Manchester Storm 2 Ayr 3

MANCHESTER Storm suffered sheer Torchia last night (Wednesday).

They should have been celebrating a famous victory in the opening game of the play-offs, but instead they fell to an embarrassing 3-2 defeat that could prove fatal.

And of all people it was an horrendous error by netminder Mike Torchia - normally a match-winner - which cost Storm the game.

Storm were two goals up after 12 minutes and could have doubled that lead by the end of the first period as they peppered Ayr netminder Joachim Gage with a barrage of shots. But a series of careless errors let the Scots back in the game, with the final indignity being the bizarre own goal.

Torchia, normally so confident with his stick, failed to clear the puck which bounced up and was bundled into the net by defenceman Kris Miller who just could not get out of the way.

Easy goal

Own goals are not recognised in ice hockey so Rhett Gordon was credited with the goal - it was the easiest one he will ever score.

Storm coach Daryl Lipsey could not believe his side's luck but refused to blame his netminder: "Our goaltending has not let us down all season. Torch did not play that badly, he just made a mistake.

"We created a lot of chances, particularly early on but it was that goal late in the first period that killed us.

"I wanted the guys to get the puck to the net and drive the net and that's what we did.

"You also have to give credit to Ayr because they went two goals down but they never gave up.

'Need to win away'

"We still have two home games to play but now we have to get something on the road."

Storm started the game in total command and two goals in a minute gave them the lead they deserved. Trevor Gallant started and finished the first. His initial shot was blocked, Mark Bultje picked up the rebound which was also saved but Gallant was back at the front of the net to blast in.

Almost from the restart Storm were two up when Joe Cardarelli showed the kind of class that has been missing all season with a stylish solo effort.

Ayr got the break they needed when the Storm defence failed to clear the puck and Johan Molin swept in.

In the second period Torchia lost his stick and while Storm were struggling to bring out a replacement Ed Courtenay stole in to fire the equaliser.

Storm's confidence started to drain before disaster struck in the 52nd minute.

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