Game Summary
The Sheffield Steelers closed out 2024 in spectacular fashion, securing a 4-1 victory over the Manchester Storm on the back of a stunning four-goal performance by Mikko Juusola.
After trailing 1-0 following a tight first period, the Steelers found their rhythm in the second. Juusola lit up the scoreboard with two quick goals, including a highlight-reel finish just 17 seconds into the frame. He continued his dominance in the third period, completing his hat-trick only 32 seconds after the puck dropped and sealing the game with an empty-netter in the dying seconds.
While the Storm pushed back with dangerous chances, Matthew Greenfield stood tall, keeping the visitors at bay and preserving the Steelers’ lead. Juusola’s heroics not only delivered a thrilling win but also propelled Sheffield into third place in the league standings as they head into 2025.
The stage is now set for a New Year’s Day rematch in Altrincham, where the Steelers will look to build on this momentum and continue their climb up the standings.
First Period [0-1] – Steelers Start Strong But Storm Take Lead Into Second
Tonight’s clash against the Manchester Storm marked the Steelers’ final game of the calendar year, one that Steelers fans will remember for the Grand Slam triumph earlier in 2024. The 24/25 campaign, however, has been a more turbulent journey, with the team striving for stability as they head into 2025. Head coach Aaron Fox stuck with the same lineup that bested the Nottingham Panthers just two nights prior, hoping to build on that momentum.
The Steelers came out strong in the opening period, dominating early play and putting Storm goaltender Evan Weninger under significant pressure. Brien Diffley created the best early chance for Sheffield, driving hard to the net from the left wing, only to be thwarted by Weninger’s pad.
Despite the Steelers’ early dominance, the Storm broke the deadlock at 8:56. A failed clearance in the defensive zone proved costly as Ryan Hughes fed Grant Hebert, who was left unchecked in front of Matthew Greenfield’s crease. Hebert made no mistake, lifting the puck over Greenfield’s shoulder to give the visitors a 1-0 lead. Joe Morrow added a secondary assist on the play.
The Storm’s momentum nearly doubled moments later as Hebert threatened again on the next shift. Zack Milton followed up with a dangerous chance, but Greenfield’s pad kept Sheffield within reach. Tempers flared late in the period when Daniel Leavens and Jake Durflinger exchanged heated words after a whistle, adding a physical edge to the contest.
Before the period ended, Mitchell Balmas aimed to level the score with a top-corner attempt, but Weninger stood tall, just getting enough on the shot to preserve the Storm’s 1-0 lead heading into the second period.
Second Period [2-1] – Mikko Juusola’s Double Lifts Steelers in Thrilling Second Period
The Steelers turned the tide in the second period against the Storm thanks to a dazzling performance by Mikko Juusola who netted twice to secure a one-goal lead heading into the final frame.
Juusola wasted no time making an impact, scoring just 17 seconds into the period. As fans were still settling back into their seats, Mitchell Balmas fed Juusola behind the Storm goal. With patience and precision, Juusola brought the puck out front and, using an outstretched stick, slid it around the pad of Evan Weninger at the far post. Kevin Tansey contributed with a secondary assist on the play.
The game then evolved into a back-and-forth battle, with chances for both sides. Brien Diffley, Sacha Guimond, and Patrick Watling all tested Weninger, but the Storm netminder stood tall. At the other end, Matthew Greenfield was equally sharp, turning away a dangerous opportunity from Noah Carroll.
Juusola struck again at the 29-minute mark, capping a well-executed offensive sequence. Joona Huttula launched a blistering shot from the blue line, and Juusola, perfectly positioned in front of Weninger, got a crucial deflection to beat the goalie over his catcher. Patrick Watling, who put in a tireless shift throughout the period, earned the secondary assist on the goal.
Weninger continued to battle, making a crucial save on a wraparound attempt by Daniel Ciampini. Meanwhile, Greenfield delivered an equally impressive stop, denying Alexis D’Aoust on a breakaway after a stretch pass set him up one-on-one.
The evenly matched teams traded opportunities throughout the frame, with the Steelers narrowly edging the Storm in shots on goal, 22 to 20, as they prepared for a decisive third period. The stage was set for an exhilarating conclusion to this tightly contested matchup.
Third Period [4-1] – Mikko Juusola’s Four-Goal Masterclass Propels Steelers to Victory
Mikko Juusola delivered a sensational performance for the Steelers, netting all four goals in a thrilling victory over the Manchester Storm. The Finnish forward’s heroics began in the second period and continued into the third, sealing a memorable night for the near sell-out crowd.
Juusola’s scoring spree started just 17 seconds into the second period and carried over into the third, where he completed his hat-trick only 32 seconds after the puck dropped. Evan Weninger initially denied the first shot, but the rebound landed perfectly for Juusola, who fired it into an open net. Patrick Watling and goaltender Matthew Greenfield were credited with assists on the play.
The Steelers’ two-goal advantage was nearly jeopardized following a costly turnover in their defensive zone. Loren Ulett had a prime opportunity to capitalise, beating Greenfield but not the crossbar, as the puck clanged off the iron and stayed out.
Special teams played a role late in the game, with the first powerplay coming in the 48th minute after Joe Morrow was called for high-sticking. However, the Steelers couldn’t convert, and the Storm also failed to capitalise on a later penalty for too many men on the ice.
Juusola’s fourth and final goal came with just 16 seconds left on the clock. Intercepting the puck at the Steelers’ blue line, he carried it through three zones before sliding it into the empty net as the Storm had pulled Weninger for the extra attacker.
With the victory, the Steelers closed out the 2024 calendar year on a high note, earning two crucial points to climb into third place in the league standings, trailing only the Cardiff Devils and Belfast Giants. A New Year’s Day rematch in Altrincham against the Manchester Storm now awaits.
Unsurprisingly, Mikko Juusola was named the Steelers’ Man of the Match. Taking centre ice for his celebratory “Eddy,” he capped the evening with his teammates by wishing the crowd a heartfelt “Happy New Year,” sending fans home with a night to remember.
