The Genting Casino Coventry Blaze made their home opener of the 2025/26 season one to remember, edging the Manchester Storm 5-4 in overtime in Challenge Cup action at the Skydome Arena.
Coventry were without forward Artie Buzoverya and defensive duo Connor Russell and Ivan Chukarov, but two-way Brit Billy Thorpe stepped up on the blue-line. First-year netminder Dershahn Stewart got the start for Blaze, opposite Drew DeRidder in the Storm goal.
The home side made a far sharper start than the previous night, striking first at 3.57 when Elijiah Barriga picked out Matthew Gleason in front. The American forward buried his first professional goal to give Blaze the early edge.
Storm hit back before the end of the period, former Blaze forward J.D. Dudek converting a Loren Ulett feed at the far post to level it at 1-1.
After killing off a 2+2 penalty and a prolonged 5-on-3 disadvantage, Manchester grabbed the lead at 35.31 when Kaleb Ergang converted a wrap-around pass from Brandon Cutler.
Coventry responded just 29 seconds into the third period, Gleason pouncing on a rebound from Archie Hazeldine’s shot to notch his second of the night. Moments later, Blaze got ahead again when Colton Saucerman continued his fine offensive form, blasting home at 43.14 with Barriga registering his third assist of the night.
Blaze were pegged back again at 45.26 when Loren Ulett picked up on a rebound to score on the backhand with Cutler collecting his second assist of the game.
Coventry went ahead with nine minutes remaining with Sam Ruffin feeding Alessio Luciani, the pair combining for their second short-handed goal in as many games for 4-3.
Manchester forced overtime with 4.24 left in regulation, Brady Gilmour finishing from close range after Kyle Locke’s point shot caused havoc in front.
Both teams had already secured a point, but the Skydome crowd were treated to a dramatic finish in overtime. At 63.18, All-Star forward Luciani sealed the win for Coventry with his second of the night, set up by Man of the Match Gleason.
Photo credit: Scott Wiggins
