Game Report Lions 1: Enschede Lions 1 - Frisian Bombers Heerenveen (8-8)

GAMEREPORT LIONS 1 Author: Dylan Escalante

Enschede Lions vs Frisian Bombers Heerenveen

After winning our last two games relatively comfortably, we now faced a much stronger opponent who play much more as a team. We knew beforehand that this game was going to be a lot tougher.

First Period: We got off to an absolutely flying start, scoring just 8 seconds into the game! And we didn't stop there, adding two more goals in the 3rd and 4th minute. We were playing really well, had control of the game, created plenty of chances and gave Heerenveen very little room to threaten our goal. We managed to make it 4-0 around the 14th minute. Not much else happened during the remainder of the period, and we headed into the first intermission with a comfortable 4-0 lead.

Second Period: We started the second period just as strongly as the first, finding the back of the net after only 29 seconds to make it 5-0. Heerenveen picked up a few penalties, but unfortunately we couldn't capitalize on them, failing to make the most of our powerplay opportunities.

Around the 9th minute, Heerenveen managed to get one back, but just 20 seconds later we responded with another goal of our own, making it 6-1. After that, Heerenveen started playing much more physically and tried to get under our skin in an attempt to force something. Unfortunately, most of us fell into that trap. We lost our focus, got away from our game and started losing control of the match.

Heerenveen began putting constant pressure on our defensive zone and eventually scored to make it 6-2. However, with some solid defensive work and a number of great saves from our goalie, we managed to limit the damage. We were still comfortably ahead on the scoreboard, but there was no denying that Heerenveen had the upper hand during the final 10 minutes of the second period. Things would have to change going into the third.

Third Period: We started the third period strongly once again and scored on the powerplay after four minutes, extending our lead to 7-2. Just a minute later Heerenveen responded with a goal of their own to make it 7-3. Still with that scoreline there wasn't much to worry about. At least, that's what we thought... Between the 49th and 53rd minute, we somehow conceded four goals, allowing Heerenveen to come all the way back and tie the game at 7-7.

Unbelievable how quickly things can change in a game like this! But we weren't ready to give up just yet. In fact, on the very next shift after Heerenveen's fourth goal, we responded immediately and scored to make it 8-7! Now it was all about holding on and getting the job done. Unfortunately, Heerenveen had other plans and managed to score the equalizer with just two minutes remaining. We pushed for a winner and managed to create another one or two chances, but in the end, the game finished in an 8-8 draw.

For the spectators, it was probably a fantastic and entertaining game to watch. For us, however, it felt a little more like a loss after giving away such a big lead. Still, we remain unbeaten and there are plenty of positives to take away from this game as well. Now it's time to see what we can do against Amsterdam next week!