What a fantastic night at the Utilita Arena on Boxing Day
A sold-out 9,368 were in attendance to witness a come from behind victory by Aaron Fox’s side securing 2 valuable points on a night when league leading Guildford went down in Manchester.
Steelers announced earlier today the departure of Adam Raska and there was more team news pre game as Danny Kristo was replaced by Brendan Connolly in the line up.
Pre game the fans rose to their feet as Steelers legend Jeff Legue was introduced to the crowd and they brought the house down showing their appreciation.
Game on and it was the Panthers who were on the front foot in the opening period.
It was a scoreless first 20 minutes with Aaron Fox the happier coach to head to the room level.
Panthers opened the scoring at 31.37 when Jeremy Welsh (Adam Brady) netted for a 1-0 advantage.
Steelers shortly levelled just 45 seconds from the end of the middle period with a goal that Alex Debeau will want back as Brett Neumann found the five hole to tie the game.
Steelers took the game away from the Panthers in the final period with two goals inside 49 seconds.
Jonathan Phillips fed Matt Petgrace whose pass to Sebastien Piche was met with his trademark bullet of a slap shot to put The Steelers ahead 2-1 at 43.15
Scott Allen then double the advantage moments later (44.04) for a 3-1 scoreline with Kevin Schulze and Daniel Ciampini assisting – it was Allen’s 6th goal in the last 5 league games.
Steelers controlled the remainder of the game though Nottingham did have the a late fight back with Tanner Sorenson narrowing the advantage by 1 to 3-2 with 4.26 remaining
The Panthers tried pulling their goalie late in the game but it only ended in them conceding a two many men on the ice penalty
The game ended with The Steelers in control and the 2 points in the bag.
Sheffield Steelers 3-2 Nottingham Panthers
Man of the match was Sebastien Piche who celebrated with a Santa Sleigh Ride
Steelers back in action tomorrow with a road game in a sold out Nottingham venue
Watch the webcast HERE
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