Dowdy Creates History as Steelers Beat the Storm 9-3
Another incredible crowd of 8,120 witnessed the Steelers hit 9 against the Manchester Storm on Saturday night at the Arena, keeping their amazing winning streak going and increasing the lead at the top of the Elite League table.
There were nine different scorers for the Steelers, including an historic goal for captain Robert Dowd, his 329th for the club, equalling Ron Shudra’s all time goal tally and moving joint second in all time club scoring.
First Period.
Matt Greenfield lined up opposite Storms new goalie Logan Flodel, though it wasn’t going to be the start the keeper had wished for with the Steelers in control from early on.
Marco Vallerand opened the scoring at 10.59 with a great shot assisted Balmas and Tansey
Steelers had soon doubled their advantage when Dominic Cormier picking up a rebound following a Niklas Nevalainen shot, with Dowdy also assisting.
The lead was 2-0 at 14.37 and the Steelers were rolling
33 Seconds later Michael Koral took the first penalty of the night, a tripping minor, Steelers went hunting on the power-play
The big moment arrived and Dowdy scored on the power-play at 16.32 to make it 3-0
It was Dowdy’s 329th Steelers goal, making him the clubs joint all time goal scorer alongside Ron Shudra.
its just 8 seconds left in the period Mitchell Martan took a minor slashing penalty
5 Seconds later and the Steelers had a 4th, Daniel Ciampini tipping home a Colton Saucerman shot following Mitchell Balmas’s face off win.
Second Period
Less than 3 minutes in and the Steelers added a 5th goal.
Kevin Tansey firing home assisted Scott Allen and Robert Dowd
26.12 and The Storm struck with their first goal after new signing Zack Phillips beat Matt Greenfield for the first time of the night.
Steelers were straight back at it, Brett Neumann hitting a 6th at 28.55 (Juusola and Watling)
Brien Diffley had a busy couple of minutes, taking a penalty for delay of game at 29.09 and then coming out of the box to pick up a pass from Brett Neumann to make it 7-1 at 31.13
A little bit of afters at 38.20 with Mark Simpson and Stephen Johnson both being sent to the penalty box for roughing
Third Period
The Storm struck early with Loren Ulett adding a second Manchester goal at 42.54
Manchester killed a minor penalty against Callum Fryer shortly after for tripping before Ulett scored his 2nd of the night and the Storms 3rd at 52.03
Steelers turn to kill a Manchester power-play when Kevin Tansey was called for Boarding at 53.10
Two more goals to end the night with Patrick Watling hitting the 8th at 56.01 (Cormier and Neumann)
Mark Simpson added a 9th goal with just 2.35 remaining in the game
Final Score: Sheffield Steelers 9-3 Manchester Storm