Seven different scorers help Steelers past Panthers

Photo: Dean Woolley

Seven different goal scorers helped Sheffield Steelers cruise to a 7-3 win over rivals Nottingham Panthers in the Premier Sports challenge Cup. The Steelers had alway won Group C of the competition, but the win means the Panthers are still yet to mathematically qualify for the next round.

Archie Hazeldine's first professional goal put the Panthers ahead just past the six-minute mark in front of 6,839 fans at the Utilita Arena, and the visitors were then two ahead thanks to David Levin at 13:44. The Steelers were back in things with goals either side of the first intermission, however. Daniel Ciampini pulled one back with 74 seconds left in the opening period, while Tomáš Pitule drew them level 2:02 into period two. 

The home side's goal spree continued through Sebastian Piché at 25:41, and then Matt Petgrave taking advantage of poor defensive zone coverage on the Panthers' part at 29:22. While Tanner Sorenson pulled one back for the visitors, Brandon Whistle ensured the home side would lead by two after 40 minutes. Martin Látal and Robert Dowd hit goals in the final period to give the Steelers a commanding win.