From The Editor's Chair - Edition 54

You've had the official Elite League awards where Cardiff managed to bag everything on offer; and to be honest I felt that there were other creditable candidates who could have taken away some of the awards. Obviously you're not going to all agree with that. Therefore I've decided to host my own end of season awards in one of the last articles I've penned for Frozen Steel.

Grab the smart frock and tuxedo ladies and gentlemen, it's the FSB End Of Season Awards Show:

Netminder of the Year: The EIHL awarded this to Bownsy, is that because he was the league champions netminder? Not that Bownsy is a bad goalie, he is quite good in fact but I'm awarding this to Steelers very own Ervins Mustukovs. Top of all the stats plus nine shutouts in a season where his team underachieved. Sure he's had a few dodgy games, all goalies do, but he gets my vote. Special props to Jackson Whistle of Belfast and Andy Iles of Fife who also had decent seasons and always looked to give their side a chance to win every night.

Defenceman of the Year: Again Cardiff won this one in the EIHL awards with them awarding it to Andrew Hotham for the fourth consecutive term, and once again I'm going to disagree with them. I've decided to award my version of it to a guy who shares the same nickname as me, Mad Dog, that being Steelers' Mark Matheson. Matheson was one of those players that was consistent every night and was comfortable at both ends of the ice; doing the simple things right which some don't notice. Pushing him close in my eyes were Guildford duo Jesse Craige and Calle Ackered as well as Storm's Dallas Erdhardt who is maturing into a dependable player so much he has been called up by GB.

British Player Of Year: Another one that went Cardiff's way and to Bownsy. I'm again going to go against that myself and award it elsewhere. I've gone for actually one of Bownsy's team-mates in Mark Richardson, who has been a stalwart of the Devils blueline and deservedly got a testimonial this season. Pushing "Rico" close are Ben O'Connor of the Steelers who enjoyed one of his best goalscoring campaigns, his Steelers team-mate Davey Phillips who has become a steady performer as well as the evergreen that is Colin Shields of Belfast.

Forward Of The Year: EIHL award went to a Cardiff player in the shape of Joey Martin, but yes I'm going against it. I've decided to hand it to Mike Hammond of the Manchester Storm, and he richly deserves that. Hammond has come back from a potentially career ending knee injury and topped the points charts, scoring an impressive 32 goals and 85 points. How can you argue against that? Also in contention for me would have been his Storm team-mate Dane Byers who was signed as a "policeman" but put up some incredible numbers, Flames John Dunbar and despite his hotheaded temper Giants Sebastian Sylvestrè.

Coach Of The Year: Andrew Lord scooped that at the EIHL awards for the second season in a row, well he did do the Panthers "Grand Slam" again didn't he? But he doesn't get my vote, mine goes to a guy who two seasons ago might have been on the verge of the sack and ending a long running love affair with a club that he joined in 1998. Step forward Todd Dutiaume of Fife. He recruited a team that at one stage might have challenged for the big prize but also made the final four weekend too. He is certainly building on a legacy there in Kirkcaldy. Statue in the town next? Also a big well done to first year EIHL coaches in Adam Keefe of the Giants and Paul Dixon of Guildford for me.

Goal Of The Season: There's been a few contenders but my vote goes to John Armstrong of the Steelers for his effort against the Flames in the first leg of the play-off quarter final. Picking the puck deep inside his own defensive zone, John went coast to coast like a knife through hot butter in the Flames defenceman before driving the net and finishing with the coup de grace over Brian Stewart. Now if that had been someone like Sidney Crosby in the NHL, they would be salivating and creaming themselves. 

Finally...My All Star Teams Of The Season:

1st Team 

Mustukovs

Matheson --- Ackered

Hammond --- Dunbar --- Byers

2nd Team

Iles

Craige --- Erdhardt

Vallerand --- Moffatt --- Sylvestrè

Flames win but Steelers progress to semi-final

Welcome to our match report from Sunday's game at Guildford.

