Flyers stun Steelers for first home win in almost two months

Photo: Flyers Images

Fife Flyers got their first home win since 5 October, condemning defending Grand Slam Champions Sheffield Steelers to a zero-point week with a 5-3 victory in Kirkcaldy on Sunday night.

"Honestly it was a total team win. Shane (Owen) made some huge saves, our penalty kill got it done, and we scored goals when we needed to," said Michael Cichy on the win.

The Steelers, who came into the game having been beaten in Cardiff and by Nottingham already in Week 13, were ahead through Marc-Olivier Vallerand who batted home a rebound from a Brien Diffley shot with 12:34 played.

Fife were in the game, though, and were deservedly level 62 seconds before the end of the period – Michael Cichy netting from close range after Phelix Martineau’s pass.

The Flyers scored the only goal of the middle period to lead. After neat passing, Cichy finished high past Jere Huhtamaa to put the Flyers into a lead that they would not relinquish.

"It's always nice to score two goals, but I have to give credit to my team mates for setting me up," added Cichy. "The first one was a nice play from Chiodo and Martineau, and the second Foss picking out the pass."

Ryan Foss intercepted a pass in his own zone 3:51 into period three, played a give and go with Jordy Stallard, and slotted into the net to give his side a 3-1 lead. Mikko Juusola pulled the score back to 3-2 exactly five minutes later, but the Flyers were back two ahead when the puck bounced off Phelix Martineau and slid across the line at 52:17.

Mark Simpson made it a nervy finish when he scored with 52 seconds remaining as the Steelers skated 6-on-5, but the Flyers rode out the final seconds until Drake Pilon found the empty net with a second left.