Sheffield Steelers captain Robert Dowd moved level with club legend Ron Shudra on the all-time points list after a four-point night in Saturday’s 6-0 win over Coventry Blaze.
Dowd scored once and added three assists in the season opener, taking his career tally for the Steelers to an incredible 792 points, matching the long-standing benchmark set by Shudra.
It was a landmark night for more than one Steelers stalwart, with goaltender Matt Greenfield also recording another milestone of his own.
Greenfield, who surpassed Jody Lehman’s previous club shutout record of 24 last season, posted the 26th shutout of his Steelers career as Coventry were kept off the scoresheet at the Utilita Arena.
Despite the personal achievement, Greenfield was quick to put the team first.
“It’s a nice feeling to record shutout number 26,” he said.
“But the only numbers that really mattered on opening night were the two points the team picked up.”
Dowd was equally understated after drawing level with one of the most iconic names in Steelers history.
“I had no idea I was that close to the all-time record,” he said.
“It’s the final scoring record left to break and one that Ron Shudra has held for many years.
“In time, I’m sure I’ll look back on moments like this with fond memories, but right now it’s all about the team.
“We wanted to get off to a great start, and securing two valuable points was the most important thing.”
For Dowd, now entering his 19th season with the club, the next point he records will take him clear at the top of the Steelers’ all-time scoring list.
For Greenfield, the shutout simply adds another chapter to a remarkable Sheffield career.
But for both, the message after opening night was the same.
Team success first, milestones second.