Steelers narrowly beaten in CHL opener

Photo: Adrien Perritaz

Sheffield Steelers came away from Fribourg-Gottéron with their heads held high, and possibly of deserving more, after a 4-3 defeat to the Swiss national league side.

A dream start saw Daniel Leavens capitalise on a 3-on-2 rush just 76 seconds into the game, before Daniel Ciampini jumped on a rebound from a Mark SImpson wrap-around attempt to double the visitors' lead inside four minutes. However, Fribourg responded quickly, levelling the game in under three minutes, thanks to goals from Lucas Wallmark and Killian Mottet, before Marcus and Sörensen put them ahead at 12:52. Mikko Juusola tied the game with 2:08 left in the opening period which ended with the sides splitting six goals.

The second period was, by contrast, a goal draught, despite numerous opportunities, including three powerplays. At 23:49, Sheffield had a great chance with a 4-on-3 advantage after Fribourg’s Sörensen was called for tripping, accompanied by roughing penalties on both sides, but without success.

The final period needed just 55 seconds for Killian Motten to net his second goal of the night, giving the home team the lead back with a near-perfect shot past Matt Greenfield.

Playing catchup in the final stages, the Steelers ran into penalty trouble which made their chances of tying the game slimmer as the clock ticked down and they were left wondering what might have been with a los by the odd goal in seven.