Fata completes win for Steelers in Cup

DEFENCEMAN Drew Fata scored the shoot-out winner to ensure Sheffield Steelers made it two wins from two in the Challenge Cup with a 4-3 triumph over Cardiff Devils.

It was the perfect ending for the 29-year-old Canadian after it was he who had put his side in front on the night towards the end of the first period. But the home side twice gave up leads to ensure a shoot-out was required to settle matters in the end.

Fata’s powerplay strike with just 26 seconds remaining of the first period ensured the home side went in happier at the first break but, within six minutes, the Devils were ahead through strikes from Ben Davies and Tyson Marsh.

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Shawn Limpright levelled for Ryan Finnerty’s team just before the halfway point before Steve Goertzen grabbed his fifth of the season and second in as many games to restore the home side’s advantage at 31.17.

An equaliser from Devils’ Stuart MacRae at 54.00 eventually led to the lottery of penalty shots and although Chris Blight scored in the first round for Cardiff, Steelers’ goaltender John DeCaro kept his net clear for the remainder of the shoot-out, with Limpright and Fata finding a way past Phil Osaer at the other end to ensure the home side took the extra point ahead of Saturday night’s league trip to Coventry Blaze.