Sheffield Steeldogs produced an emphatic offensive performance to secure an 8–3 victory over Telford Tigers, running in goals across all three periods to claim a convincing home win.
The Steeldogs set the tone early, opening the scoring just 34 seconds into the game when Bair Gendunov finished off a well-worked move, assisted by Walker Sommer and Ben Morgan. Telford responded midway through the period through Scott McKenzie, but Sheffield quickly regained control.
In a dominant second period, the Steeldogs blew the game wide open. Joe Lynch restored the lead on his Steeldogs debut at 10:41 before Gendunov struck twice more in quick succession to complete a first-period hat-trick, his goals coming at 13:09 and 16:07. Sheffield headed into the first intermission firmly in control with a 4–1 advantage.
The pressure continued after the restart. Kyle Watson and Joonas Larinmaa scored 29 seconds apart early in the second period, prompting a Telford goalie change as Brad Day replaced the starting netminder. Larinmaa added his second of the night on the power play at 24:31, with Watson registering another assist.
Telford briefly halted the momentum through Eric Henderson, but Sheffield responded immediately, Watson grabbing his second goal of the night at 28:32 to restore a commanding five-goal cushion.
The Tigers showed resilience in the third period, with Taylor Stanton converting at 38:18, but the outcome was already beyond doubt. Sheffield managed the closing stages professionally, killing penalties late on to see out the contest.
The win was built on a ruthless offensive display, with Gendunov’s hat-trick and multi-point nights for Watson and Larinmaa proving decisive. The Steeldogs’ special teams also played their part, converting on the power play while limiting Telford’s chances with the man advantage.
Final Score:
Sheffield Steeldogs 8-3 Telford Tigers
Man of the Match went to Bair Gendunov after scoring a hattrick just 16 minutes into the game!