Saxon Posted January 2, 2012 Share Posted January 2, 2012 Kalcrest Sheffield Steeldogs would like to wish all their fans a very Happy and Prosperous New Year. As 2011 departs Steeldogs bounce into 2012 on a high with a Cup semi-final postion secured and the chance to take it a stage further to the Final. This is a tremendous achievement for the Steeldogs in their 2nd year of being, with a 'Made in Sheffield' ethos and only 3 imports. Back at full strength last Friday, Steeldogs faced an in-form Peterborough Phantoms in a 'must win' Cup game. After a lack-lustre first 31 minutes of the game and 0-1 down in front of a great crowd, coach Andre Payette called a very pivotal time out and made some crucial coaching decisions. This seemed to do the trick as Lloyd Gibson lifted the spirits of both the team and the crowd with a goal four minutes later at 35.20 and Janis Ozolins doubled it at 36.12 to take Steeldogs into the 2nd break with a one goal lead. Andrew Hirst gave some breathing space on a two goal lead at 50.39 as the team turned up the heat on the Phantoms who had held the Steeldogs in check for the first half of the game. Andre celebrated with the 4th goal on a powerplay at 58.32 and everyone celebrated Steeldogs clinching a semi-final position and two league points with a 4-1 win. Steeldogs will face Milton Keynes in the Cup semi's, with Guildford and Manchester meeting in the other semi. It would be fantastic if both northern teams could make it through to the final. The Kalcrest Sheffield Steeldogs next face Telford Tigers tonight at 7.45pm. Andre continues to appeal to all Sheffield hockey fans to come and support the team after a big crowd on Friday. Telford have been playing well since they also returned to full strength with the return of the GB U20's players *and can cause upsets with their tenacity. The games between the two teams have been feisty goal fests, so another entertaining game in store. Steeldogs are tied with Manchester on 32 points in 4th & 5th positions in a really tight Premier league, though with Guildford edging away at the top on 44 points. An exciting New Year in prospect for Steeldogs and we hope you will continue to enjoy it with us. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saxon Posted January 4, 2012 Author Share Posted January 4, 2012 Following their good pre-New Year win over Peterborough Phantoms to take them into the Cup Semi-finals, Kalcrest Sheffield Steeldogs headed into 2012 with a tight win over Telford Tigers. The Steeldogs came out much stronger in the first period than in their previous game and it was end to end hockey with some roughing thrown in. Steeldogs outshot the Tigers by 14-7 and finally took the lead at 9.12 after several good chances on net. Janis Ozolins, well positioned in front of the net, took a great pass from Andrew Hirst and buried the puck in the back of the net for the only goal of the period. Andre Payette had a few words with Josh Bruce after a couple of incidents, putting him on the ground easily and both sat out 2+2 for roughing at 11.32. All three of the changed lines were working well, though the Tigers were always a threat going forward. Tigers upped their game in the second with the result they reversed the target practice. Again it was just a single goal in the middle period as Tigers' Mark Hornak equalised off a rebound at 27.11 during a powerplay given for Steeldogs having too many men on the ice. After making heavy weather of the 2nd period, Steeldogs capitalised well on two penalties gifted by Telford right at the end of the 20 minutes from having too many men and a high sticks call. Sheffield came out of the break with a 5-on-3 man advantage. Steeldogs re-took the lead just 49 seconds into the period after a great pass from Ozolins across the net for a redirection by Greg Wood on the far side. A minute later during the 5-on-4, it was Edgars Bebris who scored at 41:48 to double the lead, assisted by Lloyd Gibson and Steve Duncombe. Telford raised the tension for the final 9 minutes of the game after they pulled it back to a one goal game after Telfords MOM Scott McKenzie scored at 51:43. With the defence working hard and Ben Bowns making the essential saves, Steeldogs prevented this game against the Tigers going into overtime to claim the two points with a 3-2 win. Ben Morgan was awarded Steeldogs MOM for another hard working performance. Game Details Period Scores: 1-0, 0-1, 2-1 = 3-2 Penalty