Cup fever returned to Sheffield on Wednesday night, as the Steelers won the Challenge Cup for the first time since 2020, beating the Guildford Flames 3-1.
There was a real buzz around the Sheffield Arena, with thousands of fans already there as the team made their way onto the ice for the pre-match warmup, giving them a raucous reception.
As the puck dropped to start the game, this was only amplified, as over 9,000 fans roared in the sold-out arena.
The Steelers answered with an unbelievable start; captain fantastic Robert Dowd swerved his way down the right side and played an inch-perfect pass to Brien Diffley, who arrived at the back door and dispatched a shot beautifully.
As the puck hit the net, the Steelers’ number 65 wheeled away in unreserved celebration – what a feeling it must be to score in a home cup final!
However, out of nowhere, Bradley Lalonde struck an equaliser for the Flames, firing the puck past Matt Greenfield after making his way through the neutral zone.
His shot, going top shelf, would have done little to calm the nerves of those inside the arena, while Guildford had their own moment of celebration.
The next target for the away side would have been going into the first break level, but with just over two minutes of the first period to go, Brett Ferguson was called for slashing, leaving his side a man down.
Sheffield had a few opportunities on the power play, but they left it until the very last second of having a man advantage, when Patrick Watling arrived to slip a one-timer through Taz Burman and into the net.
Psychologically, heading back to the dressing room a goal up would have been huge.
The effects of that high were felt early in the second period, as a period of Steelers pressure resulted in Diffley’s effort being redirected by Mitchell Balmas from just in front of the crease into the net to make it 3-1!
The play had come from a face-off in Flames territory, and Diffley, who ended up winning Player of the Match, made his mark again. Balmas managed to direct the puck just over the deflated netminder’s blocker, and it was a two-goal advantage.
The second period, after that, saw plenty of pressure from Guildford, who had two power plays, but Matt Greenfield held strong in the net.
The third period was also all about Greenfield, whose incredible exploits have been a huge part of the Steelers’ excellent season.
The Flames had more than double the number of shots that the Steelers did throughout the game, but Greenfield’s save ratio is the best of any netminder in the Elite League this season, and he saved Sheffield’s cup hopes time and time again in the final period.
In a game of emotion, he stayed calm, and got the job done.
The buzzer went, and finally, he and his teammates could get it all out. They were the Cup champions!
Champagne moments 🍾✨ #SteelersHockey pic.twitter.com/dUEWvNDuQ6
— X-Sheffield Steelers (@steelershockey) March 14, 2024
The Sheffield Arena erupted, and a sea of orange cheered as Dowd got to lift the coveted trophy, covered in champagne from his team.
The celebrations went on long into the night, as 3,500 fans stayed in the car park outside the Arena as the trophy was held aloft from the balcony.
The Sheffield Steelers are 11 points clear at the top of the table and will likely go on to make it a double, while the playoffs will be the next goal in what could be a historic, treble-winning season.
First, they will look to beat old rivals Nottingham Panthers on Saturday 16 March at 7pm at the Sheffield Arena.
Final score: Sheffield Steelers 3-1 Guildford Flames
GOALS:
Steelers: #65 Brien Diffley from #75 Robert Dowd and #63 Mikko Juusola at 02:00
#14 Patrick Watling from #58 Dominic Cormier and #92 Mitchell Balmas at 19:41 (PP)
#92 Mitchell Balmas from #65 Brien Diffley and #23 Colton Saucerman at 24:35
Flames: #5 Bradley Lalonde from #98 Samuel Talbot at 13:48
Featured Image Credit: @steelershockey via X