STEELERS SNAP LOSING STREAK WITH WIN OVER HITMEN

Yet another lean line up suited up for the Steelers this week against the division's 4th place squad, the Toronto Hitmen. Back in the lineup was a leaner and meaner Coach Lindsay who started on the checking line with Justin Warkentin and Mike Didulka who was called up from the Northern Ontario Sudbury Nickle Miners Semi-Pro 40 and over league. Also called up was Ray Hori who made his second straight appearance with the club - sources say, there may be a spot on the team for the veteran defenceman.

The Hitmen jumped all over the Steelers in the first few moments of the game hemming the Steelers in their own end, but failed to capitalize on their chances. The Steelers, however, made the most of theirs, the first coming in the first period when Ray Hori's slapper from the point seemed to surprise the Hitmen goalie as he was sliding across the crease for the save but could not get across in time to knock down Hori's blast. The second period saw more pressure from the Hitmen, but again the Steelers were next to strike as Justin Warkentin let a patented wrist shot go that fooled the Hitmen netminder high. The Hitmen quickly got that one back only seconds afterwards and the teams traded chances but headed into the third all tied up. The Steelers powerplay then took the stage and it worked to perfection as Warkentin fed Larry Romanuik whose blast from the point was kicked out to Didulka who promptly batted in the rebound to restore the Steelers two goal lead. The Steelers then went into their left wing lock defensive scheme which the Hitmen could hardly penetrate. With only 1:07 on the clock the Hitmen made it a one goal game when a shot from the point somehow eluded Durigon. The Hitment, with their goalie pulled had a couple of chances to tie it late but were denied.

The win snaps a 3 game losing streak, and puts the Steelers only 1 point out of 7th with only 5 games remaining in the regular season.

Scoring summary:

Didulka G 1 (2) A 1 (2)
Romaniuk G 0 A 2 (8)
Hori G 1 (1) A 0
Warkentin G 1 (8) A 0
Neild G 0 A 1 (7)
Nichols G 0 A 1 (3)

Next game is next Tuesday, Feb 12, at 7:30pm vs.the Ice Dragons