The Genting Casino Coventry Blaze had to be patient but eventually overcame the Tilburg Trappers 4–1 at the Skydome Arena on Sunday in their second pre-season outing.
Blaze again went into the game without captain Kim Tallberg, whose summer campaign in Australia with the Newcastle Northstars ended at the semi-final stage on Saturday, and forward Artie Buzoverya, who was held out as a precaution. Mat Robson made his season debut in goal, with Friday’s starter Dershahn Stewart backing up.
At the other end, Dutch international Cedrick Andree got the start for the Trappers and was the standout of the opening period, frustrating Coventry with a string of saves.
Robson was sharp too, his best stop denying Phil Marinaccio, whose bat out of the air looked destined for the net until the Blaze netminder slid across with his shoulder.
Andree’s highlight came in the dying seconds of the first, stretching to deny Matthew Gleason at the back post and send the teams in scoreless.
The visitors broke the deadlock at 23.39 when former Belfast Giant Matt McLeod pounced on a rebound from Donny van Belkom’s shot to beat Robson.
Coventry hit back just under five minutes later, Elijiah Barriga finishing smartly after collecting a rebound to level at 1–1.
Despite sustained Blaze pressure, Andree continued to frustrate the home side and the second period closed all square.
Coventry finally edged ahead early in the third at 43.31 when Danish forward William Boysen finished off a 2-on-1 break with a clinical strike – his second goal in as many games.
Three minutes later Barriga struck again, converting Gleason’s neat feed at 47.30 to put the Blaze firmly in control at 3–1.
With seven minutes left, new Trappers coach Danny Albrecht rolled the dice by pulling Andree for the extra skater. The gamble almost paid off but Robson stood tall, and on the ensuing face-off, Alessio Luciani won the puck back before Colton Saucerman fired into the empty net from his own zone to seal the 4-1 victory at 53.31.
British defenceman Archie Hazeldine was named Blaze’s Man of the Match for collecting two assists and providing another composed display.
Coventry now turn their attention to their final two pre-season games, away at Nottingham Panthers on Saturday (7pm) before returning home to face the Guildford Flames on Sunday (5.30pm).
Photo credit: Scott Wiggins
