as she reached for a rebound in front of goal. Despite video evidence clearly showing Parsons had neither started the altercation nor retaliated, Storm’s protests were ignored.

Storm Elite’s last home game of the year is against Solihull (6.50pm) on Saturday. Entrance is free.