Monday 13th February 2012
picture courtesy www.sheffieldsteelersihc.co.uk



"It was embarrassing at times, in fact almost farcical. I went past being annoyed at one time and just laughed. We went from having a good first period to the most crazy indisciplined second I can remember for a long time. I then thought we came back well in the third and that one moment of brilliance from Ramsay earned us the points" - so said Sheffield Steelers Head Coach Ryan Finnerty.

With fellow title contenders Nottingham hosting Belfast twice this weekend, Saturdays game for the Steelers was a big chance to close the gap at the top of the table and early indications were that Finnerty's side were ready.

Neil Clark returned to the line up in place of Nick Duff and Clark was to play an important part in the nights proceedings.

Steelers led 1-0 early on when Chad Huttel wrap around found its way past Peter Hirsch in the 2nd minute. Steelers were dominating and had an early 5 on 3 power play. Hirsch though stood tall, gave his side breathing room and allowed the Blaze the chance to equalise in the 13th minute when the impressive Guthrie levelled.



An early penalty in the middle period against Colt King gave the Blaze a power-play opportunity they were to take full advantage of when Guthrie grabbed his second at 26.08. As King left the penalty box he exchanged words with referee Moray Hanson and picked up a further 10 minute misconduct and a game misconduct, putting his already depleted offensive lineup a further player short.

"It was indisciplined" said Finnerty. "We all spoke before the game and said don't anyone even talk to the referee, he loves giving the misconducts out. Then that happens. As a Coach, you feel like pulling your hair out."

The Steelers were finding it difficult to get back into the game and needed a break. They got one when young James Griffin was called for holding, the Steelers power-play had looked ineffective, but this was to be Neil Clark's moment. With just over 2 minutes remaining in the period, Fulghum assisted on Clark's snipe from close range to level the game going into the final period.

"You have to give it to Neil, it's hard coming back into a team after a long lay off. When you come back after injury, you feel you have time to 'bed in', but for him, he had to perform right off the bounce - and he did. He was great tonight and he took his goal so well, what an important goal that was."

The third period could have gone either way with chances at both ends keeping the fans on the edge of their seat. The Steelers chance came with less than 8 minutes to go, Blaze D man Russ Cowley fell and it created a 3 on 1 breakaway, Squires and Legue found the trailer Ramsay who hammered a bullet past the helpless Hirsch to claim all the points for Finnerty's Steelers.

"Of course your happy you took the points" said Finnerty, "but if we have the same breakdowns in Coventry on Sunday that we had tonight, we will be beat, and we can't allow that to happen."

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