A Brace for the Steelers Forward
Ryan Tait produced one of the goals of Sheffield Steelers’ season as his two-goal performance helped fire Aaron Fox’s side into the Challenge Cup semi-finals.
Tait struck twice during a dominant opening period as Sheffield beat Manchester Storm 5-2 at the Utilita Arena, securing their place in the last four of the competition.
His first was the product of an excellent team move, but the second was all about one of Tait’s greatest weapons — his blistering speed.
Picking up the puck with Manchester caught during a change, Tait accelerated through open ice before firing in stride into the top corner to give Sheffield a 3-0 lead.
It was a goal worthy of the occasion and one Tait admitted will rank among his favourites in a Steelers shirt.
“My best attribute is my legs,” he said.
“I saw that they were changing and I could wind it up a little bit. Rosie gave the puck to Stux, Stux gave me a simple little pass and once I got some open ice they were gapped off.
“I just tried to use my legs and then shoot in stride.
“He’s a good goalie, so you have to change the direction or shoot in stride and try to catch him off guard.
“It felt really nice.”
Tait’s first goal had arrived earlier in the period after Sheffield executed a face-off play to open up the Manchester defence.
“It was a great face-off by Wiss,” he said.
“That’s executing our system properly. We got the bump over and then Jazzy had time on the puck, beat his guy wide and drew my defender towards him.
“He made an amazing play to me and I just tried to bear down and finish it.”
The two goals helped Sheffield establish a 4-1 first-period advantage and put them firmly on course for the victory they needed.
Tait said the players were fully aware of the significance of the game.
“We knew what was at stake,” he said.
“Any chance you can put yourself in a position to compete for trophies, that’s why we play.
“We’ve been playing good hockey lately and we’ve just got to keep following that up.
“It’s about staying together, working hard, staying within our system and our concepts.
“When we’re doing that, moving our feet and our compete level is there, I think we can play with anybody in this league.”
Manchester did threaten to make the closing stages uncomfortable, reducing the deficit to 4-2 before having another goal overturned following a Sheffield challenge for offside.
Mikko Juusola eventually made it 5-2 to seal the victory and confirm Sheffield’s semi-final place.
For Tait, managing those swings in momentum remains an important part of Sheffield’s development.
“We’ve been starting really well, but the key is playing full 60-minute games,” he said.
“You’re going to have lapses and it’s about staying together through those moments.
“It also helps when you have Matt Greenfield back there. He’s so calming and we know that if things do break down, we have him.
“Staying together, staying composed, getting those early leads and then sticking with it is a huge process for us.”
The reaction inside the Utilita Arena to Tait’s second goal was particularly memorable.
“Any time you score a goal in this arena with these fans, it’s a great feeling,” he said.
“I think that’s probably one of my favourites, besides the Nottingham one.”
With the Steelers now safely into the semi-finals, Tait says the focus is on continuing to build rather than looking too far ahead.
“It’s two legs and then the opportunity to compete in a final,” he said.
“The key is that we keep building through these big games and keep playing consistent hockey.
“When we stay together and play that way, I think we can compete with and beat anybody in this league.”
