MK Thunder returned to the Thunderdome on Sunday night for the second game of their pre-season series against Coventry NIHL Blaze. After a narrow 3–2 defeat at the Skydome last weekend, Head Coach Will Fry rotated his lineup to give every player valuable minutes ahead of the NIHL 2 South campaign.

New signings Ryan Wonfor and Corey Taylor made their Thunder debuts, while Mikel Gomez-Ortega and goaltender Aaron Burton returned to the roster. There was, however, late disappointment for Josh Hickman, ruled out just hours before face-off through injury. A strong home crowd was on hand to welcome the refreshed Thunder squad against a Coventry side with serious ambitions of their own in NIHL 2 North.

The visitors started brightest, forcing chances early and striking the post in the opening exchanges. Thunder grew into the game, gradually matching Coventry’s intensity, and were rewarded on 14:45 when Lewis Conroy struck on the powerplay, settling home nerves and putting Thunder ahead.

Thunder doubled their advantage just 49 seconds into the second period. Killing a penalty from late in the first, relentless forechecking from Xander Robinson and Harry MacGarvey created a turnover, springing an odd-man rush that was finished clinically for a shorthanded goal by MacGarvey and a 2–0 lead.

That moment turned the tide. Thunder took complete control of the period, enjoying their best spell of pre-season so far. On 32:56, homegrown talent combined as Sam Purcell found Will Rees in the slot, who rifled home his first senior goal in style. Less than two minutes later, Sam Peters added a fourth, assisted by MacGarvey, capping off a dominant 5-minute burst that left Blaze reeling. Coventry rallied late in the period, but Burton stood tall in net to keep the score at 4–0 heading into the third.

The Blaze came out determined to make a game of it, and a scrappy goal at 45:30 finally beat Burton, who thought he had the puck covered before it was ruled over the line. Coventry pushed hard for a way back, but Thunder’s defence held firm. A huge hit from debutant Corey Taylor lifted the bench and re-energised the home side, while Blaze’s young replacement goaltender Owen Chester impressed with a 30-minute shutout after replacing Laverick midway through the game.

Despite Coventry’s persistence, Thunder closed out the 4–1 win with composure and confidence, marking an encouraging return to home ice.

This pre-season series gave Thunder plenty of positives to take forward, particularly the impact of Thunder’s young core who played with maturity and belief. With the NIHL 2 South season beginning next weekend, Thunder will look to build on this performance and carry momentum into the campaign.

The club thanks Coventry NIHL Blaze for two competitive fixtures and wishes them the very best of luck for their season in NIHL 2 North.

Player of the Game: 

Thunder – Sam Peters

Blaze – Harrison Sumner

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