Steeldogs Spotlight

The Bradfield Brewery Sheffield Steeldogs welcomed Andre Payette back to the bench as they took on the Swindon Wildcats in a Saturday Night home game.

The first period started at a good pace, with the puck being moved by the teams from end to end although neither team made the net minders earn their keep in the early exchanges. In the middle of the session a minor disagreement between Elliott and Harding led to a period of 4 on 4 which helped open up the game with Korhon having two chances to beat Lyle in quick succession. The game switched up a gear from here and both net minders found themselves called on to make some crucial saves as the forwards began to chip away in the defensive zones. The opening goal of the game came at 19.02 when a puck thrown from the corner went in off Lewis Bell's skate and was credited to Aaron Nell. The Steeldogs were unfortunate to go in at the break, trailing by a single goal.

The second period got underway and the Steeldogs gave a statement of intent early, getting into the Wildcats zone and creating pressure. This was finally rewarded on 39.28 when Steeldogs’ forwards really clicked as Ashley Calvert set Cam Brownley up to beat Lyle at the back post on a feed from Ben Morgan. With the period nearly over, Tom Squires skated smoothly in from the right wing and pulled a move that seemed to fox Lyle but the puck ultimately spun away from the goal. The honours were even at the end of 40 minutes.

The final period started with pace and intensity from both sides and Harding scored at 41.44 after neat work down low which pulled Sedlar out of position. The Steeldogs kept at it but a minute later an odd man break led to Nell dispatching his own rebound off Sedlar to increase the lead to 3-1. Swindon began to shut up shop, as the Steeldogs found it harder and harder to break through the defence and create clear chances. The clock was ticking down and with 2.09 left Malasinski fired home on the power play to end the game as a contest. At the following restart, Pattison and Moore dropped the gloves and both got 2+2 for roughing. On 59:12 Swindon poured salt on Sheffield's wounds with Malasinski scoring his second of the game, making it a 5-1 final score.

Stevie Lyle took the Man of the Match honours for Swindon, with a display of solid net minding, making some game winning saves. Craig Elliott was awarded the Sheffield Steeldogs Man of the Match beers, a solid performance as he continues his return from injury.

We have a double header away weekend coming up, where we lock horns with Swindon Wildcats again and the Bracknell Bees on Sunday. Back at ice Sheffield on Sunday December 7th versus the Guildford Flames.

Pics by @SnapperJakeO

Words @ElGordoSteel

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