The Sheffield Steelers had a tumultuous weekend of hockey after securing a 4-1 victory against the Nottingham Panthers but suffering defeat at the hands of the Guildford Flames.
The weekend was a Retro one for the Steelers as they celebrated the double winning side of 1994-95, with the team dressed both nights in Retro shirts which were raffled off on the night, and all 22 on each day.
The first period between the Steelers and Panthers got off to a strong start for the Sheffield side, with a goal coming within the first 2 minutes from Scott Allen from a Petgrave breakaway that hit the post.
The Panthers continued to press but the Steelers deployed defensive tactics, and looked dangerous on the attack. The chances in the first period were Sheffield dominated, with plenty of shots that were blocked well by the Panthers netminder.
The Steelers maintained their high intensity in the second period, despite two minors for Daniel Ciampini, the team then switched back to a more defensive front as the Panther’s employed a strong counter attack.
A crucial save was made by netminder Greenfield in the last two minutes of the period, and the Steelers nearly went 2-0 up courtesy of a last minute strike from Ackered.
After a goalless second period, the third saw plenty of action. A goal came in the first minute from Kristo who skated into the high spot and slid the puck into the back of the net. Another goal was scored a minute afterward from Allen who bagged his second of the night.
The Panthers retaliated and pressed hard, securing a goal from Welch to make it a two goal game. Both sides attacked strongly in this period, resulting in minors for the Panthers Sorenson and Levin and Steelers Vallerand.
The last period saw a late minute goal from Ciampini, to secure the Steelers an emphatic 4-1 victory against the Panthers. The result is a 6-0 sweep for the Steelers against them.
Manager Aaron Fox said: “I thought we played hard and well, when you go 6-0 against your biggest rival that’s a pretty big accomplishment for our group.”
The Steelers entered their game on Sunday in high spirits, but a goal quickly came in the first five minutes from Guildford’s Tedesco. The response from the Sheffield side was quick however, with Neumann slotting the puck into the back of the net courtesy of a Ackered assist.
Despite the response, the Flames dominated the game with goals coming from O’Connor and Tedesco respectively, leaving the Steelers much to work for in the second period.
The Sheffield side quickly bagged another goal from Dowdy, and built on this momentum to secure a second from Valler and a minute later, to level the score line at 3-3.
With just four seconds left on the clock for the second period, the Flames found their fourth goal on the powerplay, courtesy of Tait, leaving the third period wide open for a Steeler’s equalizer.
The last period was an attacking battle between both teams but neither finding the back of the net until Ciampini clinched a late minute goal to pull the Steelers level and head for overtime.
The overtime period saw heartbreak for the Sheffield side however, with the Flames’ Ferguson slotting the puck past Greenfield to secure the two points for Guildford.
Manager Fox said: “I’m disappointed with the result obviously, but the guys left it out there, played with emotion and desperation all night long.
“We have to maintain our focus here we play two very good hockey games next week, we have to show some pride here and be ready to play for that seating.”
The Steelers are away at Belfast Giants on Friday before returning to the Utilita Arena to face the Cardiff Devils at 4pm.
