793 Steelers Points for Robert Dowd
Dowd Stands Alone as Steelers’ All-Time Leading Scorer
Robert Dowd has written another chapter into Sheffield Steelers history after becoming the club’s all-time leading points scorer.
The Steelers captain entered Sunday’s game in Guildford level with club legend Ron Shudra on 792 career points after scoring once and adding three assists in Saturday’s 6-0 win over Coventry Blaze.
Dowd then found the net again against the Flames to move onto 793 points, taking sole possession of the club’s all-time scoring record.
It was a special moment for the 19-season Steeler, although his immediate thoughts were still on the team’s dramatic comeback victory.
“It was brilliant,” said Dowd.
“I thought we played very well tonight. Even though we were 3-1 down, I don’t think the scoreline really reflected how we played in that first period.
“We had a couple of lost coverages and they punished us for them, but we stuck to the game plan and it was a great bounce-back win for the boys.”
Dowd’s record-breaking goal came after he picked up the puck with speed and drove at the Guildford defence.
“We tried to catch them on the break and their D-man got a stick on it, but I was following up and got the puck with plenty of speed.
“I managed to beat the defenceman wide and get a quick shot away high blocker.”
The goal took Dowd beyond a record that had stood for many years, placing him alone at the top of the Steelers’ scoring charts.
And for Dowd, being mentioned alongside Shudra carries enormous significance.
“It’s very cool,” he said.
“To be in the same conversation as someone like Ron is really special.
“He’s a great human being, a great hockey player and an absolute legend of British hockey and of Sheffield.
“To be talked about in the same sentence as Ron is really humbling.
“To finally get over the line and have that record is a really cool feeling.”
And yes, the captain made sure he kept a little souvenir from the night.
“I’ve got the puck,” he smiled.
Dowd’s record-breaking weekend began in the season opener against Coventry, where his four-point performance helped Sheffield to a convincing 6-0 victory at the Utilita Arena.
That same night also brought another landmark for goaltender Matt Greenfield.
Greenfield, who surpassed Jody Lehman’s previous club shutout record of 24 last season, recorded the 26th shutout of his Steelers career as Coventry were kept off the scoresheet.
But 24 hours later in Guildford, the spotlight belonged to Dowd.
Ron Shudra – 792 points.
Robert Dowd – 793 points and counting.
