SHEFFIELD, U.K.- After a poor start to the league season, losing three of their first five matches, the Sheffield Steeldogs bounced back with a strong 3-1 home victory against the Telford Tigers on Saturday Oct. 6.
The Steeldogs raced out of the starting blocks and it wasn’t long before they opened the scoring. Steeldogs’ forward, Andrew Hirst, fired the puck into the back of the net after just 8:09 to put the home side up 1-0.
However, despite controlling the majority of the first period, the Steeldogs failed to carry their one goal lead into the second period. Telford’s Slovakian forward, Jaroslav Cesky, levelled the scoring with just six seconds left on the clock.
During the second period, with both sides struggling to find the crucial next goal to give their team the lead, tempers began to flair. Steeldogs captain, Greg Wood, and Telford defenceman, Marcus Maynard, went toe-to-toe. Both received minor penalties for roughing, with Wood receiving an additional two minute penalty.
Later in the second period, with just under three minutes left on the clock, Tiger, Daniel Croft, picked a fight with Steeldogs Head Coach, Andre Payette. Payette showed the 33 year old defender who was boss and both received roughing penalties. Croft received an extra two minute penalty for instigating the tussle.
After a goalless second period, the score remained 1-1.
MOTM Payette guides the Steeldogs to victory (Picture courtesy of the Sheffield Steeldogs)
The Steeldogs took the lead once more at 50:31 through Payette. Payette quickly fired in his second of the night to make it 3-1 at 56:38.
The game ended with the Steeldogs securing a 3-1 home victory. Andre Payette received the MOTM award.
Contact the writer at ryan.laycock@prohockeynews.com
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