Steelers’ newcomer Michel quick off the mark

On Saturday, the former Cardiff Devils forward’s hat-trick led Steelers to their first home win of the season, a 7-5 triumph over Coventry Blaze.

The Steelers went on to enjoy a four-point weekend with a 4-3 win in Coventry last night, courtesy of Colin Shields’s overtime strike, taking them top of the overall standings.

But it was Michel, adding another point last night with an 
assist at the Skydome Arena, who caught everybody’s attention, not that this came as a surprise to Finnerty.

“I know exactly what Tylor is capable of, that’s why I brought him here,” said Finnerty, who played alongside Michel for two seasons in Cardiff.

“The fans saw for themselves on Saturday what he is all about and, while he won’t be scoring hat-tricks every night, he is consistent and will give you everything he has.

“We worked hard for our points this weekend and any time you come away from Coventry with two points you have to be happy.”

Ashley Tait’s powerplay strike at 10.02 in Coventry answered Greg Leeb’s fourth-minute opener for the Blaze.

Mike Schutte restored the home side’s lead on the powerplay at 15.43 but Drew Fata – again with the man advantage – saw the visitors level once more.

Jeff Legue got off the mark for the season with a 24th-minute powerplay, putting his side in front for the first time, although his night ended three minutes later when he was handed a game misconduct penalty. Dale White then levelled for Blaze at 36.27 and that is how it stayed until 1.57 into overtime when Shields pounced with his first goal of the season.

On Saturday, Tait, Shawn Limpright, Jonathan Phillips and Jim Jorgenson joined Michel on the scoresheet.

Hull Stingrays were edged out in their first league game of the season, 3-2 at Dundee Stars.

Cale Tanaka’s 24th-minute strike cancelled out Sami Ryhanen’s opener, only for Dundee to stretch their lead through Pat Bowen and former Hull forward Jack Watkins. Tomas Valecko made it a one-goal game again at 51.53, but that was as close as Sylvain Cloutier’s team got.

In the English Premier League, Sheffield Steeldogs bounced back from a surprise 5-2 loss at Slough by edging out Swindon 5-4 in overtime last night.