Blaze Finish Challenge Cup Campaign with Victory Over Storm
The DPD Coventry Blaze rounded off their Challenge Cup campaign with a 1-2 victory over Manchester Storm at the AO Arena on Friday night, marking their first visit to Storm’s new home.
Manchester made the stronger start, outshooting the visitors 16-5 in the opening period. However, it was the Blaze who struck first at 13:11. After Connor Russell’s attempt from the point was intercepted, Brett Perlini reacted quickest to fire home from an angle and give Coventry the lead.
The second period ended goalless, but the Blaze doubled their advantage just 86 seconds into the third. Matthew Gleason got the final touch on Nick Grima’s shot, deflecting the puck past the Storm netminder at 41:26 to make it 0-2.
Manchester refused to give up and set up a tense finish when Kyle Locke pulled a goal back at 56:06. Despite late pressure from the hosts, Coventry stood firm to see out the game and secure a 1-2 victory.
Man of the Match Evan Fitzpatrick was instrumental in the win, making 31 saves to help the Blaze finish their Challenge Cup campaign on a high. With the competition now behind them, Coventry turn their attention back to Motorpoint Elite League action.