Game Summary
The Sheffield Steelers delivered a commanding performance in their midweek clash, dismantling the Guildford Flames 9-0 at the Utilita Arena. Dominant from start to finish, the Steelers showcased relentless pressure, precise finishing, and airtight defence.
Brandon Whistle led the charge with a hat-trick, including a short-handed goal and a final-minute snipe that brought the crowd to its feet. Ivan Bjorkly-Nordstrom also notched his first professional goal, while the dynamic trio of Patrick Watling, Mikko Juusola, and Mitchell Balmas continued to dazzle with multiple contributions.
Netminders Matthew Greenfield and Curtis Warburton combined for a perfect night, stopping all 28 shots they faced. The win cements the Steelers’ momentum heading into Saturday’s Teddy Toss game against the Glasgow Clan, a fan-favourite event supporting local charities.
Don’t forget your teddy bears—Saturday promises to be another night to remember!
First Period [3-0] – Steelers Dominate Opening Period Firing Three Past Kupsky
The Sheffield Steelers made a statement in their midweek Elite League clash, racing to a 3-0 first-period lead over the Guildford Flames at the Utilita Arena. Riding high from a four-point weekend, the Steelers came out firing on all cylinders, showcasing relentless offensive pressure that Guildford’s netminder, Jake Kupsky, struggled to contain.
It took just 49 seconds for Sheffield to light the lamp. Joona Huttula, fresh off his first goal in orange over the weekend, struck again, finishing a crisp feed from Patrick Watling with a lifted shot over Kupsky’s shoulder. Daniel Ciampini picked up the secondary assist on the opener.
By the 4:20 mark, the Steelers doubled their lead. Ciampini was at it again, setting up a dazzling sequence with Daniel Leavens to find Brandon Whistle at the back post. Whistle slipped the puck through a gap left by Kupsky, who had anticipated Leavens circling behind the net.
The Steelers’ offensive dominance resembled an extended power play, hemming the Flames in their zone for long stretches. Even when Sheffield found themselves down a man following a minor penalty on Mikko Juusola, they didn’t let up. Brandon Whistle scored his second of the period short-handed, stealing the puck at his own blue line before streaking down the ice and slipping a shot under Kupsky’s catcher.
Marco Vallerand nearly added a fourth late in the frame, but a perfect pass from Ciampini just skipped over his stick as a wide-open net beckoned.
The Steelers left the ice with a commanding 3-0 lead after a near-perfect period, setting the tone for what promises to be a pivotal night in their bid to climb the standings.
Second Period [4-0] – Steelers Extend Lead with Relentless Second Period Against Flames
The Steelers continued their dominant display in the second period of their clash with the Guildford Flames, extending their lead to 4-0 in a game that highlighted their relentless forechecking and depth across all lines.
It didn’t take long for the Steelers to light the lamp again, with just 1:29 gone in the frame. The dynamic trio of Patrick Watling, Mikko Juusola, and Mitchell Balmas struck once more, showcasing their chemistry. Juusola delivered a precise backhand pass across the crease to Balmas, who drove hard to the back post and slotted the puck past Jake Kupsky.
The Flames’ chance to get back into the game came nine seconds later when Brien Diffley was sent to the box for hooking. However, Sheffield’s penalty-killing unit was impenetrable, preventing Guildford from setting up any sustained offensive pressure.
At the other end, Kupsky continued to have his hands full, including a key save on Mark Simpson, who broke through the Flames’ defence for a prime scoring chance. Despite Kupsky’s efforts, Guildford failed to generate much in the way of offense and found themselves on the penalty kill once at the end of the period, with 33 seconds left when the third period got underway after Daniel Tedesco was called for tripping at the Steelers’ blue line.
The Steelers entered the third period firmly in control, with their relentless pressure leaving the Flames searching for answers.
Third Period [9-0] – Steelers Continue To Dominate Flames in Explosive Offensive Display
The Steelers delivered a jaw-dropping final frame, quickly converting on a carryover power play just 26 seconds in. Stand-in captain Kevin Tansey slammed home a close-range effort, with Mitchell Balmas and Sacha Guimond setting up the play to make it 5-0.
The Flames’ struggles were epitomized when former Steeler Sam Jones, now with Guildford, was penalised for delaying the game after firing the puck out of play in his own zone. The Steelers capitalised at 45:59 as Guimond unleashed a blistering slapshot from the blue line, beating a screened Jake Kupsky. Patrick Watling earned his third assist of the game on the play.
The Steelers refused to take their foot off the gas, adding a seventh goal just 43 seconds later. Cole Shudra found the net with a slick finish under Kupsky’s glove, assisted by Finlay Ulrick’s precise pass.
With the game well in hand, Matthew Greenfield was replaced by Curtis Warburton midway through the third period. Both goaltenders were perfect on the night, collectively stopping all 28 shots faced.
The Brit-pack took centre stage, with Bjorkly-Nordstrom scoring his first professional goal at 55:03. Maxim Golod’s relentless forecheck behind the Flames’ net created the opportunity, and Bjorkly-Nordstrom wasted no time firing a one-timer from the slot.
As the final minute ticked down, Whistle completed his hat-trick in style, skating down the right wing and roofing the puck over Kupsky’s shoulder at 59:37. Kupsky endured a rough outing, finishing with a 71.88% save percentage on 32 shots.
Brandon Whistle was a clear choice for Man of the Match honours, celebrating his hat-trick alongside teammate Mitchell Balmas at centre ice, with Dominic Cormier delivering celebratory beers.
The Steelers return to action on Saturday night against the Glasgow Clan in a much-anticipated Teddy Toss game. Fans are reminded to bring their stuffed animals to toss onto the ice after the Steelers’ first goal, supporting local charities in a cherished hockey tradition.
