Steelers back into third

Photo: Dean Woolley

Sheffield Steelers moved back into third in the Elite League standings thanks to a 4-2 win over Manchester Storm at the Utilita Arena.

Steelers' head coach Aaron Fox equalled Alex Dampier's record for the most games behind the bench for the team, and will break it on Sunday in Guildford. 

It took only 63 seconds for the home side to open the scoring, with Marc-Olivier Vallerand beating Sheffield-native Alex Oldale to make it 1-0. Storm levelled at 11:27 with a blast from the point off Joe Morrow’s stick that was tipped in front by Loren Ulett. The goal was given after a quick video review.

Sheffield re-gained their lead almost immediately, however. Off the restart, it took them 18 seconds when Daniel Leavens passed across the slot to the on-rushing Max Golod.

With a 2-1 lead after 20 minutes, the Steelers extended their advantage in period two with another 2-1 period. Mikko Juusola dragged the puck around Oldale 2:32 into period two as Storm got caught out on the rush, while Kevin Tansey’s shot from the blue line went all the way through at 23:18 to make it 4-1.

Grant Hebert sniped into Matt Greenfield’s top corner off a seam pass from Ryan Hughes to bring the score back to 4-2 with 4:37 left in the middle frame.

Storm threatened well in period three but couldn't get the crucial next goal to really give the home side something to worry about. At the other end, Oldale came up with two excellent saves to keep his team just the pair behind. The Storm goalie was pulled with 1:24 to go as the visitors went with six skaters, but, unusually, it didn't lead to a goal at either end and the Steelers took the two-goal win.