SHEFFIELD, UK – Goals from Ryan Martinelli, new signing Ryan Martindale and Tanner Eberle secured the Steelers an important victory and progression into the knockout stages of the Challenge Cup.
In front of over 7500 fans the Steelers came out on the front foot and got off to the best possible start when Ryan Martinelli slotted home in the 15th minute.
Steelers were dominating and their 13-5 shot count in the opening period deserved another goal – they got one with 66 seconds remaining in the period when debutant Ryan Martindale scored a real goal scorers goal pouncing on a loose puck to fire past Sam Gospel.
Middle period saw the Panthers on the powerplay when Josh McFadden took a hooking minor at 24.51
Tanner Eberle led the charge on the kill and his determination caused goalie Gospel to turn over the puck with Eberle scoring his first goal for the club shorthanded.
Panthers were struggling to break through the Steelers defence though did so in the 49th minute when Alex Guptill was brought down in front of goal. A penalty shot was awarded with Guptill converting to narrow the advantage.
Steelers held firm as the final period headed towards a conclusion only for Nottingham to score a late one at 57.47 (Gultill’s 2nd) to keep the fans of the edge of their seat for the final minutes.
No panic though as Sheffield controlled the final moments to secure the 3-2 victory and move on to 5 points in the Challenge Cup.
A man of the match performance from Tanner Eberle who entertained with a great “Eddy” throwing his shirt into the crowd.
With Sheffield match report
Photos By Mick Johnson
@MickGta
Michael.Johnson@prohockeynews.com
@prohockeynews.com
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