A sold-out Storm Shelter welcomed in the New Year with a richly deserved 3–0 victory over their fiercest rivals, the Sheffield Steelers, as the hosts made it back-to-back wins against them and three in a row at home. 

The second meeting between the sides in less than three days began in an unexpectedly sedate and disciplined manner, with both benches easing themselves into the contest. The game’s first clear scoring chance fell to Welsh in the ninth minute, the defenceman unlucky from a Storm perspective as his effort rang off the iron. An excellent in-close stop by DeRidder on Jasper in the final minute ensured the opening period ended scoreless and without troubling the scorekeeper’s desk.

The second period got under way before being briefly interrupted when a fan was unfortunately struck in the face by a puck that flew out of play at an awkward angle. Quick treatment was administered by the ever-willing Storm volunteers and medical staff, who responded professionally, and on behalf of everyone involved, best wishes are extended to the travelling fan for a speedy recovery. Play resumed as promptly as possible, and the next scoring opportunity belonged to Manchester, with Haden denied by Greenfield on a breakaway in the 27th minute. Just before the halfway mark, the Storm’s sustained attacking pressure was rewarded as Welsh found the net with an excellent one-timer from the sharpest of angles. A rare defensive lapse soon after thrust DeRidder into action, but he stood firm to stonewall Juusola on the very next attack. It was then the visitors’ turn to falter at the back, as a sloppy turnover was punished by a determined home side. A smart read of the play and incisive pass from Ergang allowed the club’s top scorer, Haden, to capitalise in the 34th minute and double the Storm’s advantage.

The final period saw the Steelers handed a powerplay opportunity after a delay-of-game penalty was assessed against Haden. However, an excellent penalty kill from the hosts prevented the visitors from establishing any sustained pressure, and the Storm forward returned to the ice to make an immediate impact. The in-form Haden was most alert to a loose puck in the blue paint, and his determination extended the Storm lead to three, leaving the Yorkshire outfit facing an uphill battle to avoid successive defeats to their now noisy neighbours. Reflecting the flow of the match, Steelers coach Aaron Fox elected to pull his netminder with over four minutes remaining in the hope that an extra attacker could unlock the Storm defence. Despite extended time in the offensive zone with the extra skater, Sheffield were unable to trouble DeRidder, who carried a richly deserved shutout into the New Year.

Words by: Callum Schora