The Sheffield Steelers’ demanding run of three games in three nights got underway in Glasgow with a hard-fought battle at the Braehead Arena, but ultimately ended in a 5–3 defeat to the Clan. Short-benched and missing key personnel, the Steelers pushed deep into the contest and were very much in the game until the final moments, before two late Clan goals settled the outcome.

Coming into the night, the Steelers were looking to build momentum after snapping a three-game losing streak against Fife last weekend. Sitting fourth in a tightly packed Elite League table, this road trip represented a significant test, starting against a Glasgow side placed seventh but always difficult on home ice. With Derek Gentile departing during the week, Jack Dougherty and Sam Tremblay unavailable, and new signing Brett Ritchie still awaiting VISA approval, the Steelers dressed just three full forward lines, with Kyle Watson acting as the lone spare.

In goal, Matthew Greenfield was given the start for the Steelers and produced a strong performance, facing heavy traffic throughout the night. At the other end, Glasgow turned to British netminder Lucas Brine, who would go on to play a pivotal role and earn Man of the Match honours for the Clan. The Steelers showed plenty of character, led by a standout display from Kevin Tansey, but were unable to force overtime despite sustained pressure and strong spells across all three periods.

First Period (Clan 1 – 2 Steelers)

The opening period was played at a frantic pace, with Glasgow testing Greenfield early and often. Inside the opening minute, Brady Risk spun and fired from close range, only for Greenfield to track the puck superbly and make the save, before denying follow-up efforts through traffic. The Clan continued to press, and Mikko Juusola was denied a breakaway chance at the other end thanks to a perfectly timed stick lift from Jason Fram.

Glasgow struck first at 1:20, as Joe Hazeldine finished from the left side after Hugo Roy’s clever lay-off from the slot pulled Greenfield out of position. The goal briefly tilted momentum towards the Clan, but the Steelers responded well, settling into their structure and beginning to spend more time in the offensive zone.

That response was rewarded at 6:50. Jordon Southorn led the rush before finding Brien Diffley, whose intended pass towards Mitchell Balmas took a vital deflection off a Clan defenceman and found its way past Brine to level the game. From there, the Steelers grew in confidence, with Juusola, Balmas and Dowd all creating chances, while Greenfield continued to make key saves at the other end.

The Steelers took the lead at 17:19 after sustained pressure. Cycling the puck expertly, Sheffield pinned the Clan deep, and although Brine initially kept the puck out, it was worked back to Juusola at the right point. His low shot found its way through traffic and five-hole, giving the Steelers a deserved 2–1 lead. Despite late pressure from Glasgow, including a sharp right-pad save from Greenfield on Burke, the Steelers headed into the break in front, outshot 18–11 but ahead where it mattered.

Second Period (Clan 3 – 3 Steelers)

The middle frame continued the end-to-end nature of the contest, with both netminders heavily involved. Early on, Robert Dowd came agonisingly close to his 400th EIHL goal, only to be denied by Brine after a slick passing move. Greenfield was equally busy, producing back-to-back saves on Brady Risk and a close-range deflection as Glasgow upped the tempo.

Pressure eventually told for the Clan at 27:03. After the Steelers were pinned in their zone, Steven Seigo skated through a developing gap in the slot and beat Greenfield low to tie the game at 2–2. Just over four minutes later, Glasgow took the lead when Rylan Schwartz fired home from the right point after a broken play, catching Greenfield moving laterally.

To their credit, the Steelers showed resilience once again. Stephen Harper and Ryan Tait both went close, and at 35:49 the equaliser arrived. Tait drove hard to the net and forced a save from Brine, but the puck remained loose in the blue paint where Kevin Tansey reacted quickest to tap home and make it 3–3. It was a just reward for sustained pressure and hard work from a short-handed Steelers lineup.

The period ended level, with Glasgow holding a 30–23 advantage in shots on goal, underlining the workload Greenfield was facing. With forty minutes gone, the contest was finely balanced and still very much there for the taking.

Third Period (Clan 5 – 3 Steelers)

The final period opened with both sides cautious, knowing the importance of the next goal. The Steelers created early chances through Tansey and Evan Jasper, while Greenfield continued to stand tall, denying Richard Jarusek on the doorstep and later Brady Risk with a sharp right-pad save.

That latter stop preceded the game’s first penalty kill for the Steelers, and they navigated it successfully, with Greenfield again making key saves to keep the game level. However, at 52:57, the Clan found the breakthrough. After Brine made a save on Balmas, Glasgow countered quickly, and Tristin Langan finished with a high shot over the blocker down the left wing to give the hosts a 4–3 lead.

The Steelers pushed hard for an equaliser, earning a late power play with just over three minutes remaining. Greenfield was pulled in favour of the extra attacker, but despite a time-out and sustained pressure, Sheffield were unable to find the tying goal. Instead, Langan struck again at 59:37, sealing the game with an empty-netter.

The final buzzer confirmed a 5–3 defeat, a scoreline that perhaps flattered the Clan slightly given the effort and competitiveness shown by the Steelers under difficult circumstances.

Post-Game Notes

Kevin Tansey was deservedly named Man of the Match for the Steelers after a tireless performance capped by a goal, while Lucas Brine earned the same honour for Glasgow following a busy and composed display in net. Despite outshooting Sheffield 44–30, the Clan were made to work for their points, with Greenfield finishing with 40 saves on the night.

Next up, the Steelers continue their Scottish road swing with trips to Fife Flyers and Dundee Stars on Saturday and Sunday, before heading to Belfast next week to face the Giants. The next opportunity for home support comes on 24 January, when the Manchester Storm visit the Utilita Arena.

Photo credit: Glasgow Clan / Al Goold

 

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