On an emotional night at iceSheffield, the Steeldogs never lead but took the win in overtime.
The game got off to an understandably scrappy start following an emotional and beautifully observed tribute to Adam Johnson. The visitors settled into the game first with a goal on 3:34 from Aaron Connolly and continued to have the better of the play during the opening 20 minutes despite the Steeldogs outshooting the Raiders 17 to 9. Jonathan Phillips fired home a loose puck on 18:45 but Adam Laishram capitalised on some over commitment from the Dogs 10 seconds before the end of the first period. 1-2
The second period began with both teams looking a little more settled. Connolly struck again for the Raiders on 29:33. The Steeldogs were rewarded for their good play towards the end of the second period. Matt Bissonnette scored a goal to bring the Dogs back within one, rifling the puck into the top corner. They closed out the period looking like a team that had found their groove. 2-3
The final period had everything to be played for. Sam Cooper scored with a shot through traffic beating James between the pipes. During the next powerplay for the Raiders, they retook the lead with a goal credited to Laishram.
On the 47th minute the crowd inside iceSheffield rose to their feet and applauded #47.
The game was far from over yet; Jason Hewitt scored tipping in a Tim Smith shot. The Raiders took the lead again on 54:33 as Zack Milton scored a well-deserved goal – but the Dogs didn’t give up. They equalised through Jonathan Kirk on 57:06 as his shot on goal was deflected in off a skate and this goal took the game to overtime. 5-5
The trio of Bissonnette, Hewitt and Kirk were on the ice in overtime to bring the game home, with #73 scoring his second goal of the game securing the 2 points for the Steeldogs after an entertaining encounter.
Steeldogs 6 – 5 Raiders
Man of the match awards were presented to Connolly and Hewitt.
The Steeldogs are back in home ice action next Saturday, as the Hull Seahawks are the visitors.
Saturday 11th November, face off 7:30pm.
Tickets available here