Hexagon Telford Tigers travelled to Yorkshire for their first visit to play the Steeldogs this season. Tigers were sat in second place in the early league standings despite missing numerous players through injury and suspension.
Jesse Sutton would serve the final two games of his suspension this weekend and was joined on the sidelines by Danny Rose, Sam Watkins, Nick Oliver, Jonathan Weaver and Connor Lee. Although there was good news on the signing front with the club announcing the recruitment of Canadian import forward Jaden Peca. Although, the signing of Peca was not completed in time for him to play in Sheffield.
Tigers took the lead just after the tenth minute of the game had started with Louie Newell setting up Lucas Price who scored on the rebound after his initial shot was saved by Dimitri Zimozdra.
Midway through the game Sheffield equalised and then took the lead in just thirty seconds. Their first goal was scored by Jason Hewitt who shot into the top corner of the Tigers’ goal and was closely followed by a goal from Sam Cooper with a fierce shot from the point that beat the screened Brad Day.
Shortly after, Tigers were level whilst on the power play after Sheffield’s Lee Haywood was called for tripping. Vladimir Luka scoring with a trademark powerful shot after being set up by Rhodes Mitchell-King.
Tigers went close to getting a third goal when Jake Price led a 2 on 1 breakaway but saw his rising wrist shot hit the crossbar when he was well positioned to score.
As the game entered the later stages Lucas Price was called for unsporting conduct handing the hosts a crucial power play. The Steeldogs took full advantage of the extra attacker and Matt Bissonnette set up Jonathan Phillips to score the goal that would prove to be the game winner.
Final Score: Sheffield Steeldogs 3 Hexagon Telford Tigers 2.
Scorers: Lucas Price and Vladimir Luka.
Man of the match: Zaine McKenzie.
After the game Head Coach Tom Watkins, commented, “ I think we deserved something from that game but if you don’t take your opportunities when they come along and keep teams on their heels, that’s what happens. Where special teams have given us so much momentum in games this season, tonight it was a struggle for us on the power play. We didn’t move the puck quickly enough and were not direct when we had the opportunity. I will be looking for an improvement in this area in our next game.”
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