Storm level late, get OT win in Nottingham

Photos: Panthers Images

It’s very much ‘game on’ in Challenge Cup Group C after Manchester Storm left Nottingham with an overtime win.

The Panthers got off to a quick start, Jon Rheault needing only 54 seconds to score from close range. In a busy opening spell, Adam Hughesman levelled for the Storm with only 3:16 gone.

Mario Puskarich then put the Storm ahead as Manchester capitalised on a 5-on-3 powerplay with 30:29 played, but this time it was the Panthers’ turn to reply quickly – Jake Hansen scoring at 32:28 to level the game. Hansen got his second of the game to put the Panthers back ahead, the goal coming with just over 16 minutes to play. 

However, the Panthers were denied a first home win since 1 September 94 seconds from the end as Kyle Hope tied things up for the Storm late on. In overtime, Jared Aulin got the breakaway goal to earn Manchester the extra point – and their second away win in three!