After produced an explosive final 10 minutes in the first leg of the play-off quarter final; Steelers headed into the second one with a 5-2 advantage. The team news was the same as it was the night before which meant that Matt Marquardt and Tim Wallace were absentees. For Guildford, they made two changes from the first leg. Chris Carrozzi replaced Brian Stewart in between the pipes, whilst Brett Ferguson was suspended for his check from behind on Steelers' Eric Neiley. Ian Watters was out injured and Richard Krogh was away on GB Under-18 duty alongside Steelers' very own Liam Kirk and Kieran Brown.

Steelers made a stellar star in the Spectrum with two goals in the first 3:22 of the contest to virtually put the contest beyond doubt. At 1:51 John Armstrong scored his third of the play-offs when Colton Fretter and Scott Aarssen combined to set up the big centreman. Then the lead went to 2-0 on 3:22; Robert Dowd and Joonas Ronnberg with the assists and Mark Matheson scored his second goal of the play-offs. It was an even contest, so it was no surprise that Guildford got a marker of their own. With Zack Fitzgerald, again playing winger, sitting an additional minor for interference - Flames well executed powerplay came off to make it 1-2 on the night: Jesse Craige lighting the lamp.

The score was still 1-2 in the Steelers favour as we began the second period, and we then had a quick rush of goals in that middle section. At 21:08 Guildford made it level on the evening when Rhett Rachinski scored but just 35 seconds later, Steelers were back in front when veteran winger Fretter netted from Eric Neiley and Matheson. The on-night lead was extended back to two at 33:44 when Neiley scored with Ronnberg and Fretter getting the helpers. Realising they had nothing to lose, Guildford looked to push and finish the season on a high with a home win and they entered the final period on an extended powerplay given against Fitzgerald for a high sticking double minor.

This extended powerplay proved very fruitful as it helped them back onto parity on the night with Ben Davies and Kruise Reddick scoring. By the time Reddick there was still 17 minutes left in the game, could the Flames do the unthinkable and pull it back further which might leaving the play-off trophy holders on the brink? As much as they did try, it proved to be a mountain they just couldn't scale and that margin in the final stages of the first leg proved to be ultimately pivotal for the Steelers. However, the Flames finished a hugely successful opening season in the EIHL on a winning note. With Carrozzi sacrificed for an extra skater, Flames pushed and Davies scored his second of the night for a 5-4 scoreline. Despite Ronnberg leaving blooded, Steelers saw the remaining 38 seconds out and a place in the final four where they will face old foes Nottingham in the second semi-final.

Time for the statistics:

Goals: Flames 5 Steelers 4 (7-9 on aggregate)

Steelers Scoring: Fretter 1+2, Matheson 1+1, Neiley 1+1, Ronnberg 0+2, Armstrong 1+0, Aarssen 0+1, Dowd 0+1.

Flames Scoring: Ackered 0+3, Davies 2+0, Reddick 1+1, Lidhammar 0+2, Walker 0+2, Craige 1+0, Reddick 1+0, Campbell 0+1, Dunbar 0+1.

Shots On Goal:  Steelers 27 Flames 43 

Powerplay: Steelers 0 from 2 (0% conversion), Flames 3 from 8 (38% conversion)

Penalty Minutes called: Steelers 20 Flames 8

Steelers Goaltender Stats: Mustukovs 38 Saves (68), GAA: 5.00 (3.50), Save Percentage: 88.40% (90.70%). 

Big John douses the Flames

Welcome to our match report from the latest Sheffield Steelers game.

Steelers started their defence of the play-off title with the opening leg of their quarter-final against Guildford Flames who finished sixth in the regular season rankings. The team news saw Paul Thompson having to sit two imports as the roster holds 16 compared to the maximum 14 which they are allowed to ice in a game. The ones to miss were high scoring winger Matt Marquardt and the enigmatic Tim Wallace. This meant that both Mathieu Roy and Andreas Jämtin both were back in the line-up whilst Ervins Mustukovs returned in goal. Liam Kirk was absent on GB Under-18 duty in Estonia. Flames, whilst not having the depth on the bench which Steelers had, started with Brian Stewart in goal and included former Steeler Geoff Walker in their line-up as well as Davey Phillips' brother Kevin.

