Perfect start for Steelers

Photo: John Uwins

Sheffield Steelers made it a perfect start to their 2023/24 Elite League campaign with their second win of opening weekend, beating Guildford Flames 3-1 in Surrey.

Guildford led early thanks to a Matt Alvaro powerplay goal just 8:26 into the game, Matt Alvaro finishing off an excellent pass into the slot from Anthony Petruzzelli. A defensive mix-up allowed the Steelers to equaliser as Josh Nicholls threaded the puck under Eamon McAdam with 10:27 played.

The game stayed tied until late in the final period. Logan Fredericks took a Tripping minor with 9:14 to play, an Steelers captain Robert Dowd was on hand to fire home a rebound 54 seconds later and put the visitors ahead. Dowd gave the Steelers some breathing room with a smart finish from Mitchell Balmas' pass on an odd-man rush at 57:16 to end the Flames' hopes of salvaging a point.