Sheffield Steelers v Manchester Storm (cont)

Mid-table Storm, who came into the game on the back of four straight wins, hit the post twice and were unlucky not to have taken advantage of a flat-looking home side.

Sheffield winger Colton Fretter was also hit in the upper body by a team-mate’s shot and skated off the ice in obvious discomfort.

Patrik Valcak and Darian Dziuryznski hit both posts as Storm breezed up the ice, backed by a noisy away following.

Steelers came close a couple of times.

Valcak gave the puck away and Robert Dowd had a decent skate and shot at goal.

And Davey Phillips, booed by the away fans, delivered a decent check on the boards on Cody Cartier.

Neither side could find the net before the first interval.