Mins: Sheffield: 6 – 2 – 0 = 8 Telford: 4 – 4 – 2 = 10 Referee: S. Wardell Linesmen: D. Beresford & A. Crawley SOG Bowns 7 – 17 - 5 = 29/2 Ryan 14 – 10 – 12 = 36/3 Scoring Details: Sheffield: Ozolins 1+1, Wood& Bebris 1+0, Morgan, Duncombe, Gibson, Hirst & Gomeniuk 0+1. MOM: B. Morgan Telford: Hornak & Mckenzie 1+1, Janak & Senko 0+1. MOM: S. McKenzie Attendance: 401 Penalty Mins: Sheffield: Duncombe & Bench – 2 mins. Payette – 4 mins Telford: Janak & Venus – 2mins. Bruce – 4 mins Steeldogs have a home double-header against Peterborough and Slough this weekend (7th & 8th January) and there is a great value discounted ticket offer in place for these games. If both weekend's game tickets are purchased on Saturday, admission to BOTH games will cost just Adults £15.00 Concession £10.0 Child £5.00 Under 8's Free Family £36.00 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saxon Posted January 5, 2012 Author Share Posted January 5, 2012 Kalcrest Sheffield Steeldogs v Peterborough Phantoms - Saturday 7th Jan. @ 7.30pm Kalcrest Sheffield Steeldogs v Slough Jets - Sunday 8th Jan. @ 5.30pm In the first half of the season, Andre and his Steeldogs have 'done good'! They have punched above their weight with three imports and a mainly Sheffield-born team, achieved a Cup semi-final spot v Milton Keynes (fixture dates are being arranged) and are currently tying with Manchester in 4th & 5th Premier League place. The Kalcrest Sheffield Steeldogs are at iceSheffield both days this coming weekend and have some great action in store plus a discounted ticket offer for those wishing to attend both games. Ticket Offer: If, on Saturday, fans buy tickets for both games, the prices are reduced to: Adult £15.00 Concessions £10.00 Child £5.00 (U 8's Free) Family £36.00. Single game tickets are priced at: Adult £9.00 Concessions £6.50 Child £3.50 (U 8's Free) Family £20. On Saturday, and with Peterborough Phantoms making a quick return to Sheffield, the Supporters Club are hosting a Free Quiz Night and Buffet prior to the game and which will be held in the Glacier Suite at iceSheffield, commencing at 5pm. All fans are welcome and if you wish to partake of the buffet, please can you call or text Lynne on 07846139102 so numbers can be catered for. On Sunday the Christmas Holiday Prize Draw will be made with some great prizes on offer. Raffle tickets at £2 per ticket will still be on sale at both the games, if you wish to buy some more! All proceeds will be going to help the club build on its great success this season, so please help sell or buy some tickets if you have not already done so. We would, though, like to thank everyone for their continuous support for the Steeldogs in all their purchases at our games. Peterborough have strengthened their squad over the festive holiday by snapping up one of their ex-players, Tom Carlon, who is returning to the Phantoms from Steeldogs' Sunday competitors, Slough Jets, with whom he has spent the first part of the season. Steeldogs will have a battle on their hands on Sunday as the Jets have beaten them in all three games so far this season, though the last encounter, at iceSheffield in early December, was a very tight 0-1 loss. We look forward to seeing everyone this weekend for some more entertaining Steeldogs hockey, a fantastic ticket offer, a Quiz Night and the Christmas Holiday Draw http://www.sheffieldsteeldogs.co.uk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saxon Posted January 7, 2012 Author Share Posted January 7, 2012 Don't forget tonight's league match against Peterborough. Face off 7.30 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saxon Posted January 11, 2012 Author Share Posted January 11, 2012 A fantastic four point weekend just gone for Andre Payette's Steeldogs as they scuppered the Jets on Sunday to break their duck in their matches against them, after shutting out the Phantoms on Saturday. Steeldogs 'never say die' attitude prevailed and while they squandered some creative chances on both days, their work ethic and entertainment value were exceptional with some fast and feisty hockey on both days. Andre Payette said after the games, “ Again, I couldn't be more proud of the team and the two games this weekend couldn't have been closer but the guys determination ensured we came out with two wins.” Steeldogs are now tied for third place in the league on 38 points with Manchester and Slough, with Milton Keynes in 2nd place on 43 