Steelers continue good form back in domestic action

Sheffield Steelers started their domestic campaign with a 4-1 cup victory over Guildford Flames.

Ahead of the opening faceoff, the Steelers raised a banner to celebrate their Grand Slam of 2023/24, and were leading after the opening period thanks to Robert Dowd with 17:23 played. The Flames thought they had levelled just over a minute later but the goal was challenged by Aaron Fox for goalie interference, and the officials agreed with them and washed it out after checking the video.

Guildford came close to levelling at the start of the second, and had a goal chalked off for a high stick, but did tie things up when Lewis Hook’s pass found Ethan Strang at Matt Greenfield’s far post to net at 27:50.

Just over five minutes later, Mark Simpson tipped Joona Huttula’s shot past Eamon McAdam to put the Steelers back ahead. Dominic Cornier shot through a crowd of players to extend that lead to 3-1 with 63 seconds remaining in the period.

5:28 into the final period, Patrick Watling added the home side’s fourth to give them some breathing space. The final ten minutes took some time to complete with a couple of skirmishes in the closing stages – leading to Robert Dowd being ejected inside the final two minutes.