Balmas with 2 and single goals from Neumann and Allen
Line up changes for the Steelers ahead of the game in Manchester
Anthony Morrone started in goal as Matt Greenfield was rested, whilst Zach Vinnell came in for Josh Nicholls.
Always a tough place to come and play and it was again on New Years Day but a great performance from Anthony Morrone and goals from Mitchell Balmas (2), Scott Allen and Brett Neumann saw the Steelers take both points and open up an 8 point lead at the top of the table.
First Period.
Morrone had the first save of the night inside 20 seconds as the Storm started well
Steelers soon found their feet and found the back of the net after 4.19
Mark Simpson did great work close to the net and Scott Allen finished off to open the scoring
Simpson almost doubled the advantage shortly afterwards as Flodell was called on again to make the save.
Steelers power-play at 5.36 when Chase Harrison was called for high sticks, the Storm killed the Steelers one man advantage.
It was a back and forth session with both teams having chances & both goalies called into action
More power-play time for the Steelers when Joe Morrow was called for delaying the game
Once again the power-play came and went for Aaron Fox’s side
Morrone was called one as Manchester pushed back, one particular and outstanding glove save #Tony
Second Period.
Zach Phillips had a huge chance to equalise but missed the empty net with Morrone not able to get across.
Steelers then doubled their lead at 22.50 when Mitchell Balmas fired home assisted Messrs Dowd and Vallerand
25.15 and Manchester are on the board, a nice finish from Tyler Hinman that flew past Morrone in goal.
Manchester then had good pressure but Steelers stood tall and weather the storm (so to say)
Power-play time for the Steelers …
27.34 Michael Korol for hooking and then 30.22 Korol again, this time for delay of game
Steelers created chances but Manchester stood firm and Flodell made the saves
Watling had a chance as the period came to an end as did both Nikki and Balmas
Third period
Early penalties against Hinam and Ciampini for slashing
Vallerand was creating, this time for Balmas who fired into the glove of Flodell, he couldn’t hold on and the Storm cleared.
Balmas did score his 2nd and the Steelers 3rd at 47.18 when he drove the net and connected on a Vallerand pass, with Dowdy again also assisting.
Moments later net minder Flodell left the game injured and was replaced by Alex Oldale
Simpson drove the net and went close but Oldale covered up, moments later he made a pad save from Balmas
55.32 and Steelers wrapped the game up when Brett Neumann snapped one past Oldale (Balmas and Watling) for 4-1
Tony made a couple of late saves but by this time the game was over and the Steelers victorious.
Final score: Manchester Storm 1-4 Steelers
