Genting Casino Coventry Blaze registered their first victory in the Challenge Cup as they beat Nottingham Panthers 1-0 at the Skydome.
Russell Cowley scored the game-winning goal with a short-handed marker at 23.04 while goaltender Brian Stewart posted a 39-save shut-out.
It was a good response to successive losses to Sheffield Steelers and coach Chuck Weber said: “You are always happier when you win but I have not forgotten last night.
“There is still lots of work to do but the boys battled and there was a better spirit. They supported each other and there was a moment when Stewie made a big save in the first period and everyone was up on the bench and tapping the boards.
“There were a handful of guys I challenged to get us out of this and we now need to build on this next weekend. Relentless simplicity was our calling card and we played the game that way.
“Stewie will be the first to admit he has not been at his best in the first four games but that was more of the Stewie we know and love.
“He did a better job controlling his rebounds and a better job being big in the net. We can go as far as he can take us.
“Russell Cowley and Jim Jorgensen produced a great short-handed effort. They are two of our captains and you need those guys to lead. Ashley [Tait] and Boris [Valabik] also did a better job.”
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