Thunder travelled south to the Spectrum to take on a strong Guildford Phoenix team, getting their season underway after claiming the league title in NIHL 2 South last year. 

The first period started at a strong pace, with both teams trading blows in the opening exchanges. A charging penalty 3 minutes in on former Thunder player Sean Reynolds gave MK an early chance, but it was the home team who ended up taking the lead during the special teams period as Theo Sire broke through to score shorthanded on 4:22. Thunder responded well however, and the scores were even once again on 10:37 when Marks Kanins held his nerve under pressure to finish a breakaway chance. Guildford took charge of the opening frame after this, peppering Thunder’s net only to be held at bay by some good saves from Burton between the pipes. The relentless pressure finally told on 14:28 as the Phoenix broke through to make the score 2-1 with a goal from Daniil Sakantsev. 

Things seemed to go from bad to worse for Thunder as the second period opened. Surely hoping to get themselves back into the game, two quick goals in as many minutes from Josh Abbott on 21:30 and 22:11 extended the lead to 4-1. Whatever frustration Thunder felt was channeled into positive energy, and the away team pressed hard to find a route back into the game. A second goal on the night for Marks Kanins at 24:20 provided a lifeline as the teams ended the second period with the score at 4-2 to Guildford.

Thunder came out flying in the third, and immediately had Guildford on their heels. A first goal of the new season for Xander Robinson on 40:49 bought the game to life. Thunder pressing hard to tie the game up, and Guildford not afraid to get forwards themselves to extend the lead once again. After some close calls around the Phoenix net, a chance fell to Scott Bailey on 46:04 who duly obliged to give the hosts a 2 goal advantage once again. Thunder, still, were not to be beaten just yet, and continued to force the issue – on 52:38 Kanins found the stick of Lewis Conroy to deflect the puck into the top corner and set up an enthralling final few minutes.

It was, however, not to be for Thunder. Guildford demonstrated their quality over the final moments, managing the puck well and preventing Thunder from getting any high threat chances to tie the game up. A final nail in the coffin was provided on 59:29 as Jed Sherrington’s shot deflected up off Burtons blocker and looped over the goal line to make the final score 6-4.

A fantastic game, where both sides put on a fantastic showing, was taken by the hosts – but Thunder can again take many positives from the experience and will look to avenge defeat as the two teams meet once again next Sunday (28th) at the Thunderdome in Milton Keynes, 18:30 face off.