The Bradfield Brewery Sheffield Steeldogs faced off against the Telford Tigers tonight with high expectations after winning their last 4 out of 5 games, the Steeldogs only managed to come away with a point after a frustrating 4-3 loss in overtime. The lineup for tonight’s game was mostly unchanged apart from the addition of Ivan Bjorkly Nordstrom (returning from injury) and Curtis Warbuton who started for the Steeldogs.
Period 1
The Bradfield Brewery Sheffield Steeldogs started the game fast, quickly getting shots on the net by the likes of Elmeri Hallfors, and Tate Shudra yet nothing came from these chances. Telford were quick to react trying to test Curtis Warbuton and unfortunately the Tigers were the first to hit the back of the net, Joseph Aston was the one to put the Tigers in front after a quick but accurate pass from Jake Price. This goal really gave Telford the confidence to challenge Warbuton and try to put away a second goal however Warbuton denied the Tigers anymore chances on net. After this there was a penalty given against the Dogs for kneeing (9:28) which resulted in Henry Adams getting sent off the ice and Jack Brammer serving an additional 5 minutes on his behalf. As well as this Finlay Howells served a 2-minute roughing penalty for Telford yet both teams were able to return to full strength without any goals. This period was definitely very physical however the Dogs were still without an equalising goal even after some close attempts! (0-1)
Period 2
Elmeri Hallfors started the period off for his team going one on one with Brad Day, yet he was denied! The Steeldogs were relentless in this period pressuring Brad Day with link up plays from Fin Ulrick and Nathan Ripley but yet again the puck was not put in the net. Soon after these attempts Valdimir Luka finds himself with some space and proceeded to dance around the Steeldogs’ defence and put another past Curtis Warbuton making the score 2 nil. However, Sheffield was not giving up and kept the pressure on and eventually captain Kirk was able to score an incredible long-range goal after a great pass by Elmeri Hallfors! Unfortunately for the Sheffield Steeldogs their moment of triumph was cut short after a breakaway was caused by Vladimir Luka and he scored once more against Curtis Warbuton, this put the Tigers up by 2 goals going into period 3. (1-3)
Period 3
Yet again Elmeri Hallfors lead the charge into the third period after having 3 shots early on at Brad Day however he couldn’t put the puck away, after many attempts the Steeldogs finally got past Brad Day and made the score 3-2. Sam Cooper scored this goal putting his team back in the running to win the game. Soon after Walker Sommer beat the defence and netminder of Telford with lightning speed levelling the game 3 all and putting his team in with a chance to win the game or force an overtime. Penalties then came thick and fast with both Steeldogs and Telford players being put in the penalty box for fighting and ruffing, but no goal came from these penalties leading to 3 on 3 sudden death overtime!
Overtime
Overtime was intense with both teams showing signs they could win the game however the game went the way of the Telford Tigers as Rhodes Mitchell- King scored the winner for his team. (3-4)
MOTM
Telford Tigers- Vladimir Luka
Sheffield Steeldogs- Sam Cooper