SHEFFIELD, U.K. – After a summer of uncertainty with well documented financial and personnel problems, the South Yorkshire side resumed business as usual with two impressive wins over the Cardiff Devils (5-1) and newcomers to the Elite League, the Dundee Stars (6-0).
Sheffield still with two imports down (Derek Campbell and Rob Globke) due to visa issues took to the ice against old foe’s the Cardiff Devils. It was the home side that got off to the perfect start with Ashley Tait netting at 3.40.
Sheffield solidified their lead 53 seconds into the second period with fan favourite Joey Talbot scoring a powerplay marker.
Sheffield Steelers player-coach Ben Simon led by example on the ice with a number of big hits, with other players following suit and playing the game with a ‘never say die’ mentality.
Sheffield went a man down as Jason Hewitt was given his marching orders with a 5+ game penalty for slashing Devils’ Jon Pelle.
Jerramie Domish, who had been solid at the back all game, showed why he has endeared himself to so many fans around the League with a fine solo effort at 32.40.
The loss of Hewitt didn’t seem to hamper the Steelers too much as lightning quick Jeff Legue netted a bolt from the blue line a minute into the third period.
The Steelers Latvian netminder Ervins Mustukovs made some great saves throughout the game, but couldn’t help a perfectly placed Scott Matzka wrist shot for the Devils at 41.28.
At 4-1 up and with just over four minutes left in the game, Devils’ pantomime villain Brad Voth made himself known with a hard hit on Steelers’ Neil Clark, which left Clark with a large cut above the eye whilst he was down on the ice dazes and confused.
The incident then led to Neil Clark and Voth dropping the mitts with the Cardiff Devil stalwart claiming the honours in a short fight.
Sheffield then sealed the win in front of 3800 fans with an unassisted Rob Dowd goal with just over a minute to go.
Sheffield then travelled north of the border 24 hours later to face Dundee Stars, having made the step up from the Scottish National League.
Dundee’s baptism of fire began at 3.40 into the first period, with Steelers player/coach Ben Simon netting on the powerplay. Joey Talbot doubled the Steelers lead six minutes later with another powerplay marker.
Former AHL power forward Neil Clark added further misery to the Stars, netting his first as a Steeler in the 17th minute. Clark completed the game with a renowned ‘Gordie Howe Hattrick.’
Ashley Tait then netted his second of the weekend and Steelers fourth with only eleven seconds of the first period remaining.
The second period was much quieter on the goal front with Steelers skipper Jonathan Phillips firing home at 29.44. The ‘British Bulldog’ Jason Hewitt sealed Steelers emphatic win at 56.34, rounding off a fine performance for the South Yorkshire side and ensured a jovial bus ride home.
There was no further score in the game which meant a first shutout for Ervins Mustukovs in the teal and orange colours of the Sheffield Steelers.
On another goaltending note, the Sheffield Steelers back-up was none other than Pro Hockey News’s own Neil Edwards, who stepped up from his recreational team as a favour when no other goaltenders from the EPL or ENL were available. Congratulations Neil on achieving something which so many people aspire to do.
Overall an impressive opening weekend for the Steelers, with four points in the bag and two solid performances, inspired by player/coach Ben Simon.
Contact the author at Scott.antcliffe@prohockeynews.com
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