Hull Stingrays 2 - 6 Sheffield Steelers
The Excel Hull Stingrays endured an unsuccessful opening weekend of their league campaign, losing 2-6 at home to the Sheffield Steelers, following their away defeat to Belfast.
In a game marred by penalties, the Steelers took advantage of a slow start to the game from the home side, with man of the match Neil Clark on hand to open the scoring at 2.52.
No further scoring took place in the first period, with 8 minor penalties creating a disjointed feel to the game.
The second period began quietly, before the Steelers' offence took control. Jason Hewitt found the net at 28.19, before player-coach Ryan Finnerty tipped in another Hewitt shot on the powerplay at 30.15.
Seemingly dead and buried at 0-3, the Stingrays showed character to get back in the game, with 2 goals from Jason Silverthorn in the space of 5 minutes making it 2-3 at the end of the second period.
The Stingrays began the final stanza with cause for optimism, but their attacking approach ultimately meant that gaps were available for the Steelers to exploit. Jeff Legue blasted a powerplay shot high past Boucher in the Hull goal at 50.03, making it 2-4.
Opportunities continued to flow for the Steelers, with Colt King and Neil Clark both converting chances, with Boucher forced out of position by skilled passing moves.
Shortly after the sixth goal, Stingrays forward Tristan Harper challenged Jason Hewitt to a fight, with Hewitt accepting. Neither player appeared to significantly connect with their opponent, and Harper was unceremoniously dumped to the ground, bringing a swift end to the bout.
With the home side thoroughly beaten, the final minutes of the game were played out with little intensity.
Once again the Sheffield Steelers appear to have formed an efficient, clinical side that will no doubt challenge for honours this season.
The Stingrays showed glimpses of promise in parts of the game, but with their rhythm halted by many minor penalties, the Steelers were able to exploit spaces left by the home side's defence.
The Excel Hull Stingrays endured an unsuccessful opening weekend of their league campaign, losing 2-6 at home to the Sheffield Steelers, following their away defeat to Belfast.
In a game marred by penalties, the Steelers took advantage of a slow start to the game from the home side, with man of the match Neil Clark on hand to open the scoring at 2.52.
No further scoring took place in the first period, with 8 minor penalties creating a disjointed feel to the game.
The second period began quietly, before the Steelers' offence took control. Jason Hewitt found the net at 28.19, before player-coach Ryan Finnerty tipped in another Hewitt shot on the powerplay at 30.15.
Seemingly dead and buried at 0-3, the Stingrays showed character to get back in the game, with 2 goals from Jason Silverthorn in the space of 5 minutes making it 2-3 at the end of the second period.
The Stingrays began the final stanza with cause for optimism, but their attacking approach ultimately meant that gaps were available for the Steelers to exploit. Jeff Legue blasted a powerplay shot high past Boucher in the Hull goal at 50.03, making it 2-4.
Opportunities continued to flow for the Steelers, with Colt King and Neil Clark both converting chances, with Boucher forced out of position by skilled passing moves.
Shortly after the sixth goal, Stingrays forward Tristan Harper challenged Jason Hewitt to a fight, with Hewitt accepting. Neither player appeared to significantly connect with their opponent, and Harper was unceremoniously dumped to the ground, bringing a swift end to the bout.
With the home side thoroughly beaten, the final minutes of the game were played out with little intensity.
Once again the Sheffield Steelers appear to have formed an efficient, clinical side that will no doubt challenge for honours this season.
The Stingrays showed glimpses of promise in parts of the game, but with their rhythm halted by many minor penalties, the Steelers were able to exploit spaces left by the home side's defence.
Rays Rating
6
FBB Three Stars
1- Jason Silverthorn (2+0)
2- Derek Campbell (0+2)
3- Christian Boucher (35 shots, 6 goals against)
6
FBB Three Stars
1- Jason Silverthorn (2+0)
2- Derek Campbell (0+2)
3- Christian Boucher (35 shots, 6 goals against)
