GRACE Garbett scored a hat-trick as Solihull Vixens produced their best performance of the season to thrash title rivals Queen Bees 8-1 in a comprehensive victory.
Vixens were in control from start to finish as Garbett’s treble was supported by two goals from Jodie Alderson-Smith and further strikes from Laura Horwood, Madi Wright and Alana Clare at Slough Ice Arena.
The result means Vixens are now seven points clear at the top of the Women’s National Ice Hockey League Elite Division standings.
And Vixens made the perfect start when Alderson-Smith scored the game’s opening goal after just seven seconds.
This set the tone for a fast-paced encounter as Garbett scored her first of the night on 15 minutes before Horwood added a quickfire third just a minute later.
And Solihull increased their lead in the second period as Wright struck on 23 minutes, Garbett grabbed her second three minutes later and Alderson-Smith put Vixens six goals ahead on 34 minutes.
Queen Bees finally troubled the scoreboard in the last period only for Garbett to complete her hat-trick on 56 minutes before Clare scored the game’s final goal on 59 minutes as Solihull cruised to victory.
Vixens are next in action at home to Queen Bees on Saturday, March 18 with the face-off at 6.25pm at Planet Ice Solihull.
