Goals

Penalties

Lee Valley Lions

Blackpool Seagulls

Additional Comments:

A game with plenty of penalties, the majority of which occurred during the second period. Between 31:14 and 39:47 there were three incidences of Roughing and/or Fighting. Seven players were penalised, including Eddie Joseph and Vesa Pennanen, who received 2-mins and 5-mins respectively for Fighting at 39:47. Blackpool’s Ian Sharples also received 10-mins at this time for Leaving the Bench.

Here’s what was printed in the match programme…

“And so at last we come to the final league match of the season and we welcome the Blackpool team and their supporters upon their first visit to the den.

“Last weekend the Lions travelled way up north where they lost to Glasgow on Saturday night but made amends at Altrincham the following day when Vesa shut the Aces out to a four to zero score.

“Although we haven’t won the league cup in our first season we feel certain that our regular supporters are well pleased with the team’s performances. We have much to thank our imports for because they have given so much confidence and assistance to our lesser experienced home-grown lads. Vesa must surely be the top goalminder in the country and if opportunity arose would be eagerly sought after by every hockey club manager of any Premier or First Division team.

“Will Fish, ‘Our Thumper,’ who has his own column in the ‘Waltham Forest Guardian’ has done a wonderful job on defence as well as taking over as team coach after Dave Wurthman had to leave. No man could have done more for his team. Will’s buddy, Bill Watson, who prior to his unfortunate accident, led the league’s scoring race was a great early season capture by Mike Smith. What a pity Bill was unable to complete the season. Bill’s friend, Steve McCormack, who flew in to take his place, hasn’t really had time to adjust but has aquitted himself remarkably well. These three Americans from Duluth, Minnesota, have done the Lions proud and have found their way into the hearts of all our supporters who we know would want to give them a big ‘Thank You.’

“We must not forget the remainder of the team, however. Dave Rapley seems to have at last found his niche after travelling around England and Europe and is playing better hockey game by game. Dependable Geof Williams, our skipper, has proved a great team-man and worthy leader. Space does not permit us to extoll the virtues of the rest of the boys but to each and every one of them we say ‘Well Done’ and ‘Thanks a Million.’ Keep it up next season.

“Late information tells us that there may be one more challenge game at the Valley next Sunday, 7th April, possibly against Solihull, but please watch tonight’s notice boards.

“Recently Mike Smith expounded his hopes and intentions concerning the team for next season and these matters will be reported in the April/May edition of ‘Ice Hockey World’ magazine, which will be on sale in the Skate Shop.”