The opening period was a bit scrappy it has to be said, Steelers finding Stewart a barrier like he has been before during his time at Coventry. That and sending some shots straight into the chest of the tall Canadian. You just knew that Guildford might edge something and from one of their opportunities they got the opening goal. With the arm up for a penalty, Brett Ferguson found high scoring defenceman Jesse Craige and his shot was excellently touched home from in front by Charles Wells. The penalty was an interference minor against Davey Phillips. 

That period ended 1-0, and so did the second despite both teams having plenty of opportunities. Both Mustukovs and Stewart performing well when called upon and keeping this game close and very evenly poised as we entered that final twenty. Could the breakthrough happen? Yes it could with 2:45 played in that period, Scott Aarssen with the helper and John Armstrong skating into fire the puck top beans over the resilient Stewart to tie the game. A massive sigh of relief enveloped the majority of the Arena crowd. Yet with just under four minutes later, the Flames were back in front. With Robert Dowd in the box for a kneeing minor, Flames powerplay went to work and some good work ensued for Walker to superb set up Ferguson who finished well.

Then Flames picked two penalties at once and it proved to be the catalyst for the Steelers to kick on. With Craige and John Dunbar both penalised, Steelers had a 5 on 3 opportunity and they looked like squandering it but with eight seconds left on it: they netted an equaliser. A superb blast by Dowd that fizzed past the former Blaze netminder with sheer accuracy from the GB internationalist. Buoyed by that, Steelers had momentum and took the lead with probably one of the goals of the season. Armstrong picked up the puck deep inside his own defensive zone and then proceeded to go through the Flames defence like a knife through hot butter before adding the coup de grace and sending the home support delirious. What a goal!

This knocked the stuffing out of the Flames on the night and with just under five and half minutes left, Steelers scored a fourth: this time Andreas Valdix being in the right spot at close range to net. It got to Ferguson who got an early shower at 57:46, a late check from behind on Eric Neiley earning the Flames winger a 2+10 on the night penalty and as announced today: a two game suspension. Stewart was still making good saves and keeping the Flames within reach but the Steelers head to Surrey tonight (Sunday) with a three goal margin as they netted a fifth goal 24 seconds left, the ever dependable and impressive Mark Matheson took advantage from a screen and lighting the lamp.

Time for the statistics:

Goals: Steelers 5 Flames 2

Steelers Scoring: Armstrong 2+1, Matheson 1+2, Valdix 1+1, Aarssen 0+2, Dowd 1+0, Fretter 0+1, Nelson 0+1.

Flames Scoring: Ferguson 1+1, Wells 1+0, Walker 0+1, Craige 0+1, Lundin 0+1.

Shots On Goal:  Steelers 32 Flames 30 

Powerplay: Steelers 2 from 6 (33% conversion), Flames 1 from 3 (33% conversion)

Penalty Minutes called: Steelers 6 Flames 22

Steelers Goaltender Stats: Mustukovs 28 Saves (28), GAA: 2.00 (2.00), Save Percentage: 93.30% (93.30%). 

From The Editor's Chair - Edition 53

Welcome everyone to the view "From The Editor's Chair". In this particular edition, Mark looks at each of the quarter-finals. It's time for play-off hockey everybody. 

Cardiff Devils (1) v Coventry Blaze (8): For me this is the most clear cut of the match-ups and I don't think many will disagree. Whilst the Blaze, who squeaked into the final eight because of the Clan's inadequacies, have a tendency to give the Devils a game and a bit: they lack the firepower to deny the Devils a place in the final four. Devils will ultimately be too strong and should secure their place with ease.

