SOLIHULL Vixens were left stung by Queen Bees after the league champions were beaten 3-1 in the Women’s National Elite Ice Hockey League play-off final.
Vixens stormed to the league title and headed to iceSheffield in Yorkshire for Finals Weekend with the league’s top four teams involved in the semi-finals.
And Solihull cruised into the final with a huge 6-1 win against Streatham as they limited their opponents to just 10 shots all game.
A dominant performance was rewarded with two goals apiece for Paige Dance and Katie Henry with Laura Horwood and Grace Garbett also on target.
Former Great Britain star Angie Taylor scored a consolation goal for Streatham as Vixens advanced to the final following a resounding win.
Solihull met Queen Bees in the final after the latter side saw off Guildford in their semi-final.
A thrilling game ensued with the final scoreless at the end of the first period before Bees eventually broke the deadlock to take a one-goal lead into the final period.
However, Vixens drew level when Alderson-Smith played in Horwood and the latter produced a crisp finish to set up a grandstand finish to the final.
Unfortunately, for Vixens, Queen Bees restored their lead in the final few minutes and sealed the win with 30 seconds left to play after Solihull pulled goalie Michelle Franklin for an extra skater.
That meant Vixens finished the season with the league title and play-off silver as they begin to prepare for the 2023/24 campaign.
