NEW GUILDFORD WEBSITE www.guildfordlightning.com

    12/09/09 Guildford Lightning 5 Cardiff Comets 2

  Newcastle Lady Vipers Kingston Diamonds

  06/09/09 Streatham Slough Phantoms

  05/09/09 Guildford Lightning 6 Swindon Topcats 2

  30/08/09 Newcastle Lady vipers 3 Solihull Vixens 1

  29/08/09 Guildford Lightning 1 Bracknell Queen Bees 5

 

08/09 SEASON 26/04/09 Bracknell Queen Bees 9 Streatham Storm 1

 

  Kingston Diamonds 2 Slough Phantoms 3

  Sheffield Shadows 6 Guildford Lightning 3

   25/04/09 Slough Phantoms 11 Swindon Topcats 1

    Kingston Diamonds 1 Sheffield Shadows 3

  Cardiff Comets 6 Streatham Storm 0

  Bracknell Queen bees 19 Solihull Vixens 0

  19/04/09 Kingston Diamonds 5 Streatham Storm  3

   18/04/09 Cardiff Comets 4 Swindon Topcats  1

  12/04/09 Kingston Diamonds 2 Cardiff Comets  4

      Streatham Storm 3 Solihull Vixens   1

  Slough Phantoms 5 Bracknell Queen Bees 5

    Kingston Diamonds 1 Swindon Topcats 1

    Cardiff Comets Newcastle Vipers

  04/03/09 Kingston Diamonds 1 Newcastle Vipers - 2

  29/03/09 Swindon Topcats 1 Bracknell Queen Bees 7

  Sheffield Shadows 3 Sheffield Shadows 3

  28/03/09 Solihull Vixens 2 Swindon Topcats 2

  Bracknell Queen Bees 2 Guildford Lightning 2

  22/03/09 Slough Phantoms 4 Guildford Lightning 1    

  Newcastle lady Vipers 3 Cardiff Comets 3

  Kingston Diamonds 9 Solihul Vixens 1  

   Bracknell Queen Bees 1 Sheffield Shadows 5

  21/03/09 Swindon Topcats 2 Sheffield Shadows 11

    15/03/09   Streatham Storm 1 Sheffield Shadows 10

     Kingston Diamonds 0 Guildford Lightning 2  

  Cardiff Comets 3 Slough Phantoms 2

  14/03/09 Solihul Vixens 1   Guildford Lightning 3

  Kingston Diamonds 4   Bracknell Queen Bees 4

  08/03/09 Sheffield Shadows 10 Newcastle Lady Vipers 2

  Swindon Topcats 6 Streatham Storm 1

  01/03/09   Swindon Topcats 3 Slough Phantoms 9

    28/02/09 Solihull Vixens 1 Streatham Storm 3

    North England 1 South England 3

  22/02/09 Streatham Storm 2 Newcastle Lady Vipers 2

  15/02/09 Newcastle Lady Vipers 4 Swindon Topcats  0

  08/02/09 Cardiff Comets 11     Solihull Vixens 1

  08/02/09 Newcastle Lady Vipers 4 Streatham Storm 0

  01/02/09 Sheffield Shadows 7 Cardiff Comets 1

    31/01/09 Solihull Vixens 0 Newcastle Lady Vipers 7

  18/01/09 Solihull Vixens 0 Bracknell Queens Bees 20

   

  18/01/09 Cardiff Comets 3 Kingston Diamonds 2

  10/01/09 Sheffield Shadows 27 Streatham Storm 0

  04/01/09 Streatham Storm 1 Cardiff Comets 5

  03/01/09 Solihul Vixens 1 Kingston Diamonds 13

 

  28/12/08 Bracknell Queen Bees 6 Swindon Topcats 3  

 

    21/12/08 Bracknell Queen Bees 3 Slough Phantoms 10  

MATCH REPORT: GUILDFORD LIGHTNING 5 CARDIFF COMETS 2

As usual Cardiff put up stiff resistance in this encounter at the Spectrum, managing to keep the scores level until past the game's halfway mark despite being outshot 5:1 by Guildford.

