Storm Come from behind to Take the Points

Steelers Finish Top of Challenge Cup Group After Storm Stun Devils

The Sheffield Steelers have been confirmed as winners of Challenge Cup Group A following a dramatic Sunday night in Manchester.

Cardiff Devils travelled to the AO Arena knowing that victory of any kind would have taken them above the Steelers and secured top spot.

And for long periods it looked as though they would do exactly that.

The Devils raced into a 2-0 lead before Manchester Storm hit back, only for Cardiff to restore their two-goal advantage at 3-1.

Storm, however, refused to go away.

Stephen Johnson reduced the deficit before Tim McGauley struck with just 2:32 remaining to level the game at 3-3 and send the contest into overtime.

Cardiff still had the opportunity to take first place with the extra point, but neither side could find a winner during overtime.

Manchester then completed their comeback in the shootout, with Kyle Maksimovich and McGauley converting, while Storm goaltender Drew DeRidder stopped all four Cardiff attempts to secure a 4-3 victory.

The result leaves the Steelers top of Group A with 14 points from their 10 games, ahead of Cardiff, who qualify alongside Sheffield for the semi-finals.

Home Advantage for the Second Leg

Finishing top of the group also brings an important reward for Aaron Fox and his side.

As one of the seeded teams, the Steelers will have the option of playing the second leg of their Challenge Cup semi-final at the Utilita Arena. The semi-finals are played over two legs, with the higher seeds having the option of hosting the return game.

Exactly who Sheffield will face has not yet been formally confirmed.

Cardiff are expected to be the Steelers’ opponents, but the final semi-final line-up will not be completed until the Challenge Cup Elimination Game between Guildford Flames and Fife Flyers has been played.

Guildford secured third place in Group A, while Fife progressed from Group B to earn their place in the one-off elimination fixture.

For now, though, the equation is simple:

Sheffield Steelers – Challenge Cup Group A winners and through to the semi-finals.