English National League

Oxford City Stars’ first match at their newly-refurbished rink ended in disappointment with a 5-2 defeat by Milton Keynes Thunder in South Division 1.

Along with new ice, they welcomed back Andrew Shurmer from long-term injury, but they were missing influential defenceman Wayne Fiddes.

Joe Edwards forced the puck past Mark Woolf to give Stars the lead.

But Milton Keynes levelled in the 17th minute through Ross Bowers on a powerplay.

Oxford captain Darren Elliott and Thunder defenceman Simon Howard became involved in a tussle in centre ice.

Elliott was given a minor penalty for his involvement, but Howard was ejected from the game with a match penalty for head-butting.

Milton Keynes then took the lead on another powerplay, with ex-Oxford player Matt Roberts ripping a shot past Stars man-of-the-match Robin Lindva.

Thunder extended their lead in the second period when Martyn Snape scored with another Oxford player sitting in the penalty box.

A minor fracas broke out in the off-ice area as the teams left for the dressing rooms.

And Oxford’s chances of getting back into the game receded further when Ross Bowers and Paul Gore added to Milton Keynes’ tally.

Elliott pulled one back for Oxford, but the damage had been done.