GAME THREAD: Challenge Cup Final - Sheffield Steelers v Guildford Flames Wednesday, 13th March 7:30pm

[Jayboy]

What a night., [IMG]//uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202403 ... 63425d.jpg[/IMG][IMG]//uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202403 ... b51e6a.jpg[/IMG]

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[wakefieldsteelersfan]

Tansey was outstanding tonight, from the first to last puck drop he dominated physically. Be interested to see his time on ice, seemed like every shift he was out ......proper warriors performance.

[Johnny777]

If the refs could referee in the same manner every game then the league would be a lot more enjoyable, flowing and physical again….

[Doom]

I was also surprised it was home announcer with home music, but I guess the question from me is what has happened the last couple of times in Belfast? - If they had all the home advantages then I don't see an issue with us doing the same.

I think we all consider the number of games played to eliminate only 2 teams a bit daft, but maybe the one benefit is to finish as high as possible to guarantee a home tie with home advantages.

As for the game, we got our noses in front and then showed a masterclass in shutting a game down, all backed up by a very solid Greenfield.

Although Guildford out shot us 2 to 1, if you look at tracking the high and mid danger chances were level, it was low danger chances where Guildford heavily out shot us because we kept them to the outside.

Regards

Doom

[paul johnston]

Was a cracking first period and should really have been a couple more goals to the good as we missed some cracking opportunities.
Second period was more even.
The third I thought we were too passive and allowed the Flames to generate offence and chances at will. However the D and Greener stood firm in the end. Well deserved MOM for Diffley who was outstanding and Tansey was in full beast mode.
I couldn't really tell was a cup final until the end. So odd that it just seemed like any other home game and the cup was awarded to the Steelers by ......our owner!!
Congrats to the guys and one thing I will say is there really are no easy trophies in the EIHL. You have to work your ass off for success.

[Clowne57]

It could be that it was Tony Smith presenting as I think he’s still the chairman of the Elite League. But as a previous poster said we don’t know what happened when the final was held in Belfast.

[steeler pete]

I don’t think they were passive in the 3rd, they only had 2 days off from a hard fought weekend. I think they were gassed and the coaches were changing the lines frequently to keep them able to keep Guildford to the outside.

FairPlay to Flames they made a real good game of it.

What an atmosphere! Wasn’t in my usual seat, had to go in 208 where the school groups usually sit but 4/5 ths of the building was full of fans and they got behind the team throughout, brilliant!

[smbmetal]

I don’t think they were passive in the 3rd, they only had 2 days off from a hard fought weekend. I think they were gassed and the coaches were changing the lines frequently to keep them able to keep Guildford to the outside.

FairPlay to Flames they made a real good game of it.

What an atmosphere! Wasn’t in my usual seat, had to go in 208 where the school groups usually sit but 4/5 ths of the building was full of fans and they got behind the team throughout, brilliant!

No I didn't think they were passive in 3rd period either, I thought we played a very clever 3rd period, invited some pressure but we never looked liked conceding with superb defensive play. I never once felt Guildford were going to get back in the game with a goal.

This game had something for every hockey fan I thought. Great goal tending, physical play, speed, skill and if you like defensive hockey, in the 3rd period that was a masterclass by us.

I also agree the atmosphere is probably the best I've heard since the arena was re-furbished. I think we could have easily sold out some extra seating as well.

Well done to Guildford for making it a great game. Great effort by their fans on a Wednesday night coming to a regular Steeler's home game complete with a Trophy

[Doom]

I know I had a few beers before the game, but is it my imagination or did we actually win the Challenge Cup last night?

I've just had a look on my BBC Sports App and the latest ice hockey news is the Scottish goals from the weekend.

How can this sport hope to develop when the BBC appear to be unaware of 9,000+ supporters crammed into an arena to watch a major final?

Regards

Doom

[Jayboy]

The BBC dont like Sport anymore and they have more or less admitted they can't stand hockey.. ..

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