The Sheffield Steelers saw a frustrating night at the Utilita Arena end in defeat as Manchester Storm ran out 5–3 winners, meaning the Steelers were unable to extend their perfect record against tonight’s opponents this season. Wearing the White Winter Classic jerseys in front of a vocal home crowd, the Steelers started brightly and controlled long spells of the contest, but a disastrous second period ultimately proved too much to overcome despite a spirited third-period comeback.
Coming into the game, the Steelers were looking to build momentum after a split festive double-header with Nottingham Panthers, sitting third in a tightly packed Elite League table. With just one point separating the Steelers from Nottingham and two from league leaders Cardiff who have played a game more, every result matters. Confidence was high given previous successes against the Storm this season, but hockey once again proved unforgiving when momentum swung away.
Team news saw Patrick Watling return to the line-up after re-joining the club, while Sam Tremblay made way and Eamon McAdam started between the pipes in place of Matthew Greenfield. Kevin Tansey’s early ejection forced the Steelers to dig deep, and although they managed that task superbly in the first period, the strain began to show later in the game.
Despite outshooting spells, strong special teams in the third, and goals from Mitchell Heard, Robert Dowd and Joona Huttula, the damage done in a five-goal middle frame could not be fully undone. Manchester’s late empty-netter sealed the points and handed the Steelers a home defeat to the Storm.
First Period (0–0)
The Steelers started brightly pinning the Storm back, and within the opening minutes Brien Diffley found Mitchell Heard at the back post, only for Evan Wenninger to stretch across and deny the opener.
Patrick Watling wasted no time making his presence felt on his return, getting involved offensively with a sharp back-post effort that again forced Wenninger into action. The Storm netminder was busy early, while the Steelers’ forecheck caused problems and limited Manchester’s ability to exit their zone cleanly.
The first penalty of the night went the Steelers’ way when Dante Hannoun was called for slashing at 5:05. The powerplay moved the puck well, with Watling firing from the left point and Robert Dowd narrowly missing Heard at the far post, but the Storm penalty kill held firm.
The major turning point of the period came at 7:52 when Kevin Tansey was assessed a five-minute major and game misconduct for a check to the head on Dennis Busby. The Steelers responded superbly, killing the extended penalty with discipline and commitment. Manchester rang one shot off the post, while Eamon McAdam produced a crucial double save to keep the game scoreless. Despite losing Tansey early, the Steelers saw out the period professionally, heading to the break tied 0–0 with shots level at 7–7.
Second Period (1–4)
The second period proved disastrous for the Steelers as the Storm ruthlessly capitalised on turnovers and defensive lapses. Early signs were encouraging, with Mitchell Heard firing high and Stephen Harper dancing around defenders before just missing the target, but the Steelers were unable to convert their chances.
As the period wore on, sloppy puck movement began to creep into the Steelers’ game. A stretch pass freed Tyler Hinam for a breakaway, but McAdam stood tall with an outstretched left pad to keep the game level; a warning sign that went unheeded moments later.
At 28:48, Manchester broke the deadlock through Dennis Busby who fired top corner from the high slot. The Steelers responded almost immediately, and in style, as Mitchell Heard sniped home from the left wing at 29:42, assisted by Reece Kelly and Joona Huttula.
Momentum barely had time to settle before swinging back again. Just over a minute later, Tyler Hinam restored the Storm lead with a deft tip, and from there the Steelers struggled to regain composure. Goals from Stephen Johnson on the rebound and Brandon Cutler on the backhand left the home side stunned, trailing 4–1 heading into the second intermission after conceding three unanswered goals.
Third Period (3–5)
Facing a three-goal deficit, the Steelers came out for the third period with renewed urgency and belief. Early pressure saw Mikko Juusola denied from close range as the Steelers pushed to get back into the contest and tested Wenninger far more frequently.
A powerplay opportunity arrived at 44:41 when Harrison Caines was called for tripping Brien Diffley, and the Steelers made it count. Robert Dowd showed patience and class to finish on the backhand at 46:21, cutting the deficit to 4–2 and igniting the crowd. Another powerplay followed shortly after, although it was cut short by a slashing call on Derek Gentile.
The comeback gathered real momentum at 51:23 when Stephen Harper circled the net and fed Joona Huttula, who rocketed a shot top shelf to make it 4–3. With over eight minutes remaining, belief surged around the Utilita Arena as the Steelers pressed for the equaliser.
Despite further powerplay time, the Storm defended resolutely and limited second chances. With McAdam pulled late on, Manchester sealed the game at 58:38 through Kaleb Ergang’s empty-net goal, extinguishing the comeback and confirming a 5–3 defeat for the Steelers.
Man of the Match
Manchester Storm: Stephen Johnson
Sheffield Steelers: Robert Dowd
With Sheffield match report
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