and top placed Guildford on 44 points. A maximum eight points collected from the last four games and twelve points from a possible 14 points is a massive achievement by Payette's Sheffield men this season. A good, if tense, home win was achieved on Saturday night for the Kalcrest Sheffield Steeldogs, with a 33 shot 'shut out' for Ben Bowns in a tight 2-0 win against a strengthened Peterborough Phantoms team. Steeldogs came storming out in the first period and seemed to contain the Phantoms well in the first half of the game. Some excellent shifts from all three lines created many chances but several shots hit the pipework rather than the back of the net. Steeldogs gained their first powerplay opportunity after Phantom's Jeff Glowa got an elbow on Janis Ozolins at 9.57 but Phantoms killed that off successfully. Finally, after much pressure on Damian King, Greg Wood put the Steeldogs ahead at 19:41 with assists from Andre Payette and Ben Morgan to complete the fast-paced 1-0 opening period. The second period remained scoreless though play was end to end but with the defence working hard to cut down the number of shots on goal. Peterborough upped their pace in the early part of the third and Ben Bowns was increasingly busy, making some great saves. Phantoms latched onto a blue line pass when Steeldogs were on a powerplay and were awarded a penalty shot after the incoming forward was hauled down by Pavel Gomeniuk. Bowns saved the shot at 46.19 to help Steeldogs maintain their slim lead. With frustrations rising, so did the penalties. Brittle had a good chance on a breakaway but was denied by King. Steeldogs finally relieved the pressure when Lloyd Gibson scored at 57.07, assisted by Lee Haywood. Haywood and Payette engaged in some rough play with Bentham and Carlon at 59.46, which gave Phantoms a lifeline in the dying seconds of the game which could have ruined MOM Ben Bown's well-earned first shutout of the season. Unfortunately for them, they couldn't take advantage. Game Details Period Scores: 1-0, 0-0, 1-0 = 2/0 Penalty Mins: Sheffield: 12 – 2 – 8 = 22 Peterboro: 2 – 4 – 6 = 12 SOG: Bowns: 14 – 5 – 14 = 33/0 100% King: 10 – 9 – 10 = 29/2 93.1% Referee: D. Boardman Linesmen: D. Beresford & C. Wells Scoring Details: Sheffield: Wood & Gibson 1+0, Haywood, Morgan, Payette 0+1 MOM: B. Bowns Peterboro MOM: W Tait Penalty mins: Haywood, Payette, Wood, Gibson, Hirst – 2 mins Calvert 12 mins Peterborough: Weldon, Carlon, Allen & Bentham – 2 mins Glowa – 2 mins Steeldogs opened Sunday's account with an early goal by Andrew Hirst at 2.46, assisted by Chris Sykes and Steve Duncombe. Slough had the chance to pull one back within a minute as Ashley Calvert headed for the penalty box for dropping the gloves, but failed to take advantage. Steeldogs held firm until 13:23 when that lead that was nullified by Slough's Mindaugas Kieras. Bowns had to be strong again on Sunday as he faced 16 shots in the first 20 minutes, for a 1-1 period. Sheffield restored the two goal lead at 27:26 with a superb goal from Janis Ozolins, after he passed to Hirst from behind the net and then picking it up to spin and shoot. Craig Elliott got off the mark with an assist on that goal. Slough did not give up though and equalised again at 35:42 as Darius Plikauskas had space in front of net for a 2-2 score. The third period saw 22 minutes of penalties as both teams fought to score the winner. Pavel Gomeniuk took that vital lead at 48:14 with a blast from the point and four minutes later, Andre Payette and Ryan Watt took exception to each other and Watt took a pummelling from Payette. With both players cooling off for 6 minutes, it was a tense countdown to the final whistle for the Sheffield fans. This was relieved by Ozolins who outwitted the Slough defence during a 6 on 4 penalty kill to send the puck all the way down the rink into an empty net at 59.41 for a 4-2 win. A spirited team effort with Lloyd Gibson picking up the MOM beers and the four point weekend meant that Steeldogs ended an excellent weekend tied on points with Slough and Manchester. Andre was full of praise for his team and in particular, “the defence have been superb, with Steve Duncombe and Lee Haywood being exceptional, as has Ben Bowns with his shutout on Saturday and in only allowing two goals over the weekend.” Steeldogs are next at home on Saturday 14th January against Bracknell, before the team take to the road for five away games. Game Details Period Scores: 1-1, 1-1, 2-0 = 4-2 Penalty Mins: Sheffield: 2 – 4 – 12 =16 Slough: 4 – 2 – 10 = 16 SOG: Bowns 16 – 11 – 14 = 41/2. 