SHEFFIELD, U.K. – It was another mixed weekend for the Steeldogs as they secured a win against Milton Keynes Lightning, before recording a loss against the Telford Tigers, in what was their first away weekend of 2012. Saturday 21st January saw a thunderous start to the weekend for the Sheffield Steeldogs as they secured a 2-0 victory at the home of the Milton Keynes Lightning.
The Steeldogs were quick out of the blocks in the first period, managing to capitalise on a 5 on 3 powerplay at 3:45 through Latvian forward, Edgars Bebris. At 18:37, Janis Ozolins scored the second goal of the night to put the Sheffield side 2-0 up heading into the second period. The second and third period remained a quiet and even contest between the two sides, with both teams creating good goal scoring opportunities but failing to convert.
The Milton Keynes Lightning increased the pressure on Steeldogs netminder, Ben Bowns, in the third period, recording a total of 16 shots. Ben Bowns stood strong, however, to claim his second shutout of the season on what was his 21st birthday. With one assist and a solid performance, Sheffield Steeldogs born-and-bred forward, Lloyd Gibson, claimed the MOTM award.
The Steeldogs travelled to Telford the following day with high hopes of claiming another 2 points against the bottom place side. It wasn’t to be, however, as Telford secured their first win of 2012 over the Sheffield side with a 3-1 victory. The first period saw another blistering start from the Steeldogs. After just 43 seconds, leading point scorer, Janis Ozolins, skated the full length of the ice, leaving the Telford defence in his wake, and took the lead for the Steeldogs with what was a superb solo effort.
Telford quickly found their stride after conceding and began applying the pressure. Despite numerous chances for both teams, neither side were able to convert. The first period ended 1-0 to the Steeldogs. It was an eventful, but scrappy affair between the two sides during the second period. The second period action began when Steeldogs Player/Coach, Andre Payette and Telford forward Daniel Croft dropped the gloves.
Andre Payette (Courtesy Sheffield Steeldogs)
Shortly after, the Tigers regained their composure with a quick fire double to take the Telford side into the lead. The first came at 26:21 through Player/Coach, Tom Watkins, bringing the Tigers back into contention. British forward, Luke Brittle, then fired the Tigers into the lead with a short-handed goal at 27:56.
The Steeldogs looked determined to find an equaliser in the third and dominated their opponents in the shooting department, however, 19 year-old Telford netminder, Declan Ryan, kept the Sheffield side at bay. Telford put the game beyond all doubt with 15 seconds left of the third with an empty net goal, converted by Scott McKenzie. Steeldogs netminder, Ben Bowns, received the MOTM award.
The Steeldogs have a busy end to January ahead of them, with three games in four days. The Steeldogs face a difficult midweek game as they travel to the home of the Manchester Phoenix on the 26th. Andre Payette will hope his team can secure a four point weekend when they travel to Swindon to face 7th place Wildcats on the 28th before hosting the Peterborough Phantoms on the 29th, who currently lie 9th in the table.
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