Steelers' new boy signals his intent

Sgroi had only flown into the country on Friday morning but showed why coach Dave Matsos had brought him in.

His side got off to the worst possible start when former Steeler Ryan Finnerty fired Cardiff ahead after just 15 seconds. Lax defending allowed Phil Hill through to double Cardiff's lead on 6.24.

The home side had chances, but they were denied by poor finishing and solid goaltending. Their breakthrough finally came on 43.08, set up by Sgroi whose pass found defenceman Scott Basiuk to score.

Steelers dominated for long periods and were rewarded with 90 seconds left when Joe Talbot equalised before Sgroi announced is arrival in Britain in style.

Afterwards, Sgroi said he was delighted to have settled in so quickly, particularly given the hectic week he had endured leading up to his arrival in the UK.

"I have had perhaps four days of solid travel," said Sgroi. "I have packed, unpacked and then packed again, spent days driving, days flying and then days in a passport office.

"I had no idea what to expect before I went out onto the ice, it was incredible to hear the fans cheering me before I had even played a shift, the fans were great and they were so loud."

Matsos felt his side were worthy winners after their comeback against an impressive Cardiff side and said Sgroi had made the kind of impact they had been hoping for.

"He (Sgroi) is in great shape but he is dead tired and we could all see that," said Matsos.

"It was only right that he ended the night as the hero, it was a great goal and it sent everyone home happy. He was brought in here to be a spark, energise the place and that is what he has done already.

"The result was so important to us, there is a ton of pressure on these guys right now so winning was massive."

Steelers will now spend the weekend in Scotland looking to make up ground on Edinburgh Capitals in a Murrayfield double-header.