New Years day – Wildcats v Bison

New Year catch up.

Swindon Wildcats welcomed in the New Year in the best possible way, after picking up an eventual overtime victory against the Basingstoke Bison.

After an intense opening 10 minutes, it would be the Bison who would collect the night’s first score and break the game’s deadlock. A powerplay chance for the travellers would give Ciaran Long the chance needed to connect on an initial blocked shot and score past a wrong footed netminder in Stevie Lyle.

Despite having to be patient well into the second period, Swindon would finally draw level courtesy of some import play. The quick hands of Tomasz Malasinski would supply fellow import Jonas Hoog in front of net and with little hesitation, would place the puck past netminder Dean Skinns to tie the scores.

However when Joe Greener’s diving effort in front of the Swindon net saw the puck cross the line, it would be Basingstoke who would then restore their one goal lead in the third period.
In a matter of moments Swindon then found a response with previous scorer Hoog striking on a counter attack; beating Skinns once more with a simple glove side wristshot after a change in direction.

A 2-2 scoreline meant for a nail-biting finish to the period and with it, the continuation into overtime.
Although conceding a penalty early on, it would be the ‘Cats who would find that game winning goal. Jan Kostal’s follow up to a close range shot would find its way past Skinns and consequently hand the hosts their 10th victory in succession with a final 3-2 score.

Another win means the Swindon Wildcats will take their streak into the weekend’s action when they host the Guildford Flames on Saturday, before travelling to Chelmsford to take on the Chieftains in an important Sunday evening cup fixture.

Even the sports reporters that cover the Wildcats had their moment as they took part in a shoot out during the second interval.