Sheffield Steelers ended a three-game losing streak with a 4-1 home win over Fife Flyers at the Utilita Arena.
“It’s huge. Any time you have a losing streak you want to snap it as quick as possible,” said Steelers’ Stephen Harper, who scored twice. “It was a tough couple of games there, but it’s nice to get on the board with a pretty convincing win.”
Fife had the better of the opening ten minutes, but their failure to convert early chances proved costly. Sheffield opened the scoring when Mitchell Heard collected the puck behind Christian Purboo’s net off an offensive-zone faceoff and wrapped it home. The Steelers doubled their lead late in the period on the powerplay, Stephen Harper one-timing past Purboo with 21.6 seconds remaining after a cross-checking minor to Mason Alderson.
“It was a pretty even game,” said Flyers’ Logan Neilson, returning to Sheffield after leaving for Fife earlier this season. “The shots were equal, both teams had a powerplay goal, either team could have won. Sheffield did tonight, that’s hockey.”
Fife had a chance to respond midway through the second when Ethan Somoza broke in alone, but his shot sailed over the bar. Sheffield capitalised soon after as Brien Diffley’s point shot was tipped in front by Samuel Tremblay to make it 3-0. The Flyers pulled one back late in the period on the powerplay, Keaton Jamieson tapping into an open net after Matt Greenfield lost control of the puck.
“I heard a lot of boos and chirps from the fans, but I don’t really care,” continued Neilson. “It’s sport, people will have their opinions. I have a lot of respect for Aaron Fox and the people in Sheffield. Whatever other people want to think doesn’t really bother me.”
Harper restored the Steelers’ three-goal advantage just over seven minutes into the third, turning and shooting home a loose puck for his second of the night. Sheffield then killed off a late 5-on-3 Flyers powerplay to see out the result.
“We’ve had a lot of games in quick succession, so it’ll be nice to have some rest before we go up to Scotland,” added Harper. “When we’re playing the right way, we’re tough to beat.”
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