Newcomer Amy Lack gave Lightning a dream start when she scored only 12 seconds into the game, with an assist by Kirsty England. But Lightning were slow to capitalise on their advantage and Cardiff fought back to take the lead with two quick freak goals. The first at 11.29 a puck on its side curls at the last minute to deceive Robyn in net, and the 2nd at 15.30 which rebounds of Robyn’s blocker on the ridge after her save, goes over her head and just creeps over the line with Robyn completely unaware where it had gone. Ending the first period 1-2.

Eventually at 24.38 Susan Gregersen broke the deadlock with a fine shot buried in the net to score the equaliser, assisted by Grace Drake and Lucy Johnson. Now Guildford began to assert themselves. With a forward charge from Defence Kirsty delays and plays a lovely backhand pass to Amy who in turn does the same across goal to another new player, Charmaine Easton, who opens her Guildford account and puts them ahead at 35.53, assisted by Amy Lack.

The number of shots on the Cardiff goal continued to pile up, and early in the final period Alexis Hamilton fired in an unassisted goal to extend Lightning's lead to 4-2. Then when Kirsty England's slapshot was turned away with eight minutes to go, Kirsty went in and retrieved it and dumped it in the net to wrap up the proceedings.

GUILDFORD STUNG WITH EARLY SEASON GAME:

The lightning were subject to yet another season with the joy of playing the first game. This was less than ideal as Guildford doesn’t start training until this coming Friday. So under prepared and with players still on holiday Guildford travel to Bracknell with 7 players short and with 1 unable to turn up till the 2nd period. So with 2 full D and Lucy dropping back from forward the battle begun.

Lightning held their own for the majority of the first with some chances going both ways and ending it a nil-nil period. With the limited bench of Guildford unlike their rivals who had the same number of players not actually make the ice all game, it was all about hoarding some reserves for the rest of the game and defend well. This they managed for 35mins, before the 6th penalty of the game caused former GUnit L.Ganney to net two power play goals in quick concession. Guildford held out another 15mins of play before S.Phillips got Bracknell’s 3rd. Despite Guildford tiring and not capitalising on some opportunities, some great movement from defence all the way to Grace in front of net see's Guildford get there first goal of the season. G.Drake (57.09) Assisted by C.Easton & K.England. 3-1 was short lived as damage limitation had to kick in with another penalty going against Guildford. Another power play goal to Bracknell at (58.25) see's C.Newman get her first and with 6 secs left A.Von Hasleberg.

Guildford come away with team spirit still intact as they no on the return that score line will be tipped on its head.

GUILDFORD'S PRE-SEASON TOUR OF THE CZECH REPUBLIC & POLAND

The tour started on Thursday with a friendly against Karvina where G'ford wn 4-0. In the tournament on Friday, they recorded a 4-2 win against one of the best teams in Poland, UKH Biale Jastrzebie, followed by a 3-1 win on Saturday. Guildford take runners up in the final with a cracking game of hockey.

GUILDFORD CHAMPIONS @ SWINDON!!!

The lightning have an amazing weekend at swindon with only 7 players on the bench! With such a short bench even Chelsea played outfield from the net to make up some numbers but still unfortunatley had to leave before the semis. By the time the final arrived with bearly a break from the semis the G-Unit were tiring badly. But the girls dug deep pulled together to see off a much larger Bracknell bench. With chances going both ways the nerves were all over the place but with the fantastic support from the crowd Guildford stayed strong and held the game to nil-nil. Then up steps the amazing Lucy Jonson with a blinding penalty shot, the lighting new what she was capable of but the Bees certaintly didnt. Then with robyn holding her nerve and shuting out Bracknells shot the crown was ours! Well done ladies fantastic weekend one to be proud of!!

HIGHS AND LOWS OF THE PLAYOFF WEEKEND

Sheffield 23rd & 24th May 2009

On a beautiful sunny weekend the first day of the Playoffs produced a real upset when Sheffield Shadows, who hadn't lost a game throughout the entire season, crashed out in the first round when they were defeated by Bracknell Queen Bees.

