REPORT: Starrett blanks Flames to claim win for Clan

by Blair McNally

A Shane Starrett shutout backstopped Aspray Glasgow West sponsored Glasgow Clan to a big victory against Guildford Flames.

It was a second win over the Flames in the space of five days as goals from LaPorte, Yellow Horn and Gauthier ensured the two points stayed north of the border as the Clan leapfrogged into fifth.

Still without the spearhead of Dyson Stevenson and Mikko Vainonen, Malcolm Cameron’s men entered tonight’s game with the hopes of furthering their play-off chances against a team just one point below them.

To the delight of the home side, it took just 30 seconds for the deadlock to be broken in this crucial encounter as Mathieu Roy raced into the Flames danger zone before finding Nolan LaPorte, who squeezed his shot through the five-hole.

Flames goalie, Liam Hughes, was called into action on several occasions, making a number of important saves to hold the hosts to just one in what was a dominant period.

With nine minutes remaining in the first, the Clan were fortunate to maintain their lead as a static Starrett saw an effort rattled the upright of his goal.

Four minutes into the second, Clan’s lead was doubled on the powerplay as Colton Yellow Horn continued his fine goalscoring form, slamming home from LaPorte’s pass, just seconds after the Flames missed two excellent opportunities at the other end.

This was to be the best of the action in the second as both teams failed to threaten in possession, but a huge penalty kill late in the second gave them a huge boost defensively going into the final period.

Five minutes into the third and the win was confirmed as Guillaume Gauthier showed great skill and kept his composure as he danced into the Flames zone before rounding an outstretched Hughes to tap home.

With the Flames chasing their first goal of the night, Starrett ensured his first shutout of the season, producing several impressive saves in the final minutes, eventually claiming the man of the match award and seal a great night’s work.

Photos by Al Goold