​Bolts entertained the much fancied Coventry Cobras to start their 2016-17 season with the Coventry side having a 12 – 6 record from last year. The Bolts played possession hockey early in the 1st period but were stung by an early goal from Owen after Bolts Netminder Jay Bazzone was screened.

Bolts maintained possession but poor discipline lead to having to spend midway through the first in penalty kill situations however this didn’t threaten the Bolts net and then towards the end of the 1st Bolts veteran Andy Watt slotted a short side goal past the Cobra’s Netminder. This closed out the 1st with both sides even at 1 a piece.

The second period was a much more open affair with both teams trying to gain the advantage in what was quite an even period in terms of performance if not goals. After the Coventry side scoring very early in the second to regain the lead this would be the last time they would lead the game. Bolts took the advantage soon after and scored 2 goals within 5 seconds of each other to take an keep the lead to the end.

The period saw Ed Bavister playing in his first Bolts game giving up a penalty shot for jumping on and covering up the puck, within the goal crease, which in reality young Bolts Nettie Jay Bazzone had every chance to freeze. This saw the Cobra’s Richard Owen add to his haul of goals on the evening, this one number two of five.

Eventual mom Richard Jacobson saw a penalty kill shift where he single handedly took nearly 45 seconds away from Cobra’s possession by skating in their zone protecting and handling the puck.

Goals from Russian import Analtoly Objukov, debutant Bolt, Phil Jacobson, Andy Watt, Andy Hall and Scott Fitzgerald left the second period closing out 6 – 4 in favour of the home team.

The third period was an even battle but in all reality the Cobra’s never really got closer than a 2 goal difference and the early nerves from the Bolts had now clearly settled. This led to frustration from one particular Cobra who took a 2+2 roughing penalty. Further goals from Hall, Crichton-Smith, Phil Jacobson and Bavister saw the game close out 10 – 6.

The proceeds from this game and the return leg against the Cobras will be donated to Adam Calder’s #Support25 campaign. As a club we felt that we should give back to someone who entertained us during his time on the ice and as both teams were from the towns Adam played for thought it a fitting tribute.

We would like to thank Planet Ice, Bolts members and referees for their support towards the £400 we have raised so far.

Mom – Richard Jacobson

Phil Jacobson 2+1
Andy hall 2+0
Andy Watt 2+0
Anatoly Obukhov 1+2
Andy Crichton-Smith 1+1
Ed Bavister 1+0
Scott Fitzgerald 1+0
Jamie Harris 0+1
Miika Ilkko 0+1
Rich Jacobson 0+1
Charlie Porter 0+1