SHEFFIELD, U.K.- After another action packed week of hockey, the Steeldogs managed to record two wins out of three, taking them to 3rd overall in the league table and two points clear of league rivals, Slough Jets.
The Steeldogs started the week well with a midweek home clash against the Basingstoke Bison ending 2-1 to the Sheffield side. The weekend, however, brought mixed emotions as a double fixture against the Milton Keynes Lightning saw the Steeldogs suffer an away loss followed by a triumphant home win.
The home fans saw a feisty start to the Steeldogs’ midweek match against the Basingstoke Bison on Feb. 29. The first period was dominated by the Steeldogs, in terms of both puck possession, goal scoring chances and physical dominance. With 9:51 left on the clock, top goal scorer, Janis Ozolins, opened the scoring with a deflection from Pavel Gomeniuk’s blue line slap shot.
The second period was again dominated by the Sheffield Steeldogs, however, the home side could not convert their goal scoring chances. Steeldogs Brit, Stuart Brittle, produced the best Steeldogs chance in the second when his shot rocketed off the crossbar at 38:30.
The third period, like the second, was relatively quiet until 51:59 when Gomeniuk extended Sheffield lead with a thunderous shot from the point. At 58:12, the Basingstoke Bison crawled back into contention with a goal from Jacob Heron.
The game finished 2-1 to the Sheffield Steeldogs. Steeldogs Craig Elliot was awarded MOTM for his efforts.
After a solid midweek home victory, the Steeldogs travelled to the home of the Milton Keynes Lightning on Mar. 3 for the first game of their double header weekend.
The Steeldogs made a lightning fast start to the game and opened the scoring through Lloyd Gibson after just 1:03.
At 19:25, Steeldogs Player/Coach, Andre Payette, sat out the remainder of the game after a check to the head by Lightning’s, Leigh Jamieson. Jamieson was given a match penalty.
The first period ended 1-0 to the travelling Steeldogs.
Capitalising on the loss of the Steeldogs coach, the Lightning equalised just 3 minutes into the second period through Adam Carr. Both teams kept the score-line level heading into the third period.
Milton Keynes took the lead early in the third period with a goal from Tuomas Tikkanen at 44:54. The Steeldogs piled on the pressure in the third with 21 shots on goal in the hopes of finding an equalising goal. Lightning netminder, Alex Mettam, remained defiant.
With 1:43 left on the clock, Blaz Emersic extended Milton Keynes’ lead to two.
The game finished 3-1 to the Milton Keynes Lightning.
The Sunday Mar. 4 match-up between the Steeldogs and Lightning promised to be a feisty game with the home Sheffield side looking to settle the score from their Saturday encounter.
The home fans were not disappointed in the first period as Steeldogs, Lewis Bell went toe-to-toe with Lightning’s, Grant McPherson, and Sheffield’s Ashley Calvert took down Milton Keynes’ Adam Brittle.
The Steeldogs took the lead at 18:53 through Lloyd Gibson to mark the end of a thrilling first period.
The second period saw Ozolins extend Sheffield’s lead at 22:10. The remainder of the second period was closely contested, with both sides sharing similar amounts of puck possession and recording several goal scoring chances. The second period ended 2-0 to the Steeldogs.
Janis Ozolins on top form once again (Picture Courtesy of the Sheffield Steeldogs)
Milton Keynes managed to pull one back, 5 minutes into the third period, through Michael Farn. However, any hopes of a Milton Keynes comeback were squandered when Ozolins recorded his second of the night at 52:19 to secure the win for the Steeldogs.
The game finished 3-1 to the Sheffield Steeldogs. Edgars Bebris picked up the MOTM award for his efforts.
The Steeldogs now lie 3rd in the league table, two points ahead of 4th place, Slough Jets, and just two points behind 2nd place, Manchester Phoenix.
The Steeldogs will play 10th place Telford Tigers on Mar. 7, and then travel to Swindon on Mar. 10 to face the Wildcats.
Andre Payette will be optimistic about the upcoming fixtures and hope that two good results could improve their league position further.
Contact the author at ryan.laycock@prohockeynews.com
You must be logged in to post a comment.