Steelers cruise into Cup Semi-Finals

Photo: Dean Woolley

Sheffield Steelers booked their place in the Semi-Finals of the Challenge Cup with a 5-1 win over Manchester Storm, going through 10-2 on aggregate.

Coming into the return leg down by four on aggregate, Manchester had to score first if they were to stand any chance of pulling the deficit back. However, Cole Shudra reacted to a Zach Vinnell out in front to put the Steelers one up on the night with 11:46 played. Mitchell Balmas converted an excellent Daniel Ciampini pass on the powerplay to make it 2-0 at 16:58, while Mitchell Balmas then made it 3-0 61 seconds later to effectively put the tie to bed - both goals off a will Merchant high-sticking minor.

Brandon Whistle made it four 8:10 into period two while Kevin Tansey and CJ Garcia dropped the gloves some three minutes later.

Tyler Hinam broke Anthony Morrone's hopes of a first Steelers shut out 6:12 into period three, and after Zach Vinnell and Loren Ulett also got fighting majors it was Brett Neumann who scored the game's final goal at 56:49.