Matthew Cotter

College ice hockey is widely considered the biggest spectacle on the college sports calendar. Taking place at the famous National Ice Center at Motorpoint Arena, hundreds of Trent and UoN students gathered for a fantastic evening of entertainment. Among the crowd was the Impact Sport team, who followed the action closely. With both teams training and playing together as part of the Nottingham Mavericks ice hockey team, you’d be excused for thinking this was going to be a tame affair. In the end, it was anything but.

It was a quick start to the game for the Vert et Or with #27 Shaw having a shot on target moments after the first period face-off. Trent grew in the game though, with No. 23 Yokoyama dribbling through 3 UoN players before being unable to fend off the shot.

Relentless pressure from Notts forwards… inevitably resulted in a goal

UoN faced an early scare, after No2 Brothwell was handed a 2-minute penalty for tripping, leaving the Vert et Or down to 5 players at a crucial moment in the game. Things were bad for Notts too when just after Brothwell returned to the ice, number 25 David Astell was shown sin after a careless challenge on a Trent forward.

Notts stabilized the ship, but a stop by No. 17 Thompson swelled the UoN faithful. This was followed by relentless pressure from Notts forwards which inevitably resulted in a goal for the Greens and Ors with a fine finish from No.19 Marples. 1-0 UoN!

An assured defensive effort led by Thompson in goal meant Nottingham came on top in the 1st half break.

After the intermission, which included a brilliant display from the Nottingham Ice Hockey U10 team, it was all in Trent’s favour. Another early penalty for UoN’s No. 10 Wright had inflamed Trent’s army which was now putting unbearable pressure on the Notts defence. #17 Thomspon, again, with some assured stops.

The game had come to life and was becoming a disjointed affair

Notts also appeared to be pushing after No. 3 Springer-Hughes found himself with acres of space in Trent’s half but couldn’t get past the Trent goalkeeper. Immediately after, Trent executed the perfect counterattack with No. 23 Yokoyama dribbling through defenders and pressing the puck. UoN 1-1 Thirty.

The game had come to life and was becoming a disjointed affair. The Vert et Or thought for a moment that they had another goal following a scramble just in front of Trent’s goal. Luckily, they didn’t have to wait long, and #27 Shaw took advantage of the increased pressure and put Notts back in the lead once again. 2-1 UoN! Time expired in Period 2 and Notts was just 20 minutes away from college glory.

What makes Varsity Ice Hockey so popular with fans in attendance is the wide range of entertainment offered throughout the game. The break between Periods 2 and 3 saw the University’s two cheerleading teams put on a mesmerizing performance and the contest everyone was waiting for: THE SHOOTOUT SPORTS OFFICER.

AJ Goode for Uni of and Zoe Clifford of Trent both lined up at the halfway line to each take three shots on goal. It’s fair to say that while AJ is a fantastic sports officer loved by all, the NHL isn’t calling anytime soon! All three of UoN’s penalty attempts were temperamental and after a first taste of ice from Zoe, she got up and scored her second penalty. Trent picked up the first win of the night, and it all went downhill for UoN from here.

After a slow start in the final period, Trent scored two quick goals in a row thanks to some great work from the #16. 3-2 Thirty. Things were to get even worse when Yokoyama once again passed Thompson in the UoN goal. 4-2 Thirty.

5-2 Trent…Game over

Notts was in panic mode and started looking for a goal quickly. A bold move by the coaching staff allowed UoN to have 6 outfielders on the ice with no one between the sticks. Unfortunately, the strategy didn’t pay off and Trent’s No. 9 sent the puck into an open net. 5-2 Trent… Game Over!

A disappointing end to an otherwise fantastic evening for the Vert et Or. It took the University aggregate score to 6-4, setting up an intense final week for the rest of the University matches. Trent’s fight and tenacity in the final period showed and the comeback showed their fierce determination and character. Congratulations to both teams for putting on a brilliant show.

Matthew Cotter

Featured image used courtesy of NottsVarsity/Gallery. Permission to use granted to Impact. No changes have been made to this image.

Image in article 1 courtesy of @uonsport Going through @instagram.com. No changes have been made to this image.

Image in article 2 courtesy of @ntusport Going through @instagram.com. No changes have been made to this image.

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