Sheffield Show Their Steel and Snuff Out Flames’ Head Start

Published on: 14 Sep, 2026
Updated on: 14 Sep, 2026

Guildford Flames let a three-goal first-period lead slip before eventually falling to a 5–4 shootout defeat against the Sheffield Steelers at the Spectrum.

The Flames made a flying start, racing into a 3–0 advantage inside the opening 17 minutes.

Jake Willets opened the scoring at 6:06. Racine doubled the advantage just 23 seconds later and then struck again at 16:21. Sheffield responded before the end of the period, Olivier Archambault pulling one back with 1:46 remaining.

The Steelers continued their fightback in the second period. Robert Dowd reduced the deficit to a single goal at 30:42, before Adam Rockwood levelled the contest at 35:56.

Flames netminder Justin Fazio during Sunday’s game. John Uwins

Despite the momentum swinging towards the visitors, the Flames regained the lead in the third period. Chase Gresock restored Guildford’s advantage at 52:37, but with the game entering its closing stages, Sheffield found another response. Mitchell Balmas tied the game at 57:46, setting up a dramatic finish.

Neither side could find a winner in the remaining regulation time, sending the contest to overtime and ultimately a shootout. Balmas proved decisive once again, scoring the decider in sudden death shots to give Steelers the extra point.

“The second period in particular, was very disappointing,” admitted Paul Dixon.

“We had the lead and in a good position, but we looked very heavy legged, and we were on the back foot for almost the whole 20 minutes.”

“We were better again the third but they were back in it by then and it became anyone’s game again and once you are in penalties, it goes either way and it didn’t go our way. We are glad we salvaged a point, but when we get that advantage in future we have to be more proactive in handling the rest of the game.”

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