Round two between the Sheffield Steeldogs and Leeds Knights took place in Leeds, and it was a nail-biter from start to finish. The opening period was evenly matched, with both teams showing maximum effort but neither able to break the deadlock. Tempers flared late in the first, resulting in roughing penalties for Bair Gendunov and CJ Garcia of the Steeldogs, and Matt Staudacher and Bailey Perre of the Knights – all receiving two minutes each.
The intensity carried into the second period as the pace remained high. At 27:08, Gendunov was handed a five-minute boarding penalty, giving Leeds a golden opportunity. Just 31 seconds later, the Knights struck first on the power play: Matt Bissonnette found the net, assisted by Kieran Brown and Fin Bradon. A few minutes later, Leeds doubled their lead when Arturs Mickevics buried a shot set up by Bissonnette and Staudacher. The period closed with more roughing calls on both sides, and the Knights headed into the second intermission leading 2-0.
The Steeldogs regrouped during the break and came out determined. A tripping penalty on Leeds gave Sheffield a power play, and Kyle Watson made it count, putting the puck past Gospel with help from Garcia and Liam Steele. The Steeldogs pressed harder. Their persistence paid off when Steele blasted one from the point, sneaking it past Gospel to tie the game 2-2.
Regulation ended with the score still level, sending the contest into overtime. Sheffield opened the extra frame on a power play but couldn’t convert. Leeds capitalized on the missed chance moments later, breaking forward on a quick counterattack that saw Mac Howlett fire home the game-winner.
Final Score: Leeds Knights 3–2 Sheffield Steeldogs (OT)
We are back at home next weekend when we take on our biggest rivals Hull Seahawks. It is going to be a game you will not want to miss! Buy your tickets HERE. We hope to see you there on Saturday 20th!
