Game Summary
The Steelers secured a 4-1 victory over the Flames to kick off their Elite Ice Hockey League campaign in style after raising the Grand Slam banner in-front of over 7,500 fans at home.
In the first period, Robert Dowd’s goal at 17:23 gave the Steelers a 1-0 lead after dominating the play and outshooting the Flames 15-5. The Flames thought they had equalized, but the goal was disallowed after review.
The second period saw the Flames pull one back with a goal from Ethan Strang at 27:50, but the Steelers responded quickly. Mark Simpson restored the lead at 32:10, and Dominic Cormier added another on a power play at 38:57, sending the Steelers into the third period with a 3-1 advantage.
The final period exploded with 76 penalty minutes between the two teams, including four fighting majors. Amidst the chaos, Patrick Watling scored at 45:28, sealing a 4-1 win for the Steelers. The game ended with heated exchanges between the teams, but the Steelers skated away with a convincing victory.
The Steelers return to action tomorrow against the Coventry Blaze.
First Period [1-0] Steelers Dominate Opening Period, Take Early Lead Against Flames
The first period was heavily dominated by the Steelers, who outshot the visiting Flames 15-5 within the first twenty minutes. The opening five minutes of the game were a tense, cagey affair, with both teams cautiously probing for control. Greenfield, in goal for the Steelers, quickly found his rhythm, while at the opposite end, McAdam made an early statement with a key save against Kevin Tansey, who was set up by Brandon Whistle driving hard into the slot.
The Steelers had a golden opportunity to kick-start their campaign when they were handed a five-on-three power play. Flames’ Matt Alvaro was sent to the penalty box for interference near his own bench, and just over a minute later, Charlie Dodero followed him off the ice for slashing. During this power play, the Steelers came agonizingly close to taking the lead. Marco Vallerand, from his favored shooting spot, unleashed a wrister that beat McAdam but rattled off the post, leaving the Flames temporarily unscathed.
Despite missing that chance, the Steelers didn’t have to wait long for a breakthrough. Flames had returned to full strength when, at 17:23, captain Robert Dowd found the back of the net. Mikko Juusola delivered a perfect pass to Dowd at the back post, and he made no mistake, sending the puck home to give the Steelers a 1-0 lead. Vallerand picked up the secondary assist on the play.
The Flames thought they had tied the game late in the period at 18:45 when a collision between Greenfield and a Flames forward just outside the crease allowed the puck to be slid into the net. However, the play was sent to Toronto for review, and the goal was disallowed. As the teams headed into the second period, the Steelers held a deserved 1-0 lead in the contest.
Second Period [3-1] Steelers Extend Lead Despite Improved Flames Performance in Second Period
Despite an improved performance by the Flames in the second period, they found themselves trailing further as the Steelers capitalized on key opportunities, heading into the final period with a 3-1 lead.
The Flames got on the scoreboard at 27:50, shortly after killing off a minor penalty to Joona Huttula for holding the stick. Ethan Strang scored with a clinical finish at the back post, thanks to a pinpoint pass across the crease from Lewis Hook. Brett Ferguson also contributed with an assist, giving the Flames a much-needed lift.
However, the Steelers quickly regained their lead less than five minutes later. Mark Simpson tipped a shot past Flames’ goalie McAdam, redirecting a powerful blast from Huttula at the blue line. Simpson’s clever positioning in front of the net proved crucial, and Joel Janatuinen picked up the first of his two assists in the period.
The Flames nearly equalized after a turnover at the Steelers’ blue line led to a one-on-one breakaway, but the puck clanged off the crossbar, saving the Steelers from conceding again.
At 38:57, the Steelers capitalized on a power play as Brett Ferguson sat in the box for tripping. This time, Dominic Cormier found the back of the net with a well-placed shot from the blue line through traffic, with McAdam screened and unable to react. Janatuinen earned his second assist of the period on the play.
As the teams prepared for the final period, the Steelers enjoyed a 3-1 lead and continued to outshoot the Flames 22-15, putting themselves in a comfortable position heading into the final stretch.
Third Period [4-1] Third Period Erupts in Penalties as Steelers Secure Victory Over Flames
The final period of the game took an unexpected turn, erupting into chaos as a staggering 76 penalty minutes were handed out between the Steelers and the Flames. The drama peaked with four fighting majors, given to Marco Vallerand and Robert Dowd of the Steelers, and Charlie Dodero and Stephen Calisti of the Flames. While Dodero managed to prevent Vallerand from fully engaging, Dowd made quick work of Calisti, landing several heavy blows before officials intervened.
Before the brawl, the Steelers had extended their lead to three goals. At 45:28, Patrick Watling latched onto a feed from Mitchel Balmas and managed to squeeze the puck past McAdam, putting the home team in firm control with a 4-1 advantage.
The fiery encounter concluded with tempers still flaring, as words were exchanged between both sides after the final whistle. Despite the tension, the Steelers secured a convincing victory to kick off their Elite Ice Hockey League (EIHL) campaign on a high note.
The Steelers will be back in action tomorrow night as they travel to Coventry for another Challenge Cup matchup against the Blaze. Following that, they face the Nottingham Panthers next Saturday before returning home on Sunday to host the Cardiff Devils at 4:00 PM. Be sure to catch the action!