95.1% Rockman 8 – 7 – 5 = 20/3 80.9% Empty Net = 1 Referee: D. Boardman Linesmen: D. Beresford & S. Campbell Scoring Details: Sheffield: Ozolins 2+0, Hirst 1+1, Gomeniuk 1+0, Duncombe, Elliott, Sykes, Wood & Brittle 0+1 MOM: Lloyd Gibson Slough: Kieras 1+1, Pliskauskas 1+0, Sheppard, Calder & Watt 0+1 MOM: D. Davies Attendance: 425 Penalties: Sheffield: Morgan , Brittle & Calvert - 2 mins, Gomeniuk - 4 mins, Payette – 6 mins. Slough: Sheppard, Melachrino & Greener – 2 mins. Symonds – 4 mins. Watt – 6 mins Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saxon Posted January 13, 2012 Author Share Posted January 13, 2012 Steeldogs will complete their 5 consecutive home game run this Saturday 14th January when they face off against Bracknell Bees at 7.30pm, and will be hoping to make it a clean sweep of wins. They have clocked up 12 points out of the last possible 14 and have not lost a game in regulation time since the 4th December. Steeldogs go into this weekend tied for 3rd place in the league on 38 points with Slough and Manchester, which is a fantastic achievement, especially when compared to last year. Andre Payette is full of praise on how his team keep finding ways of winning, even in tight games when the luck of the bounce has not entirely been with them. Andre commented during the week, "The guys played their hearts out last weekend and it was awesome to get 4 points. I was really happy to beat Slough Jets, as this means we have beaten every team at least once this year." "One of the great things about this team is that we have so many of our guys chipping in at different times, so each win is a complete team effort." Bracknell Bees visit iceSheffield on Saturday for the 4th game between the teams this season. Steeldogs are 2-1 up in the series and these numbers also represent the scorelines for two of the games. That fact, combined with two of the three games being decided by a penatly shoot out, demonstrates how close these games have been. It looks like another nailbiter for the Sheffield fans. Andre added "Bracknell are a team who have a bit of everything and work hard every night. We will have to be on top form to get 2 points tonight to keep the wins going." The Bees had two disappointing losses last weekend and will not be wanting a repeat, so Steeldogs could feel the backlash. Despite Bracknell sitting in 8th position, the league is so tight this year that the points difference is not huge. They bring hot-shots Lukas Smital and ex-Steeler Martin Masa into Sheffield, the pair combining for 96 points, which means Steeldogs' defence will need to be on their toes again. All Bracknell's forwards can be a handful and the games between the two teams have always been very lively and physical. After Saturday's game, Steeldogs go on the road for five away games starting on Sunday, as the European Figure Skating Championships come to Sheffield, so this Saturday is the last chance for Steeldogs' fans to watch their team at home until 29th January. Tickets available on game night, priced at: Adult £9.00 Concession £6.50 Child 3.50 U8's Free Family £20.00 See http://www.sheffieldsteeldogs.co.uk for more information Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saxon Posted January 14, 2012 Author Share Posted January 14, 2012 Don't forget tonight's game - face off 7.30 And if you've never been to ice hockey, watch this! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saxon Posted January 17, 2012 Author Share Posted January 17, 2012 Kalcrest Sheffield Steeldogs completed their run of 5 consecutive home games with maximum points in a five game winning streak as they trounced Bracknell Bees last Saturdayby 6-1 and for the first time this season with a wide goal margin. The win kept them tied on points with Manchester and Slough. Steeldogs started the game at a pace and took the early lead as Pavel Gomeniuk ripped a shot from the left point into the back of the net at 1:13. A second goal shortly after was washed out as the net got pushed off. Steeldogs kept pressing forward, with some good offensive play but Ambler blocked the remaining shots to keep the score 1-0 at the end of the first. Lukas Smital left the game with an injury and did not return. Janis Ozolins scored from a very tight angle for the second goal at 23:10 to double the lead. Andre