Match Preview: Storm vs Sheffield Steelers

TICKETS: The Go Goodwin’s Manchester Storm are back in action on New Years Day with “The BIG One” as we face arch-rivals the Sheffield Steelers. Face off is at 5.30pm and tickets can be ordered online, by calling the box office on 0161 926 8782, or in person at the box office!

Your Go Goodwins sponsored Manchester Storm are back in action New Year’s Day, as the Sheffield Steelers visit the Storm Shelter for a 5:30 pm face off.

The teams faced off against each other yesterday afternoon in Sheffield, with the Steelers taking the victory 2-1. A lone Dziurzynksi goal was not enough to overcome the Steelers, as Levi Nelson scored a late powerplay goal to secure both points for Sheffield. In net, Mike Clemente made 29 saves in another impressive performance. This now makes it 3 wins for Steelers against the Storm this season in competitive matches. The Storm will be out for instant revenge on Sunday evening, as we get the opportunity to make up for yesterdays result.

While both teams have solid defensive cores, both D units also provide excellent offence. For the Steelers, British defenceman Ben O’Connor has been one of the Steelers’ top point scorers this season, notching 5 goals and 13 assists in 24 games. Fellow defencemen Christoffer Bjorklund and Mike Ratchuk have also been helping out, and are in the Steelers’ top 10 point scoring charts. Storm have had scoring from their defencemen throughout the season, with Captain Trevor Johnson leading the way with 4 goals and 13 assists from 26 games. Connor Varley is not far behind, with 14 points from 25 games, 2 points ahead of the Paul Phillips. Even coach Omar Pacha has been getting in on the act recently, with 5 points in his last 6 games.

Both teams have put in some impressive special teams performances. The Storm currently sit in third in the Penalty Killing rankings with a 86.99% kill percentage. On the other hand, the Steelers are second in the powerplay rankings, converting on 19.79% of their opportunities. Manchester are sixth in the powerplay standings, with a 16.36% powerplay percentage, and Sheffield are ninth on the penalty skill with 80.00%.

Manchester Storm will be without Eric Neilson, while a late game day decision be made on Paul Phillips.

This one looks like it’s going to be a HUGE crowd, and should be another great game between the two teams, so make sure you purchase your ticket NOW!

ONE TO WATCH: Levi Nelson got the game-winning goal yesterday, scoring his 8th goal of the season for the Steelers. The Calgary-native has been dangerous in front of net for the past season and a half in Sheffield.

MATCH DETAILS:

  • Doors open from 4:30pm
  • Face-Off at 5:30pm
  • Parking and public transport details can be found HERE
  • SOTB this evening is #73 Matt Bissonnette
  • 50/50 & “Chuck A Puck” will also be running! Buy your tickets from sellers around the rink!
  • Tickets for the game can be bought from HERE
  • Webcast for the game can be found & ordered HERE
  • Storm will be in their BLACK home jerseys
  • Jacks Bar will be open post game until 11pm