Key Players: Joey Martin (Devils), Jordan Pietrus (Blaze)

Manchester Storm (2) v Fife Flyers (7): Storm have had an excellent season, their first under the coaching of former Steelers and Clan Head Coach Ryan Finnerty. They have ability in all areas and can play with an edge as well beat you with skill. Fife have had an equally good season themselves but if Andy Iles is still unfit then that will make Storm's chances greater as much as Jordan Marr has been a capable enough deputy.

Key Players: Mike Hammond (Storm), Chase Schaber - should Iles be unfit to play (Flyers)

Sheffield Steelers (3) v Guildford Flames (6): Steelers go into the defence of their play-off trophy in good form indeed, having won their last four games. They will have the luxury of possibly being able to sit two imports and in Eric Neiley, have a man playing red hot. Flames have acquitted themselves well in their debut EIHL season, and if they can keep leg one close then will fancy their chances for an upset. But Steelers should do it.

Key Players: Eric Neiley (Steelers), Brian Stewart (Flames)

Nottingham Panthers (4) v Belfast Giants (5): After losing their way from December onwards, Panthers have started to perform especially when news broke that this would be Corey Neilson and David Clarke's final season apiece. And in play-off hockey they're usually pretty good too. Giants can blow hot and cold too but do have enough about them to ensure there is no fairy tale finish. This one could easily go either way, too close to call.

Key Players: Alexander Mokshantsev (Panthers), Sèbastian Sylvestre (Giants)

How do you see them unfolding?

Mark

Thanks for reading guys. If you want to get involved please contact us on Twitter or find us on Facebook and like us and leave a comment:-

@FrozenSteelBlog

@FrozenSteelMNL

@FrozenSteelJr

@BTI_Podcast

@hockeybhoy

@Disgu15ed

@SedgyFergus

@georgefbarber

Check out Breaking The Ice Available to listen and download on iTunes and SoundCloud.

Or Email the team at Frozen Steel

You can also get involved in Steelers related discussions by joining the forums at Steel Talk

Big Match Preview: Play-Off Quarter Final v Guildford

Welcome to our preview of the next Sheffield Steelers games.

The regular season is done with, it's now time for Play-Off hockey as the Steelers start their defence of the Play-Off title which they won in such dramatic circumstances in Nottingham last April.

Their quarter-final opponent this season is the following team:

After finishing third in the regular season, Steelers face sixth placed Guildford in the quarter-final and it's a potentially difficult task as the Flames have more than enough about them to send the Steelers packing at the first knockout stage. They have the enigma that is Brian Stewart in between the pipes, who was part of the Coventry Blaze side that defeated the Steelers in the 2014-15 Final. Also in the Flames roster is Geoff Walker, a double scorer for the Steelers in that afore-mentioned dramatic Final last season.

Steelers have no major injury worries and welcome back both Mathieu Roy and Andreas Jämtin who are both available for selection which would give Head Coach Paul Thompson which imports to rest as he can only ice a maximum of 14 per game. Steelers have 16 on their books, hence a lot of people are already deliberating who will be the unfortunate ones. It's the biggest decision making exercise for Thompson and he has to get this spot on if the Steelers want to make the final four for the fourth time in the last five seasons.

The first leg is in Sheffield, and the return in Surrey on the Sunday. Steelers will need to build a decent advantage to give them the best possible chance.

My prediction? Steelers to make the final four by a three goal swing on aggregate. What about you?

Thanks for reading guys. If you want to get involved please contact us on Twitter or find us on Facebook and like us and leave a comment:-

@FrozenSteelBlog

@FrozenSteelMNL

@FrozenSteelJr

@BTI_Podcast

@hockeybhoy

@Disgu15ed

@SedgyFergus

@georgefbarber

Check out Breaking The Ice Available to listen and download on iTunes and SoundCloud.

Neiley brace helps Steelers blow away Storm

Welcome to the match report of the latest Sheffield Steelers game.

