Ice Hockey: Devils run hot to quell Storm

CARDIFF DEVILS ended Manchester Storm's 12-month unbeaten home record to get their wilting Sekonda Superleague title challenge back on track at the weekend.

Devils, with just one win in their last seven matches, left the MEN Arena 4-2 victors and trimmed Storm's lead at the top to six points. Manchester, who had 18 straight home wins, hit the visitors with an onslaught in the opening period but had no goals to show for wave after wave of attacking play.

Devils then grabbed a 2-0 lead within six minutes of the restart. Mario Simioni and Martin Lindman both beat Frank Pietrangelo, immediately resulting in the Storm coach, Kurt Kleinendorst, calling a time-out. Storm bounced back with two quick goals to draw level. Mike Morin netted on 34:44 before Jeff Tomlinson scored again on the powerplay within three minutes.

Devils snatched the lead through Steve Thornton with six minutes remaining and after Pietrangelo was pulled, Ivan Matulik scored an empty-netter just two seconds from the hooter to seal victory.

Nottingham Panthers chalked up their fifth win in six league games by beating Newcastle Riverkings 5-0, with Brent Bobyck (2), Jason Weaver, Simon Hunt and Jeff DaCosta getting the goals.

Sheffield Steelers won the most action-packed Superleague game of the week, seeing off fellow strugglers London Knights 8-6 in South Yorkshire.

After a 2-2 first session, Sheffield took control with narrow 3-2 successes in the second and third periods. Ken Priestlay's hat-trick was the highlight of the game.

Bracknell, forced to release forward Norm Dezainde this week, overcame his departure with a resounding 6-2 home victory over London Knights.

Dezainde had been one of the top scorers for the club but his wife failed to settle, prompting the Canadian's exit. Denis Chasse led the way with a brace as Bees raced into a 4-0 lead just over the half-way mark. Greg Burke had the opener with Colin Ward the other scorer. Jesper Morin put London on the board before Dale Junkin and Todd Kelham extended Bees' lead to five. Andrew Dale grabbed a late consolation for the visitors.