Nottingham Panthers pounced through to the Challenge Cup final on Sunday night, after demolishing Newcastle Vipers 15-0.
Following a disappointing 4 – 3 victory to the Newcastle Vipers last week, the Panthers had a lot to prove in the second leg of the Challenge Cup semi final.
To say the Panthers were prepared was an understatement as they dominated the whole game with a more cohesive team element than what has recently been observed.
With 15 goals and a record breaking shut-out for Craig ‘K-wall’ Kowalksi, it would be a lie to say it was a close match, and the Panthers took the Vipers as their prey.
Corey Neilson was the first to score, neatly sliding one into the net in the second minute.
Rob Bellamy, new signing Daniel Tkaczuk with his first goal for the club and Guy Lepine also managed to score within the first period taking it to 4 – 0.
Panthers played well during the first period but they really picked up their game in the second with four more goals being conceived in less than two minutes, this time by Jeff Heerema (2), David Clarke and another from Bellamy.
This proved enough torture for the Vipers big American goalie, Charlie Effinger, who was then replaced by brave Brit, Liam McAllister.
But the torture didn’t stop there as Billy Ryan took the score up to 9 – 0 before the end of the second period.
As the third period started, it was easy to see that it was still a one sided match with the Panthers managing to secure six more goals.
Heerema and Ryan both getting hat-tricks compiled with a further goal from Tkaczuk and two from Jade Galbraith.
Although the Vipers did everything they could and played right up to the last seconds, they could do nothing but watch as the Panthers demolish their dreams of being in the final of the challenge cup.
And from what was witnessed on Sunday, it looks like Panthers aren’t ready to give up their title as cup champions just yet.
Emma Baker
Image: /Panthers.co.uk
Tags: challenge cup, ice hockey, match, newcastle vipers, nottingham panthers, Sports
