The Sheffield Steeldogs secured an important home win over the Romford Raiders in a game that featured momentum swings, strong special teams play and a standout performance in goal.
The Steeldogs made a bright start in the opening period. At 9:30, Walker Sommer opened the scoring, assisted by Bair Gendunov and CJ Garcia. Sheffield doubled their advantage at 19:21 when Gendunov found the net, set up by Kyle Watson, sending the hosts into the first intermission in control.
Early in the second period, Romford were penalised twice, first through Jarrett Baker for slashing at 28:54 and then Jack Cooper for tripping at 30:16. The Steeldogs capitalised at 30:33 as Kyle Watson converted on the power play, assisted by Sommer and Garcia, extending the lead.
However, discipline began to play a role. Walker Sommer was called for hooking at 31:11, followed by two penalties against CJ Garcia for holding at 34:03 and high sticking at 36:50, giving the Raiders opportunities to build pressure.
Romford began to push back in the third period. After Andrew Coxhead was penalised for boarding at 40:22, the Raiders struck at 42:31 through Tjay Anderson, assisted by Elliott Dewey. Romford closed the gap further at 54:25 when Coxhead scored, again assisted by Dewey.
The closing stages saw rising tension, with Romford taking a timeout at 56:06. Sheffield were penalised late on, with Bair Gendunov called for slashing at 57:18 and CJ Garcia for holding at 58:43, but the Steeldogs held firm to secure the home victory.
During the last five minutes and throughout the whole game, Brady Parker produced a series of incredible saves to preserve Sheffield’s advantage, repeatedly denying Romford from close range and keeping the Steeldogs in front at crucial moments.
Man of the Match: Brady Parker