Payette took the Steeldogs up to 3-0 at 30:17 after a shot was spilled by the goalie and landed in the net. Alex Barker claimed one back on the powerplay at 38:02 from a Michael Bowman feed, as the Bees upped the pressure on Ben Bowns a little in the second. Going into the third period at 3-1 up, the Steeldogs continued to find ways to score. Ozolins again danced through the Bees' defence before lifting the puck top shelf at 42:18. Ashley Calvert claimed the 5th goal at 48.37, at which point both teams changed their goalies. Dimtri Zimozdra faced 3 shots for the Steeldogs while Tom Annetts faced 6 shots for one goal in his first game back from concussion. The final goal of the night was scored by Greg Wood at 55.42 to round off a more relaxed viewing night than recently, enjoyed by the Sheffield fans and a good crowd. A full team performance as every player got some icetime. Game Details Period Scores: 1-0, 2-1, 3-0 = 6-1 Penalty Mins: Sheffield 4 – 4 – 2 = 10 Bracknell 2 – 0 – 0 = 2 SOG Bowns 8 – 13 – 3 = 24/1 Zimozdra 3 = 3/0 Ambler 13 – 11 – 10 = 34/5 Annetts 6 = 6/1 Referee: S. Brown Linesmen: J. Liptrott & D. Beresford Scoring Details: Sheffield: Ozolins 2+0, Wood & Gomeniuk 1+1, Payette & Calvert 1+0, Morgan & Brittle 0+2, Haywood, Elliottt, Bowns, Gibson, Hirst & Bebris 0+1 MOM: J. Ozolins Bracknell: Barker 1+0, Thompson & Bowman 0+1. MOM: M. Bowman Attendance: 536 Penalty Mins: Sheffield: Bell, Payette. Duncombe, Elliott & Gomeniuk – 2 mins Bracknell: Galazzi – 2 mins Unfortunately, after their perfect home run, Steeldogs did not fare so well in Peterborough on Sunday in what was a very hard-hitting and feisty game. Phantoms went into this game on the back of 7 bad losses with calls from their fans to play a more physical style of hockey and Steeldogs suffered the backlash. Phantoms' coach, Chris Allen's game plan was to batter the visiting in-form team from the first face-off and their tactics took Steeldogs by surprise, especially having beaten Peterborough twice since late December. Peterborough scored the opening goal at 14.31 by Maris Zeidins after some rough play and then a fight between Craig Elliott and Joe Graham. The first period ended with Phantoms ahead by the one goal on a shot count of 14-4 but with Steeldogs struggling to combat the pummelling being dished out. This was old-time hockey and the Peterborough faithful responded with noisy approval. Steeldogs came back in the second, despite more penalties and and a fight between Lee Haywood and Richard Bentham, as Andre Payette led the way with a good goal at 27.22, helped by Edgars Bebris and Steve Duncombe. Further fights kept the penalty box attendants busy, but it was Steeldogs who edged the period as Bebris scored on a rare Steeldogs powerplay, assisted by Duncombe and Janis Ozolins, to take them into the 2nd break ahead by one goal. Phantoms, fearing that they could face a familiar third period collapse, came out fighting again in the third and took the Steeldogs for 4 goals, for which there was no reply, the last of which was an empty net. Despite the penalty count dropping in the third, and only one powerplay goal was conceded, Steeldogs could not get back to playing their style of hockey. The Steeldogs had their five-game winning streak brutally ended with a 5-2 loss, their first straight loss since 4th December, with no doubt many bruises in a game that will not be forgotten quickly. Steeldogs face another four road games before they return to iceSheffield on Sunday 29th January at 5.30pm. Game Details Period Scores: 1-0, 0-2, 4-0 = 5-2 Penalty Mins: Peterborough 8 – 24 – 4 = 36 Sheffield 16 – 16 – 8 = 40 SOG: King 4 – 12 – 11 = 27/2 Bowns 14 – 11 – 12 = 37/4 Referee: J. Tottman Scoring Details Peterborough: L Ferrara 2+0, Johnson, Brown, Zeidins & Lauko 1+0, Carlon, Glowa, Allen 0+2, Graham 0+1 MOM: M. Zeidins Sheffield: Bebris 1+1, Payette 1+0, Duncombe 0+2, Ozolins 0+1. MOM: B Bowns Attendance – Not recorded Penalty Mins: Sheffield: Duncombe, Wood, Britttle, Gibson & Gomeniuk – 2 mins. Payette, Smith & Calvert – 4 mins. Haywood, Elliott and Hirst – 6 mins. