Sheffield Steelers too strong for Manchester Storm in home win
Sheffield Steelers 4 Manchester Storm 1
Sheffield Steelers claimed their first victory of the new season with a convincing 4-1 friendly win over Manchester Storm at the Utilita Arena.
Goals from Leevi Teissala, Sean Collins, Logan Roe and Tim Gettinger secured the win for Aaron Fox’s side, with Brandon Cutler replying for the visitors.
The Steelers made the perfect start when Teissala pounced on a defensive mistake, rounded Storm goaltender Evan Weninger and finished calmly to give Sheffield a 1-0 first-period lead.
Matt Greenfield was called upon at the other end and produced several important saves, while Manchester also struck the crossbar as they searched for an equaliser.
Sheffield then took control in the second period.
Collins doubled the lead with a close-range finish before Roe opened his Steelers account with an excellent wrist shot into the top corner to make it 3-0.
Storm responded through Cutler, who fired high past Greenfield, but Sheffield’s penalty kill stood firm when Evan Jasper was sent to the box shortly afterwards.
The Steelers restored their three-goal advantage early in the third period.
Mitchell Balmas broke down the wing before setting up Gettinger, who finished from close range for his first goal in Orange.
From there, Sheffield comfortably managed the closing stages to complete a deserved victory.
Teissala was named Steelers Man of the Match, while Cutler took the award for Manchester.
Sheffield Steelers 4, Manchester Storm 1.