Payette stresses the positives for Steeldogs

The English Premier League hopefuls bounced back from a disappointing opening night at play-off champions Slough Jets – losing 5-2 – by overcoming the odds on home ice against visitors Swindon 24 hours later to run out 5-4 overtime winners.

The Steeldogs certainly did things the hard way in front of their home fans, overcoming a 3-0 first period deficit to display the kind of battling qualities Payette is convinced will bring the club success this season, after going close on a number of occasions last time around.

“It was absolutely fantastic to have the team battle back from a three-goal deficit on Sunday,” said Payette.

“The guys showed their never-say-die attitude and it was a whole team effort that won that game – the atmosphere from our fans was awesome too.

“If the guys play as well as they did in the fightback on Sunday, we are going to have a great season.”

Two goals from Aaron Nell and a third on the powerplay from Lee Richardson put the Wildcats in control at iceSheffield.

But Steeldogs’ boosted their chances by beginning their fightback early in the second period, with captain Greg Wood scoring on the powerplay at 26.26 followed by defenceman Pavel Gomeniuk at 33.19.

But with Ben Morgan in the box for a tripping call, Swindon made it a two-goal game again through Jamie Hayes at 35.08.

But by the end of the second period it was all-square. First, within 42 seconds of going 4-2 down, Edgars Bebris made it a one-goal game before Morgan popped up draw the home side level.

No goals could be found at either end in the third, meaning it required an overtime winner from Wood – just 37 seconds in – to secure the extra point for the home side.

In Slough, the Steeldogs also found themselves 3-0 down. Although Wood pulled one back on the powerplay just after the midway point, the Jets had already made the points safe before a late consolation effort from Gomeniuk.