After recording their third win in a row, Steelers headed into their final regular season against local rivals Manchester full of confidence. With results going their way last night, Saturday, Steelers knew that a win in the Storm Shelter would be good enough to secure third place in the final standings. It was same again as regards the team selection, which meant John Armstrong continued his comeback and Brad Day once more started in goal ahead of Ervins Mustukovs. Was this a sign that "Moose" was being kept fresh for the play-off series? Well it certainly hinted at that. Storm, who of course are coached by former Steeler Ryan Finnerty, suffered an unexpected home reverse on Saturday by Coventry but were at full strength bar Shane Bakker.

Steelers made the best start possible, with a goal in the first 95 seconds. The third line produced dividends, Tim Wallace and Armstrong with the set up and Matt Marquardt then letting rip with a one timer that rocketed past Mike Clementè. It was the power forward's 27th of the season and snapped an eight game goal drought. The lead was doubled just after the halfway point of the period and it was the man in form, Eric Neiley, who scored goal number two. Picked out by Colton Fretter, the American winger made no mistake and finished well for his 10th of the season. Steelers continued to rack up the chances, but Storm made it a one goal game at 16:27 when Andrew McKinney netted after Dallas Ehrhardt had set him up. And how that was the opening period finished.

Day was called upon to make a series of important saves as the Storm pressed for parity but he was proving more than equal to the task whilst the offence looked for a third goal to restore the two goal lead. They just did at 24:41, and who else but that man Neiley with it for his 11th of the season. With the form he is in now, he's certainly making the right sounds to be part of the 2018-19 roster. It got better for the Steelers with just over three and half minutes left in the middle period when they added a fourth on the counter attack with a rare Tim Wallace strike; only his 7th goal of the season. Storm again needed a lift to give themselves open and with 1:48 to go in period two, scored their second of the night. It was a goal that last season would have been feted in Braehead as Scott Pitt finished from Matt Beca.

Could the Steelers see out the game in the final period and clinch a four point weekend plus that third placed finish? Again Storm put the pressure on but Steelers were standing tall in defence whilst dominating their hosts at the other end of the ice. They deservedly then scored a fifth goal at 46:33, Ben O'Connor scoring his third goal of the weekend on the Steelers' powerplay and a 20th goal of the season. Further chances came the Steelers way as they looked to really put the Storm to the sword, Clementè denying Neiley a hat-trick goal when the winger got in behind the home defence shorthanded. The home side kept trying to break through but every time they were thwarted by the impressive Day who was having another great game when given the opportunity.

The game ended 5-2 in the Steelers favour, and a third place finish for Paul Thompson's team after a season of many ups and downs. They now face former Steeler Geoff Walker and the Guildford Flames in the play-off quarter final after the Surrey side defeated Coventry Blaze 5-3 in the Sky Dome to secure 6th place ahead of Fife who tumbled into 7th. A place in the play-off final four in Nottingham awaits the victor of this two-legged encounter.

Time for the statistics:

Goals: Storm 2 Steelers 5

Steelers Scoring: Marquardt 1+2, Neiley 2+0, Wallace 1+1, Fretter 0+2, Armstrong 0+2, O'Connor 1+0, Matheson 0+1, Westerling 0+1.

Storm Scoring: Pitt 1+0, McKinney 1+0, Ehrhardt 0+1, Beca 0+1.

Shots On Goal:  Steelers 36 Storm 31 

Powerplay: Steelers 1 from 5 (20% conversion), Storm 0 from 6 (0% conversion)

Penalty Minutes called: Steelers 12 Storm 10

Steelers Goaltender Stats: Day 29 Saves (130), GAA: 2.00 (2.46), Save Percentage: 93.50% (92.20%). 

Man of the Match: Eric Neiley (Steelers), Andrew McKinney (Storm)

Thanks for reading guys. If you want to get involved please contact us on Twitter or find us on Facebook and like us and leave a comment:-

@FrozenSteelBlog

@FrozenSteelMNL

@FrozenSteelJr

@BTI_Podcast

@hockeybhoy

@Disgu15ed

@SedgyFergus

@georgefbarber

Check out Breaking The Ice Available to listen and download on iTunes and SoundCloud.

Or Email the team at Frozen Steel

You can also get involved in Steelers related discussions by joining the forums at Steel Talk