The Sheffield Steeldogs delivered a strong home performance against the Peterborough Phantoms, using disciplined special teams and a dominant middle period to take control of the game.
First Period
The opening period ended with controversy as Peterborough were assessed two bench minor penalties for unsportsmanlike conduct at 20:00, handing Sheffield an extended power-play opportunity heading into the second period.
Second Period
Sheffield wasted no time making the advantage count. At 18:39, Walker Sommer opened the scoring with a power-play goal, assisted by CJ Garcia and Kyle Watson.
The pressure continued early in the period. At 20:39, Jonathan Philips doubled the Steeldogs’ lead on the power play, assisted by CJ Garcia and Liam Steele.
Sheffield took full control midway through the period. At 31:40, Liam Steele made it three, assisted by Joonas Larinmaa and Michael Danečko. Just 23 seconds later, at 32:03, Jonathan Kirk added a fourth, with assists from Joonas Larinmaa and Kyle Watson, prompting Peterborough to call a timeout.
Peterborough were penalised again at 34:47 for slashing, and although they later pulled one back at 38:47 through Cameron Hough, Sheffield responded almost immediately. At 39:42, Kyle Watson restored the three-goal cushion, assisted by Walker Sommer and Emil Oksanen, sending the Steeldogs into the second intermission firmly in control.
Third Period
The final period saw Sheffield manage the game well despite a tripping penalty to Bailey Yates at 43:16.
Peterborough’s Janne Laakkonen was penalised for tripping at 50:56, and once again the Steeldogs capitalised. At 51:53, Joonas Larinmaa scored a power-play goal, assisted by Jonathan Philips and Walker Sommer, putting the result beyond doubt.
Sheffield closed out the remaining minutes comfortably to secure a convincing home victory.