Guildford Lightning then went up against Slough Phantoms and played the match of their lives. With Guildfords defence firing up Susan scored the opening goal, then Kirsty got the second with one of her fearsome slapshots. Fiona rounded off the proceedings with a third. While all this was going on Robyn played a blinder in the Guildford net, shutting out Slough to make the final score 3-0.

It's a long time since we beat the Phantoms, and it felt GOOD.

The stage was now set for an epic battle between the third and fourth placed teams in the League. However on Sunday evening we came face to face with the Bracknell Playoff Superteam (dont no who those guys were but for sure they weren't the team we played and beat during the League season!). With four lines against our two they wore Lightning down and outplayed us to win 6-0.

Inevitably there was disappointment at such a crushing defeat. But Guildford must take heart from their fantastic achievement throughout the season. Back in September 2008 we didn't have a coach or a manager. Chelsea and John stepped up to the mark and they've proved a winning combination. Lightning have had their best season for years. In her first season as a full time coach Chelsea has taken us to third place in the League and into the Finals at the Playoffs. And she's done all this while maintaining her position as the most successful netminder in the Premier League!

Guildford Lightning are in very good shape and looking forward to next season.

Guildford Take Silver!

Lightning battled hard but to no prevail as The Queen Bees clinched the cup with a 6 nil whitewash over Guildford. Well done to the girls a fantastic weekend of hockey best result in a good few years and a long time coming since you guys conquered Slough. Keep it going into next season and go one better.

Guildford Make FINAL!

Guildford reach the final of the play-offs after beating the Slough Phantoms 3-Zip in the semi's.

GUILDFORD LIGHTNING 6 CARDIFF COMETS 1

Sunday 10th May 2009

Dahlia Neradova scored all six goals in our final League match against the feisty Comets to seal her record as Guildford's top goalscorer this season.

But it was Cardiff who opened the scoring with a shock strike at 1.44 into the game, and it was not until 13.48 that Dahlia equalised with an unassisted goal.

In the second period Lightning settled into a rhythm with Susan and Kirsty particularly awesome in defence, frustrating some well-planned moves by Cardiff. The period ended 3-1.

The Comets seemed to be tiring in the final period while Guildford were still firing on all cylinders. SJ, Fiona and Lucy all won assists during the game, which ended 6-1. Emma Hayman in the Cardiff goal had faced 53 shots and Guildford had secured third place in the League.

Player of the Match was Lydia who played throughout with a badly hurt shoulder. What a trooper!

GUILDFORD LIGHTNING 7 KINGSTON DIAMONDS 1

Saturday 9th May 2009

ROUGH DIAMONDS!!!

On the last weekend of the season Guildford overpowered a young and very aggressive Kingston squad in a game that was anything but friendly. From the outset Lightning were subjected to a torrent of abuse, both verbal and physical, directed particularly at our overseas players. But not exclusively - even the officials weren't spared! For the most part Guildford responded by playing better and continuing to score goals.

Susan Gregersen put Lightning in the lead after only 1.25 with an assist from Dahlia Neradova and Lucy Johnson scored the second unassisted at 16.53.

Kingston came back in the second with a powerplay goal timed at 25.14, then just before the halfway mark Fiona King made it 3-1 with an assist by Lydia Zaprihacova. Before the second period ended Dahlia also hit the mark, assisted by Alanna Byrne.

In the third period the relentless provocation took its toll and as tempers frayed penalties came thick and fast. Lydia scored number five early on, assisted by Fiona and Sarah Jane Nichols. Then with less than 7 minutes to go Dahlia fired in her second with Josie Griffiths assisting, and shortly afterwards Lydia scored a second unassisted goal in the powerplay to wrap it up 7-1.

GUILDFORD LIGHTNING 0 SHEFFIELD SHADOWS 5

Sunday 3rd May 2009

With Alexis out again and Grace Drake AWOL, Lightning put up a spirited fight in this return match against the League leaders, but were denied even a consolation goal.

