Manchester Storm played out a thrilling game at the Polar Ice Arena on New Years Day against their arch rivals Sheffield Steelers. The Storm Shelter was packed to capacity and was the biggest home crowd since Manchester Storm reformed.
The game ebbed and flowed throughout and was decided with a penalty shootout to give the Steelers a 5-6 victory.
Both sides had been involved in a battle royal at Sheffield on Saturday evening and Storm Captain Jay Rosehill along with Tim Wallace were handed one game suspensions.
Luke Moffatt was asked to be captain for the evening and he was clearly Storm’s best player scoring a hat trick as the scoreline changed hands several times.
It was the first time that four officials were in place to officiate and Storm were penalised 13 times, some of which infuriated the packed rink.
Storm came up against Steelers netminder Ervins ‘Moose’ Mustokovs who came into the game defending an incredible four game record of not conceding a point. Mustokovs may have conceded five during the game but was on top form to stop Storm during the penalty shoot out.
Head Coach Ryan Finnerty said, “ That was an incredible game and the atmosphere created by the fans was fantastic. It was a full-on game and the supporters cheered every move we made. Nobody left the rink and hopefully they will all return to watch us play our remaining home games of the season.”
Finnerty added, “ We have a long drive to Fife on Wednesday and then another away trip to Nottingham on Saturday before we entertain Guildford Flames at The Storm Shelter on Sunday evening.”
