AN OVERTIME winner against Manchester Storm on Saturday night couldn’t be followed up as Coventry Blaze slipped to an 8-2 loss against Sheffield Steelers.
Fans were treated to one of the most entertaining games of hockey the Skydome has hosted in recent years though, with the highlight coming mid-way through the third period as Garrett Klotz and Guillaume Desbiens dropped the gloves.
The pair fought for more than a minute – both exchanging jaw-dropping blows in what proved to be one of the most entertaining fights the league has witnessed this season.
With the score standing at 2-4 while the fight took place, Sheffield then used the scrap to their advantage by putting pay to any chance Blaze had of getting back into the game – slotting four more goals past the home team in the last eight minutes.
Earlier in the game, Sheffield opened up a lead when Fretter scored his first of four goals on the night at 4.34.
The Steelers doubled their lead shortly before the conclusion of the second period as Robert Dowd’s deflected shot went in off the crossbar.
Swede Robin Bergman opened Coventry’s account shortly after the second period, as Blaze pressed for an equalising goal.
All momentum was killed at 34.43 though as Dowd’s determination shone through – smashing a backhand effort past Blaze keeper Brian Stewart.
A fourth Steelers goal – Fretter’s second – was matched by a Blaze marker from Marc Cantin who lit the lamp from close range.
Klotz and Desbien then exchanged blows before two goals apiece for Roy and Fretter concluded the game – which ended 2-8.
Post-game, Blaze head coach Danny Stewart said: “I’m disappointed tonight and it’s the most angry I’ve been all season.
“We lose to Sheffield before the first puck drops.
“They’re a good team and deserve their win but we’re not physical enough.
“I’m disappointed how we switched off at the end, it’s unacceptable and the weekend ended on a sour note.”