Sheffield have dominated the League this season with their disciplined, well-drilled play and they notched up three times as many shots on goal as Guildford.

It was good to see Guildford going in after the puck and refusing to concede defeat, battling right to the end of the game. They had some good shots denied by Laura Saunders in the Sheffield net. Meanwhile the Shadows' sustained onslaught at the other end wore down Robyn and pushed the scoreline steadily up to 0-5.

With this win Sheffield clinched the League championship and put the seal on a great season for them.

SHEFFIELD SHADOWS 6 GUILDFORD LIGHTNING 3

Sunday 26th April 2009

Sheffield came to this game with an unbeaten record, but they didn't have everything their own way in their first encounter with Guildford.

The Shadows were the first to score, almost halfway through the first period, but Lightning too created some good chances. Shortly after the start of the second, Sheffield were visibly shocked when Alanna flipped in the equaliser. Unfortunately, just after midway through the game, a number of defensive errors on Guildford's part allowed the Shadows to score three goals in quick succession and to end the second period 4-1 up.

When they made it 5-1 early in the last, it looked like the game was over. But shortly after on 44.20 Lydia found the net with assistance from Fiona, and Lightning were born again. Four minutes later Sheffield made it 6-2, but again some fine play by Guildford ended with Dahlia firing in a third goal, assisted by Alanna and Lydia, to finish the game 6-3.

GUILDFORD LIGHTNING 3 NEWCASTLE VIPERS 2

Saturday 2nd May 2009

VIPERS GIVE GUILDFORD A SCARE!

For this game Lightning welcomed back Alexis Hamilton after a bout of illness, and she turned out to be crucial to their success.

Faced with a determined Newcastle side who have been fighting for a place in the Playoffs after a slow start to their season, it's fair to say Guildford wobbled, and although they racked up twice as many shots on goal as their opponents, it was Newcastle who scored first early in the second period. Bev Hutchinson in the Newcastle goal had kept out 38 shots by the time the period ended, and a new netminder took her place.

When Ashley Holland scored her second for Newcastle at the start of the third period, Guildford were in real trouble. Finally, with a little over 12 minutes left on the clock, Alexis netted her first with assists from Fiona and Sarah Jane, and a few minutes later Fiona fired in the equaliser on a delayed penalty call. Lightning kept up the pressure and with less than two minutes to the end of the game, Alexis sealed the victory with assists from Susan and SJ.

Guildford Vs Bracknell Match Report:

This was a crucial game for both teams and that fact was reflected in the standard of play. However, Lightning were slow to warm up in the first period and Bracknell were able to take the lead after 15 minutes.

In the second, the cavalry arrived in the guise of Dahlia (and after a word or two from coach Chelsea?), Guildford upped their game considerably. Lightning were disappointed when what looked to be a perfectly good goal from Lucy Johnson was not called and play continued. Even after a second goal from Bracknell's Leanne Ganney at 26.13 Lightning carried on the battle, matching the Queen Bees shot for shot. This paid off two minutes later when Sarah Jane scored Guildford's first, assisted by Dahlia. Then just before the break, Alanna Byrne fired in the equaliser with an assist by Grace Drake (MOM).

Both teams pulled out all the stops in the third, but although Guildford just had the edge, the scoreline stayed the same until the final whistle.

Robyn Maby faced 30 shots in the Guildford goal and Sam Bonathan 26 in the Bracknell net.

Guildford Vs Slough match Report:

After important back to back away wins the previous weekend against Solihull and Kingston, Lightning went into this return match against Slough full of confidence and gave one of their best performances this season - SO FAR!

The first period saw some good end to end play with Lightning taking the game to Slough and netminder Chelsea stopping 14 shots. But at 16.31 a distraction caused by the referee led some of our girls to believe he had stopped play, and Louise Wheeler was able to score a fairly easy opening goal.

