Manchester Storm 2 – 4 Sheffield Steelers
Pre-Season Friendly | Storm Shelter, Altrincham
Match Summary
The Sheffield Steelers completed their pre-season campaign with a perfect record after a 4-2 regulation win against the Manchester Storm in Altrincham. Goals from Mitchell Balmas, Ryan Tait, Evan Jasper, and Derek Gentile sealed the victory in a contest that saw the Steelers’ attacking depth and defensive resilience shine through.
After back-to-back victories against the Cardiff Devils earlier last weekend, Aaron Fox’s men showed composure in front of goal and strong netminding from Matt Greenfield and newcomer Eamon McAdam. With three wins from three, the Steelers head into competitive action full of confidence, opening their Challenge Cup campaign next Saturday at home against the Guildford Flames.
First Period [0–2]
The Steelers wasted no time in stamping their authority on the game. At just 3:35, Mitchell Balmas broke the deadlock, collecting the puck from Stephen Harper at a face-off, spinning away from his man, and firing high past Storm netmind, Deridder.
Two minutes later, Ryan Tait doubled the lead after relentless work around the Storm crease, forcing the puck home with assists from Nick Seitz and captain Robert Dowd. While Manchester did create chances through Haden, Greenfield stood tall, keeping the hosts frustrated. The period ended with the Steelers deservedly two goals to the good.
Second Period [0–2]
Manchester came out with more purpose after the restart, pushing the Steelers onto the back foot early on. Greenfield – and later McAdam, after both sides rotated netminders midway through – were called into action as the Storm looked for a way back.
The Steelers had penalty trouble to navigate, with Dowd and Harper both serving time, but the penalty-kill units were disciplined and efficient. At the other end, Fox’s side generated looks of their own on the powerplay, but without reward. A scrappy but controlled period ended scoreless, leaving Sheffield still in command.
Third Period [2–4]
The Steelers made the perfect start to the third, extending their lead to three. Evan Jasper, on the carry-over powerplay, picked his spot from the right circle, ripping a precise shot over Weninger’s glove to make it 0–3, with Tait claiming the assist.
The Storm fought back, however. Gary Haden finally solved McAdam in the 48th minute, before Johnson tipped home on the powerplay six minutes later to cut the gap to just one.
With momentum threatening to swing, the Steelers struck again at the perfect time. On the man advantage, Derek Gentile arrived at the back post to lift the puck over Weninger, restoring a two-goal cushion and effectively killing off Storm’s comeback hopes.
Full Time – Steelers Seal Perfect Pre-Season
The final buzzer confirmed a 4-2 victory and a 100% record from pre-season. Balmas, Tait, Jasper, and Gentile provided the finishing touches, while both Greenfield and McAdam impressed between the pipes.
With preparations complete, attention now turns to competitive action. The Steelers open their Challenge Cup campaign on home ice against the Guildford Flames at the Utilita Arena Sheffield on Saturday 13th September, 7pm face-off.
📸 Manchester Storm