Flames prove too hot for Lightning

ICE HOCKEY: Martin Masa’s penalty shot proved to be the game-winning goal in order for Guildford Flames to clinch the English Premier League play-off title with a 5-3 victory over Milton Keynes Lightning.

He coolly deked Barry Hollyhead with less than eight minutes remaining to hand his side a vital one-goal advantage before Nathan Rempel secured the trophy with an empty-net strike with 49 seconds remaining.

Monir Kalgoum had given the Lightning a sixth-minute lead before Guildford replied within 69 seconds when Ben Campbell forced the puck in.

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Rempel edged the Flames ahead in the 11th minute before Campbell extended that advantage before the end of the first.

Milton Keynes made it a one-goal game on 28.14 when a deflected shot from Gary Clarke flew past Mark Lee. It was all-square when Blaz Emersic fired past Lee on the powerplay at 50:48, but Masa kept his cool two minutes later when awarded the penalty shot before Rempel wrapped things up.

Lightning had reached the final after stunning regular season champions Manchester Phoenix on Saturday, running out 3-2 winners.

In the other semi-final, Guildford disposed of Peterborough Phantoms 6-1.