ROBERT DOWD drew level with the legendary ‘Rocket’ Ron Shudra’s all-time points tally for Sheffield Steelers - then admitted he had no idea he was so close.

In recent years, Dowd has reached several milestones and the Steelers’ captain can surpass the former defenceman’s long-standing tally in Sunday’s Challenge Cup tie at Guildford Flames after a four-point night in Saturday’s 6-0 win at home to Coventry Blaze took him level with Shudra on 792.

“I had no idea I was that close to the all-time record,” said Dowd, who bagged a goal and three assists in front of a packed Utilita Arena.

“It’s the final scoring record left to break and one that Ron Shudra has held for many years.

LEVEL PEGGING: Rob Dowd celebrates his goal for Sheffield Steelers in the 6-0 Challenge Cup win over Coventry Blaze. Picture: Cerys Heslop/Steelers Media.

placeholder image — LEVEL PEGGING: Rob Dowd celebrates his goal for Sheffield Steelers in the 6-0 Challenge Cup win over Coventry Blaze. Picture: Cerys Heslop/Steelers Media.

“In time, I’m sure I’ll look back on moments like this with fond memories, but right now it’s all about the team.

“We wanted to get off to a great start, and securing two valuable points was the most important thing.”

It was also a memorable night for netminder Matt Greenfield, who recorded his 26th shutout with the team - himself having passed Jody Lehman’s record of 24 last season.

Aaron Fox’s team never looked back on opening night against Coventry, leading 3-0 after the first period.

NO WAY THROUGH: Matt Greenfield repels another Coventry attack in Saturday's 6-0 win for Sheffield Steelers. Picture: Cerys Heslop/Steelers Media.

Ivan Björkly-Nordström got the ball rolling when he fired home the first competitive goal of the season at 13.54 - one that marked Dowd’s first point of the night - before Olivier Archambault doubled the advantage on the power play just over two minutes later, Dowd again involved before finding the net himself at 18.27 to make it 3-0.

The second period had barely got started before the Steelers were 4-0 up through Mikko Juusola, the lead increased further before the halfway mark when Evan Jasper buried his shot in the top corner.

Although Coventry created plenty themselves, they found Greenfield in a miserly mood, the convincing win being completed in the 51st minute when Leevi Teissala made it 6-0, Dowd’s third assist of the night drawing him level with Shudra.

Elsewhere, Leeds Knights and Sheffield Steeldogs produced an entertaining pre-season game at Elland Road, with Slava Koulikov’s team running out 7-5 winners.

Kieran Brown gave the hosts the lead after just 26 seconds but thereafter it was the Steeldogs who ruled, earning themselves a 7-1 lead after 43 minutes through strikes from Walker Sommer, CJ Garcia (2), Bailey Yates, Michael Pelech, Jordan O’Brien and Nathan Salem.

But the hosts rallied to make a game of it, pulling back to 7-5 with more than two minutes left through goals from Cullen McLean, Sam Dunn, Bow Neely and Sam Cooper, although a total comeback proved beyond them.

Hull Seahawks completed their pre-season programme ahead of this Friday’s NIHL National season opener at Leeds with an 8-0 win over feeder team, Hull Jets.