The Sheffield Steelers produced a late comeback to defeat the Genting Casino Coventry Blaze 4-2 at the Sheffield Arena on Sunday.
Coventry travelled to Sheffield with Mat Robson returning in goal, while the Steelers started Eamon McAdam at the opposite end.
The opening period was evenly contested, although the Blaze created the better opportunities, helped by back-to-back powerplays midway through the frame. Coventry’s pressure paid off with just one second remaining in the period. At 19.59, Jordan Power released the in-form Grant Mismash on a 2-on-0 break, and he finished clinically with Grayson Constable in support to give the visitors a 0-1 lead.
The physical intensity increased in the second period, with a flashpoint at 28.04. Jack Dougherty left the ice with blood on his face following a hit from Mismash that sent him into the side boards. Sam Tremblay responded and was assessed a roughing penalty, much to the anger of the Steelers bench.
The home side’s frustration deepened moments later when the Blaze capitalised on the resulting powerplay. At 28.33, Matthew Gleason scored his 16th of the season, finishing a play assisted by Elijiah Barriga and Adam Robbins to make it 0-2.
Sheffield responded strongly and were back within one at 31.28. Mikko Juusola found Mitchell Balmas in tight, and the star forward netted his league-leading 25th goal to cut the deficit to 2-1.
The Steelers began to assert themselves in the third period, outshooting the Blaze and steadily building pressure. Their persistence paid off in the final ten minutes. At 51.25, Brett Ritchie was picked out in space by inspired Juusola, and the former NHL forward finished his 8th goal in ten games since being recruited to level the game at 2-2.
Just 1.09 later, at 52.34, Sheffield completed the turnaround. Dougherty produced a neat move before firing home for 3-2, with Ryan Tait and Evan Jasper collecting the assists.
Coventry pulled Robson for the extra skater with 1.30 remaining in search of an equaliser, but it was the Steelers who struck again. Dominic Cormier sealed the 4-2 victory with an empty-net goal at 59.19.
The result marked the Blaze’s first regulation defeat of 2026, leaving them four points behind the fifth-placed Manchester Storm. Sheffield, meanwhile, sit five points behind league leaders the Belfast Giants.
Photo credit: Hayley Roberts
