The Guildford Flames left it late to secure an all-important win over the Sheffield Steelers on Saturday [14 January] to retake sole possession of top spot in the Elite League.
Guildford forward Daniel Tedesco scored the game-winner with less than a minute left to play, capitalising on a breakaway opportunity after the Steelers committed four players deep in the offensive zone.
Result | #EIHL @steelershockey 2-4 @flamesicehockey pic.twitter.com/KBG1cMOrDT
— Viaplay Elite League | #EIHL (@officialEIHL) January 14, 2023
Speaking shortly after the final buzzer sounded, Flames head coach Paul Dixon said: “I thought we started really fast in the first period and that we got a lot of pucks to the net. I was really happy with how we started but we knew there was going to be a pushback from the Steelers in the second period. Again, [Eamon] McAdam stood tall for us.”
Steelers head coach Aaron Fox added: “That’s the most disappointing way to lose a hockey game. They’re a really fast team and you’ve got to catch up to them and I don’t think we did to start. Once we settled into our game, we tilted the ice in the right direction.”
On Sunday [15 January], the Flames beat the Manchester Storm 6-4 to consolidate their grip on top spot in the Elite League.
Elsewhere in the Elite League, the Coventry Blaze continued their impressive form with resilient performances versus the Glasgow Clan, Dundee Stars, and Fife Flyers.
While Danny Stewart’s squad were far from their best in Glasgow, they came away with all the points thanks to a brace from star forward Johnny Curran.
The Canadian netted a goal of the weekend contender in period two, dancing through the neutral zone before beating John Muse with a tidy finish.
🗣️ "What a goal by Johnny Curran!"
Brilliant by the @covblazehockey man to help his side extend their lead to two goals ✌️ pic.twitter.com/8dqtHBs1A0
— Viaplay Sports UK (@ViaplaySportsUK) January 12, 2023
“He’s improved every season for us,” Stewart said when asked about the form of Curran. “He had a great year last year and he’s followed it up this year too. He’s more familiar with the league and has a little bit more confidence – we’re definitely seeing the benefits of that.”
When asked about the Blaze’s overall performance at Braehead Arena, he added: “It’s certainly a tough place to come… I’m happy with the result, I’m happy with the two points – but I could probably leave the rest of it, to be honest with you. We just found a way [to win].”
In the National League, the Peterborough Phantoms placed a dent in the title hopes of the Leeds Knights by earning back-to-back wins over the former league leaders.
Guildford Flames retake top spot in the Elite League
Thursday, 12 January 2023
- Glasgow Clan 3-5 Coventry Blaze
Friday, 13 January 2023
- Belfast Giants 5-2 Nottingham Panthers
- Manchester Storm 3-6 Sheffield Steelers
- Dundee Stars 4-3 Coventry Blaze (SO)
Saturday, 14 January 2023
Top Spot: Paul Dixon, Guildford Flames (Image: Scott Wiggins)
- Belfast Giants 3-4 Nottingham Panthers (SO)
- Sheffield Steelers 2-4 Guildford Flames
- Fife Flyers 4-5 Glasgow Clan (SO)
Sunday, 15 January 2023
- Glasgow Clan 5-2 Dundee Stars
- Coventry Blaze 1-0 Fife Flyers (SO)
- Guildford Flame 6-4 Manchester Storm
National League, Week 17
Friday, 13 January 2023
- Bees IHC 5-3 Swindon Wildcats
Saturday, 14 January 2023
- Basingstoke Bison 3-2 Telford Tigers
- Bristol Pitbulls 7-6 Raiders IHC
- Leeds Knights 4-5 Peterborough Phantoms
- Milton Keynes Lightning 8-4 Bees IHC
- Swindon Wildcats 7-6 Sheffield Steeldogs (SO)
Sunday, 15 January 2023
- Hull Seahawks 3-6 Basingstoke Bison
- Peterborough Phantoms 3-2 Leeds Knights
- Raiders IHC 6-4 Bristol Pitbulls
- Sheffield Steeldogs 2-7 Swindon Wildcats
- Telford Tigers 2-4 Milton Keynes Lightning
Will the Guildford Flames hold onto top spot in the Elite League? Join the conversation by tweeting @BritIceHockey.
