Guildford Flames secured a 2-1 Challenge Cup win over Coventry Blaze, with Peter Lavoie scoring the winner with 2:55 left in the third period. The teams had chances in a scoreless first period, and Guildford could not make the most of an early second-period powerplay. Coventry opened the scoring at 34:52 when Ryan Richardson capitalised on a turnover near the defensive blue line.
Guildford levelled 80 seconds later. Josh Waller’s initial effort was saved by Coventry goaltender Sisu Heikkeri, but Cole Sanford scored from the rebound at 36:12. Lavoie said the quick response was important for the team’s morale.
Heikkeri then denied Matt Alvaro with 3:30 remaining, but Lavoie found the top corner two minutes later to clinch the win. Richardson said there was little between the teams and that the result came down to a bounce. The sides meet again in Coventry on Sunday for the second game of their weekend double-header.