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saxon Posted January 24, 2012 Author Share Posted January 24, 2012 Kalcrest Sheffield Steeldogs Announce a New Player to the Pack Kalcrest Sheffield Steeldogs are delighted to announce that they have added a fourth import to their Sheffield home-grown pack and the player arrived in England this morning. Steeldogs welcome their new 6' Latvian forward, Raivis Kurnigins, to Sheffield. Raivis has been playing in the top Latvian League up until this signing (the same League that Janis Ozolins played in prior to joining the Steeldogs last year) and he has put 42 points on the board in 23 games so far this season, consisting of 17 goals and 25 assists in 23 games, similar to that of Janis. We have had great feedback on Raivis and are hoping that he will add the next level of scoring to the Kalcrest Sheffield Steeldogs for the remainder of the season. Shane Smith said on this new signing:- "I am delighted to be in a position where we can strengthen the squad with the final import slot and give the players and fans what they deserve the chance to win something. Our lads have worked hard and I am sure we are all proud of their achievements so far this year. I personally couldn’t be happier and with the fans supporting us like they have and our fan base growing has helped us achieve more than we could have wished for. I honestly feel that, with everything the lads have done this year on the ice and in the gym, they have put themselves in a position I cannot ignore. They have worked hard and are in for a shot, first and foremost with the cup and WE BELIEVE they have a chance to win something and with us in this position, I felt it couldn’t be ignored. We maybe in 5th but only a few points separate all the top teams and it’s still wide open with everyone having a chance to take honest at this stage. We have managed to qualify for the cup semi finals and we feel that Raivis will give us that bit more to help push for more wins and add to the secondary scoring. I would like to welcome Raivis to the Kalcrest Sheffield Steeldogs and wish him all the best." Andre Payette was really pleased on finally completing the Steeldogs roster ahead of the signing deadline and is looking forward to seeing how Raivis can boost the Steeldogs' offensive output. He said this morning "We have worked really hard to find the right player at the right price over the past month. I have done my homework on many players and I feel this is the right fit for us because of where we are right now as a team. Raivis' stats are comparable to Janis' last year and we are really hoping we are going to get a player of the same ability. Our team has battled hard all year against tremendous odds and playing an import down has made our Sheffield players stand up and be counted. They have put in 100% effort night in and night out to achieve the great position we are in right now. So much so, that we are at the point where we are in competition for 3 trophies and I hope Raivis gives us that bit of offensive spark we have been missing. He is a good friend of Edgars Bebris and everything I hear about him is very good. The club will be breaking Raivis in slowly as this is his first club outside Latvia and he does not speak English at present. I am really looking forward to introducing Raivis to his new team mates and seeing him on the ice." The Steeldogs are working hard to put everything in place to have Raivis in a Steeldogs' shirt as soon as is possible and extend a warm welcome to Raivis and hope he settles into the team well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saxon Posted January 29, 2012 Author Share Posted January 29, 2012 Kalcrest Sheffield Steeldogs make a very welcome return home this Sunday, 29th January, 5.30pm at iceSheffield, when they face off against Swindon Wildcats for the 2nd time within 24 hours. These two teams have not met since the opening home and away double header of the 2011-12 League challenge, as is the same this weekend. Steeldogs took all four points but did have to go to OT in Swindon to claim the win. Wildcats have a number of very offensively able forwards in Cesky & Pinc, Hoog and Nicky Watt. Steeldogs defensive corps will have to be sharp to combat the strike force as well as find their own scoring touch again after being shut down in Manchester. The home fans will get their first look at the new signings on Sunday and Andre is appealing to Sheffield fans to come and welcome the team back to iceSheffield, it should be a great game of hockey, physically and tactically after Tickets available on the door: Adult £9.00, Concession £6.50, Child £3.50, Under 8's Free, Family £20.00 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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