As a sporting contest, this game was over after less than seven minutes.
A rapid-fire three goals put the Steelers in complete control, sending the St. Albert Crusaders into a tailspin from which they could not recover.
As a test of the Steelers’ discipline and composure, however, it lasted a challenging 60 minutes.
It was to the Barrhead Midget ‘AA’ side’s immense credit that they came through a penalty-riddled game at the Agrena with honour intact.
Sunday’s crushing 9-4 triumph put them in pole position in the second round league playoff, decided over three games. The second game was scheduled to take place yesterday at St. Albert.
Steelers coach Greg Schmidt believed his side had gained a crucial psychological advantage heading into the encounter.
The margin of victory delivered a powerful statement, even though a 1-0 win would have sufficed.
“I thought it was a good game today,” said Schmidt. “We showed that we are really up for the playoffs.”
The Crusaders’ chief tormentors were Connor Tiemstra, who smashed in four goals, and hat-trick hero Spencer Voight.
It was their attacking partnership that started the goal glut in the first period. Tiemstra struck at 14:52, with an assist by Voight. Brett Bujold made it two at 14:30 and Tiemstra pounced again at 13:29.
Although the Crusaders pulled a goal back, Austin Caldwell made it four for the Steelers at 8:11. Voight then put the finishing touches to the Steelers’ glorious first period with a brace at 1:38 and 1:16.
With a 6-1 cushion, the Steelers’ hockey went from explosive to supremely efficient in the second period. Even without the fireworks, they looked much the classier team against opponents who appeared to have lost focus and were committing more and more fouls.
After the Crusaders scored while Barrhead were a man down because of an infringement, Tiemstra plundered two quick goals at 17:30 and 15:02.
The third period proved a scrappy affair. The highlight came at 6:27 when Voight claimed his hat-trick, assisted by Caldwell. The Crusaders scored twice through Erik Halldorson and Chase Sillers, but the score still had a lob-sided look.
The score clock showed the Steelers had out-shot the Crusaders 38 to 26.
Schmidt was full of praise for the discipline of his players against Crusaders’ roughhouse tactics, which had been anticipated.
He said they had maintained their cool despite being subjected to “cheap shots” throughout the game.
“We played our own game. It all comes down to discipline – the players know that.”
The sight of the Crusaders changing their goaltender after the Steelers’ three-goal blitz in the first period had given his side a big lift, he said.
“We got off to a really good start and managed to stay in control,” he added.
Schmidt, however, said there was no room for complacency.
“This is a tough league and we’re going to come up against better teams than this one,” said Schmidt. “We’re in this for the long haul.”
