IT was like they had never been away.

Sheffield Steelers lifted both the Challenge Cup and the Elite League regular season title on nights when Guildford Flames were the visitors to the Utilita Arena last season.

So it seemed somewhat fitting that Guildford Flames were once again the opposition when the Steelers marked their return to the domestic competition in 2024-25 with a triple banner-raising night.

And once the fanfare had subsided ahead of face-off with fans, players and staff alike celebrating a remarkable 2023-24 campaign by Aaron Fox and his team, normal service was resumed on the ice, the Steelers running out 4-1 winners as they began the defence of their Challenge Cup crown in impressive style.

Mark Simpson of Sheffield Steelers celebrates scoring against Guildford Flames in the Challenge Cup (Picture: Dean Woolley/Steelers Media)

placeholder image — Mark Simpson of Sheffield Steelers celebrates scoring against Guildford Flames in the Challenge Cup (Picture: Dean Woolley/Steelers Media)

They were leading after the opening period thanks to a Robert Dowd strike that came with 17.23 on the clock.

The Flames thought they had levelled just over a minute later but the goal was challenged by Aaron Fox for goalie interference, and the officials agreed and washed it out.

Guildford then came close to levelling at the start of the second, this time having a goal chalked off for a high stick, but they did eventually tie things up when Lewis Hook’s pass found Ethan Strang at Matt Greenfield’s far post to net at 27.50.

Just over five minutes later, Mark Simpson tipped Joona Huttula’s shot past Eamon McAdam to put the Steelers back ahead. Dominic Cornier then shot through a crowd of players to extend that lead to 3-1 with 63 seconds remaining in the period.

With just over five minutes of the third period gone, Patrick Watling added the home side’s fourth goal to give them some welcome breathing space, ahead of Sunday night’s visit to Coventry Blaze to continue their Cup defence.