Excelsior Sports Correspondent
LEH, Jan 6: Day 3 of the Royal Enfield Ice Hockey League (REIHL) Season 2 at the Nawang Dorjay Stobdan (NDS) Stadium in Leh was nothing short of exhilarating, featuring historic feats and commanding performances across both the men’s and women’s categories. The day witnessed high-octane action, with some teams asserting their dominance while others fought valiantly, leaving fans on the edge of their seats.
The day kicked off with a remarkable moment in the women’s category, as Namhail Nangmo from Maryul Spamo set a new league record for the fastest goal ever scored. Just 15 seconds into the match, Nangmo struck, catching the opposition off guard and propelling her team into an early lead. This record-breaking moment set the tone for a dominant performance by the defending champions, who continued their aggressive play throughout the game.
Nangmo wasn’t done there-she scored again later in the first period with a well-executed snap shot, giving Maryul Spamo a solid 2-0 lead heading into the break. Despite strong defensive efforts from Shakar Chiktan Queens and some notable goaltending, Maryul Spamo remained in control. In the second period, both teams tightened their defenses, and despite numerous attempts by the Queens to break through, they were unable to find the back of the net.
The final period saw Maryul Spamo assert their dominance once more. Rinchen Dolma capitalized on a loose puck near the net to extend the lead, and Padma Chorol sealed the victory with a clinical snap shot in the 48th minute, ensuring a comprehensive 4-0 win for the defending champions. Dorjey Dolma, the Indian national team goalkeeper, delivered a stellar performance, shutting out the Queens and providing a solid backbone to her team’s defense.
In the men’s category, Humas Warriors took to the ice with a fierce resolve against United Nubra. The match started cautiously, with both teams struggling to break the deadlock. However, the Warriors’ Zahit Ali broke the stalemate with a precise wrist shot just before the first-period buzzer, giving Humas Warriors a 1-0 lead. Moments later, Issa Mohd doubled the advantage with a strike in the dying seconds of the first period, sending the Warriors into the break with a comfortable 2-0 lead.
The second period was all Humas Warriors. Zahit Ali scored once again in the 22nd minute, securing a brace and extending the lead to 3-0. The Warriors’ offence was relentless, with Issa Mohd adding another goal in the 35th minute to make it 5-0. Their defence remained impenetrable, with United Nubra struggling to find any rhythm. Despite a late goal from Padma Minger of Nubra in the 43rd minute, Humas Warriors finished strong, and captain Waseem Bilal sealed the game with a spectacular wrist shot in the final seconds, bringing the score to 6-1.
The defending champions, Kang Sings, showcased their dominance once again with a comfortable 4-1 victory over Changla Blasters. The Kang Sings began the match aggressively, with Stanzin Lotos scoring the first goal in the 6th minute, assisted by Stanzin Angchok. In the 13th minute, Tashi Tsewang doubled the lead with a clinical finish from a brilliant assist by Lotos.
The second period turned into a defensive battle, with both teams missing several chances to score. The only notable incidents in this period were two penalties-Ghulam Nabi for elbowing and Stanzin for tripping in the 22nd minute. The period ended with the scoreline remaining at 2-0, with Kang Sings holding a commanding lead.
In the final period, the intensity picked up as both teams pressed for a goal. Changla Blasters had a glimmer of hope when Tunstup scored a precise wrist shot from the left corner in the 52nd minute, bringing the score to 2-1. However, Kang Sings quickly regained control. Mushtaq Ahmed scored in the 54th minute, and Tashi Tsewang added another just a minute later to seal the win for the defending champions, 4-1.
The final match of the day was a dominant display by Changthang Shans, who triumphed 6-2 over Maryul Spawo. The Shans were on fire right from the start, with two quick goals from Konchok Namgyal in the 12th minute and Phuntsog Namgyal in the 15th minute. Despite a penalty to Urgan Samstan, Changthang Shans held firm and maintained their 2-0 lead through the end of the first period.
The second period was even more dominant, as Changthang Shans capitalized on their momentum. Rigzen Namgyal added another goal in the 24th minute, followed by a quick-fire strike from Tsewang Dorjey just 13 seconds later. Dorjey showcased his skill with a flawless wrist shot in the 26th minute to complete his double and extend the lead to 5-0. Spawo responded with a goal in the 32nd minute from Sonam Paldan, but the Shans were quick to retaliate, with Stanzin Jambal scoring almost immediately. At the end of the second period, the score stood at 6-1 in favor of the Shans.
Entering the final period with a solid 6-1 lead, Changthang Shans played a cautious game, but Spawo’s Rigzin N managed to reduce the deficit in the dying minutes with a goal. However, it was too little, too late. Changthang Shans held firm to secure a 6-2 victory, continuing their dominant run in the league.
The Royal Enfield Ice Hockey League Season 2, organized in partnership with the UT Administration of Ladakh and the Ice Hockey Association of Ladakh.
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