Storm shock Steelers in Sheffield
Photo: Hayley Roberts
Manchester Storm ended 2025 with a win on the ice of their biggest rivals, beating Sheffield Steelers 5-3 at the Utilita Arena after a four-goal middle period.
“It’s a huge effort from our guys!” began Storm’s Stephen Johnson. “Coming into a building like this, it’s always a tough game against a good team in a packed and loud barn. It felt good for us to keep them quiet and get a big two points.”
A scoreless first period was dominated by Sheffield in terms of chances, despite a five-minute major powerplay for the Storm. It was physical right from the start in a hotly-contested Roses clash.
Storm opened the scoring around the midway point of the game. Dennis Busby finished perfectly into the top corner of Eamon McAdam’s net off the rush. Soon after, the home side equalised. A hard pass from Reece Kelly at the Sheffield blue line was collected by Mitchell Heard, who settled the puck and fired high past Evan Weninger. A minute later, Storm were back ahead when Busby’s shot from the point was tipped home by Tyler Hinam.
“I thought we came out pretty well, for the first 20 at least, but when it came to the second I think we let our foot off the gas a little,” admitted Patrick Watling, who played his first game since re-joining the Steelers. “It does not matter who you are playing in this league, they will capitalise if you do that.”
Storm’s third came with 2:54 left in the period. Kyle Locke’s shot was stopped by McAdam, but the rebound fell to Johnson who finished into an open net. Only a minute later Brandon Cutler found a gap and poked home to give Storm a 4-1 lead.
“We have had some injuries, but everyone is really buying into what the coaches are telling us,” added Johnson. “They are setting us up for success with the way they prepare us. My line-mates did a good job of setting up the play and we are getting into good areas.”
Robert Dowd’s mis-hit effort looped up and over Weninger to get Sheffield back within two 6:21 into the third. Storm then hurt themselves with a series of penalties. Joona Huttula pulled it back to 3-4 with 8:37 left to play with a shot from the point. Sheffield should have tied the game inside the final minute with McAdam pulled and six skaters on the ice, but Stephen Harper shot wide of an empty net. Storm turned the puck over shortly after, allowing Kaleb Ergang to seal the game into the empty net with 82 seconds remaining.
“We had a better start today, but we have had mental lapses in recent games,” continued Watling. “We are in control of fixing that. We have to go do video and remind ourselves of the right things to do in the right situations.
“Any time you get recognition from this city and these fans, it is something I will remember for the rest of my life. I am really happy to be back here.”