Guildford refused to go on the defensive and continued to play good attacking hockey in the second while Robyn, now in goal, shut out Slough for the full 20 minutes.

The Phantoms are quick and aggressive whenever the opposition has the puck and in the final period this bore fruit with two further goals. However, Guildford would not give up and with just under ten minutes to go some great moves ended in Alanna scoring with assists from Dahlia and Grace. With time running out a late decision to pull the goalie unfortunately backfired and Slough made it 4-1.

Still, a tremendous performance from Guildford Lightning, deserving a better result.

Next - BRACKNELL!

Guildford stay strong with a 4 point weekend:

Despite injuries and a short bench Lightning bring all 4 points away from a tough weekend. There was never any doubt in either game that Guildford wernt taking the points home but no question they had to work for it. Grace looks to return in the next few weeks after being out for 6 weeks with a fractured wrist and Alexis is still out for weeks yet as (shes falling apart).

Sheffield's Odds on the League Rise as Slough Drop points at Cardiff:

Phantoms lose unexpectedly away to Cardiff now leaving a gap at the top of the table. (noted Slough were missing many key players) If Sheffield remain on their winning streak it would mean Slough have to do the double over them to stand any chance of retaining their Champions title. With Guildford's next game away to Slough and Slough desperately needing the points this should be one heck of a game definitely not one to miss.

Cardiff - Away Cardiff game been confirmed:

Lightning face the Comets away 19/04/09 F.O still to be confirmed

Cardiff - Guildford Game Has Been Cancelled:

Confirmation the away game at Cardiff has been cancelled. This was scheduled for 08/03/09. This is due to the their Elite team taking the ice. Please check back for updates for the reschedule.

Newcastle Creep Up the Table:

The Vipers creep up to forth ahead of Bracknell as they secured their 3rd win in a row against new comers Swindon Topcats. The win leaves Newcastle on 11 points which equals Guildford’s, but with Guildford’s impressive goal difference they hold tight to the 3rd spot. Lightning have 4 games in hand over the vipers and don’t intend on staying close for long. With Bracknell having 3 games in hand over Newcastle im sure they will want to capitalise on these and close the gap getting back into the play-off spots ASAP.

Confirmation Of The Bracknell Away Game Change:

Lightning face the Queen Bees on the 28/03/09 @ the JN Rink - F.O @ 17:30.

Confirmation Of The Sheffield Away Game Change:

Lightning now face the Shadows on the 26/04/09 @ Ice Sheffield - F.O @ 16:30. With no confirmation on the Queen Bees fixture, please check back for updates.

Bracknell & Sheffield Cancel:

As we will all be missing players selected for the GB Uni team and coaching staff going to China, Bracknell Queen Bees & Sheffield Shadows have pulled out of their home games against Guildford Lightning. This will leave a congested last half of the season for Guildford after the rescheduling, with not many free weekends in the run up to playoffs. As long as Guildford steer clear of injuries and the rescheduling avoids any commitments, Guildford should stay strong and achieve their 1st goal of reaching play-offs once again.

 

Please check back for updates on the new dates and times for the above games.

NEWCASTLE GAME TIME CHANGE:

Newcastle away game 25/01/09 has been changed from 17:30 to 19:00. Yes thats right changed time of game to 7pm on a Sunday night!

WELL DONE ALANNA:

Well done to Alanna Byrne for being selected in the GB Uni team. The Uni team are off to China next month for the World University Championships.

SlOUGH STRENGHTEN:

The Slough Phantoms have increased their fire power for the final half of the season with the signing of a new Canadian foward. (because they obviously need many more) The Phantoms next game is home to the Lightning on 08/02/09.

CHANGE AT THE TOP:

Sheffield Shadows move to top of the premier league on goal difference as they absolutely thrash Streatham Storm at Ice sheffield . With a 27 nil win the Shadows have set the bench mark with this seasons biggest score. Guildford face Sheffiled on the valentines day at Ice Sheffield.

