
Game Summary
The Sheffield Steelers returned to the Utilita Arena on Saturday night, defeating the Manchester Storm 4-2 in a well-rounded performance that showcased early scoring, defensive resilience, and a controlled final frame. The win was a quick rebound from defeat against the Belfast Giants on the road last Saturday night.
The game started with energy, and the Steelers wasted no time, taking a 1-0 lead just 1:03 into the contest. Marco Vallerand capitalised on a perfect setup from Patrick Watling, tucking a backhand effort past Alex Oldale. Despite the Storm equalising at 11:27 through Loren Ulett, the Steelers quickly responded with Maxim Golod finishing a two-on-none chance just 28 seconds later, assisted by Daniel Leavens and Dominic Cormier.
The Steelers came out flying in the second, netting twice within the first 2:32. Mikko Juusola’s slick backhand finish, courtesy of Brandon Whistle and Veeti Vainio, made it 3-1. Kevin Tansey followed up with a rocket from the blue line, aided by Cole Shudra and Finlay Ulrick. The Storm pulled one back on the powerplay through Grant Hebert, but despite some controversial calls, the Steelers maintained their composure, entering the final period with a 4-2 advantage.
With the game in hand and a match in Guildford the next evening, the Steelers managed the clock and controlled the tempo. Although their powerplay missed two opportunities, Oldale’s stellar performance kept the Storm within striking distance. However, Sheffield’s defensive structure and Greenfield’s calm presence ensured no late drama as the clock wound down.
The Steelers’ Mikko Juusola earned Man of the Match honours, while Storm goalie Alex Oldale’s efforts were also recognised. The Steelers now sit on 42 points from 31 games, holding third place in the standings as they prepare for a critical Sunday road clash against the Guildford Flames.

First Period [2-1] – Steelers Strike Early and Lead After Action-Packed First Period
The Sheffield Steelers returned to the Utilita Arena after a weekend absence, taking on the Manchester Storm in front of a lively crowd as we celebrated Coach Aaron Fox matching Alex Dampier’s record of games coached behind the bench. Looking to bounce back from last Saturday’s defeat to the Belfast Giants, the Steelers delivered a strong opening period, taking a 2-1 lead into the intermission.
The Steelers wasted no time getting on the board, with Marco Vallerand finding the back of the net just 1:03 into the game. Vallerand worked hard early to position himself behind the play and pounced on a layoff from behind the Storm net from Patrick Watling, slipping a backhander past Alex Oldale’s short side. Brien Diffley picked up the secondary assist on the opening goal.
Matthew Greenfield, solid between the pipes, turned away early Storm chances before the game settled into an evenly contested battle. The Steelers penalty kill successfully handled a Mark Simpson tripping penalty, keeping the momentum on their side.
The Storm drew level at 11:27 after a review for high sticking. Loren Ulett deflected Joe Morrow’s blue-line blast past Greenfield, and after officials deemed the stick to be below the allowed height, the goal stood.
However, the Steelers wasted no time reclaiming the lead. Just 28 seconds later, at 11:55, Daniel Leavens and Maxim Golod capitalised on a defensive breakdown, finding themselves in a two-on-none. Leavens fed Golod with a crisp pass, and Golod made no mistake at the back post, restoring Sheffield’s advantage. Dominic Cormier notched the secondary assist on the play.
The Steelers came close to extending their lead late in the period. Cormier rang a shot off the post after finding space in the high slot, and Golod dazzled with puck-handling brilliance, weaving through Storm defenders before setting up Mark Simpson, whose shot was turned away by Oldale’s quick shoulder save.
As the buzzer sounded, the Steelers headed to the locker room with a 2-1 lead and momentum firmly on their side, setting up an exciting contest in the remaining periods.



Second Period [4-2] – Steelers Extend Lead in Action-Packed Second Period
The Steelers came out firing in the second period, quickly extending their lead with two goals in less than a minute, setting the tone for an exciting middle frame in their clash with the Storm.
The Steelers struck early, just 2:32 into the period, with Mikko Juusola showcasing his speed and skill. Juusola received a perfectly placed cross-crease pass from Brandon Whistle, collected it on his forehand, and smoothly shifted to his backhand to slip the puck past Alex Oldale’s outstretched pad. Veeti Vainio, making his return to the lineup, picked up the secondary assist on the beautifully crafted play.
Less than a minute later, at 23:18, Kevin Tansey extended the lead to 4-1 with a thunderous blast from the blue line. Traffic in front of Oldale, courtesy of Finlay Ulrick’s hard work, created the perfect screen as Tansey’s shot sailed through and into the net. Ulrick’s efforts were rewarded with an assist, along with Cole Shudra, who initiated the play.
The Storm found a lifeline midway through the period after Robert Dowd was sent to the penalty box for tripping. Grant Hebert capitalised on the powerplay, firing a pinpoint shot into the top corner above Matthew Greenfield’s blocker at 27:44. Alexis D’Aoust picked up the assist, giving the Storm some much-needed momentum.
As the period neared its conclusion, controversy struck when Daniel Ciampini was called for cross-checking behind the Storm net—a decision that left the Steelers bench visibly frustrated, with replays suggesting minimal contact. Despite the penalty, Sheffield’s penalty kill unit stood tall, ensuring no further damage, though 23 seconds of the kill carried over into the final period.
The Steelers entered the third with a 4-2 lead, setting up an intriguing conclusion to the contest.



Third Period [4-2] – Steelers Cruise to Victory with Controlled Third Period
The Steelers comfortably closed out their matchup against the Storm with a measured third period, securing a 4-2 win at the Utilita Arena to get back to winning ways. With a trip to Guildford looming on Sunday, the Steelers eased off the gas but remained in control to claim two valuable league points.
Despite maintaining the upper hand, the Steelers’ powerplay unit couldn’t capitalise on two opportunities in the final frame. Tyler Ninam’s holding-the-stick penalty against Joona Huttula and a hooking call on Craig Martin gave Sheffield chances to extend their lead, but Storm netminder Alex Oldale stood tall. Oldale turned away multiple quality shots with impressive saves, earning him the Storm’s Man of the Match honours.


The post-game festivities saw Steelers Man of the Match Mikko Juusola took centre ice for his celebration. Juusola swapped roles with goaltender Matthew Greenfield, flashing the glove on a breakaway snipe from Greenfield to the delight of the crowd.



The victory boosts the Steelers to 42 points from 31 games, keeping them firmly in third place in the standings. The Belfast Giants, who earned a penalty shot win over the Coventry Blaze, and the league-leading Cardiff Devils remain just ahead in the race.

Sheffield will aim to complete a four-point weekend with a road trip to face the Guildford Flames on Sunday, before returning to home ice next weekend for a highly anticipated clash with the Cardiff Devils.
