SOLIHULL Vixens made a winning start to the 2023/24 Women’s National Ice Hockey Elite League season with a 6-3 victory against Guildford Lightning.
Vixens handed debuts to both Erin Roche and Alisha Potts as the Solihull attempt to win a fourth consecutive Elite League title.
Guildford took an early lead before Solihull’s Katie Henry levelled the game from Grace Garbett’s assist as the first period ended all square.
However, Henry’s second goal just 13 seconds into the second period put Solihull in front from Jodie Alderson-Smith’s pass before Guildford drew level shortly after.
A breakaway goal from Alderson-Smith restored the Vixens’ lead before Garbett added a fourth goal from Ila Hobbins’ assist before the end of the second period.
Henry completed her hat-trick in the third period, assisted by Hobbins, before Garbett struck just three minutes later after good work from Saffron Allen and Alderson-Smith.
Guildford scored a late consolation but it proved too little too late as Vixens secured a fine opening day victory.
Solihull are next in action at home to Whitley Bay Beacons on Saturday, September 23 with the face-off at 6.15pm at Planet Ice Solihull.