GOOD LUCK GIRLS:

All the best to Lauren Hepp & Sinnan Spencer (sid) who are off on their travels to Canada. Lauren has sadly gone back home after many years playing at the spectrum we wish you all the best look forward to seeing you hopefully in the summer. Sid is leaving the spectrum for a few months and will return at the beginning of May just in time for the end of season. We also wish you the best of luck. 

NEWCASTLE GAME DATE CHANGE:

Confirmation that the away Newcaslte game on 15 Feb 09 has been changed to 25 Jan 09 with F.O @ 17:30

LIGHTNING VS VIXENS REPORT:

Lightning dominated the game throughout in this encounter with a plucky Solihull side. After some good moves with Fiona King and Sinan Spencer, Alanna Byrne opened the scoring three minutes into the game and Fiona followed up with two in quick succession before the halfway point in the first period. Dahlia Neradova and Alexis Hamilton then each scored and Alanna netted her second to wrap up the first period 6-0.

The second period saw a sustained assault on the Solihull goal, with Sarah Jane Nichols getting on the scoresheet, followed by Grace Drake and Kirsty England, before Dahlia hammered in two more just before the break to close at 11-0.

With all lines working well together and every player getting a share of ice time the third period continued in the same relentless fashion, with seven more goals going in before the game finally ended 18-0.

There were some tremendous individual performances from the girls, but the game was characterised by a high standard of teamwork, with even more assists than goals, and by impressive support from the defence.

Goals scored: Dahlia 5, SJ 4, Alanna 3, Fiona and Kirsty 2 each, Grace and Alexis 1.

Among a total of 22 assists, special mention for Josie Griffiths with 4 and for Sinan who was Player of the Match with 2.

All Stats & League Table Updated 04/12/08

BACK AT THE TOP

Lightning back to the top of the table with a thrashing over the Vixens at home on Sunday. Another win and another shut out leave Guildford going into the new year on a high.

LIGHTNING CONTINUE WINNING STREAK!!!

Lightning were disappointed to come away with a draw against Streatham Storm in their first game of the season, and were looking for a decisive win in the return match on Sunday.

After a nightmare journey for some on a dreary wet afternoon (was it deliberate tactics to have every approach road to the rink blocked by roadworks?) the game began with a slightly jittery first period against a quick, aggressive Streatham side. When Grace Drake put Guildford ahead with a great shot on 9.28, things settled down a bit. But there was no further score until midway through the second period, when a determined powerplay by Streatham culminated in Marketa Weiglova pouncing on a rebound to slot in the equaliser at 29.43.

This obviously fired up Streatham and there followed several minutes of fierce end-to-end play before some good moves by Alanna Byrne and Dahlia Neradova ended with a goal from Alanna shortly before the end of the second period (38.32).

Storm weren't about to give up however. With some tough refereeing decisions going against Guildford, they were quick to intercept some hesitant passes and had a couple of opportunities to equalise again denied by Chelsea Mackenzie in goal. Finally at 55.07, Dahlia Neradova fired in a great short-handed goal to make it 3-1.

A hard-fought game and a satisfying result for Lightning.

Lightning Sting the Bees

Lightning Striked 3 times in a long overdue home ice win against the Queen Bees. Well done Dhalia for her Debut goal. Also well Done Robyn in net for a great well deserved shut out.

08/09 Full Fixtures Released

Full fixture list now avalible on the fixtures page

First fixtures announced.

The Guildford Lightning will kick off their 2008/09 campaign with a home fixture against the Streatham Storm on the 31st August. Then a week later they will play premier league new comers The Swindon Topcats at the Spectrum.

Lightning win Sportsmanship award.

The Guildford Lightning have won the Womens Premier League sportsmanship award for the second consecutive year.

Slough win the women's premier League 07/08.

Congratulations to the Slough Phantoms on winning the womens premier league 07/08. The Guildford Lightning will now face Slough in the first game of the playoffs.

Lightning finish 4th!

After the final game of the season the Guildford Lightning finished 4th. They are now through to the Womens Premier League playoffs at the Sheffield Ice Arena on 24th and 25th May.