Tuesday 1st November 2011
picture courtesy Mark Tredgold
The UNISON Sheffield Steelers moved into 2nd place in the league standings after a 4 point weekend with victories at home against Dundee (8-5) on Saturday and on road in Coventry (2-0) on Sunday.
The Steelers are now 5 points behind first place Belfast but have 3 games in hand over the Giants.
Jason Hewitt scores his game winning goal against Coventry
Goalie John DeCaro recorded his 3rd shut out of the season stopping 38 shots in Coventry whilst at the other end goals from Jason Hewitt and Jeff Legue secured the Steelers best win of the campaign to date.
Head Coach Ryan Finnerty was delighted with not only the result but the performance as well "I guess it was the perfect road game for us. We knew Coventry would come out hard at home, they always do. Whilst they had most of the puck possession in the first period, they didn't create a huge amount.
"We stood up to their attack well and kept most things to the outside. John DeCaro made the big stops when required and we went into the dressing 0-0 at the end of the first. I was more than happy with that.
"That was the best we have played all season. Every player bought in and did their job. I thought we played hard for 60 minutes at the level we showed we had in the second half of the game against Dundee. If we continue to play like this then we will win a lot of games.
"I felt we took over then, we took the game to Coventry and we created. Then when our chances came we took them. It was good for Hewey to get back on the scoring chart and that was a big goal. Legue we never doubted would start scoring again. He has been playing well recently without the goals, the goals will always come with him.
"The third period was more even, we both had chances. We hit the post and the cross bar and perhaps could have won it earlier. I'm not complaining though, this was a great win for us."
Finnerty Happy with New Signing Flath
With 2 goals on his debut new signing R G Flath made the right impression on player coach Ryan Finnerty.
"The goals were a nice bonus, I was just impressed how well and how quickly RG fitted in and how easy he was to play alongside" said Finnerty. "It is never easy coming into a team mid way through the year, I remember it was tough for me when I joined the Steelers half way through a season, so I'm with him on this one.
"He knows the game, he is smart, plays good position and is always available for a pass. He has good strong work ethic and as we saw on Saturday, can score as well.
"It was a different game on Sunday, more of a battle and a war in Coventry. He stood up to the test well and came through with flying colours. I like him, he will be good for us."
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