The Sheffield Steelers have been celebrating after becoming Challenge Cup champions.

The Steelers defeated the Guildford Flames 3-1 at the Utilita Arena.

Steelers captain, Robert Dowd said: “It’s obviously a very special night personally to me, but as a team we’ve been building towards this all year, and I think we deserved that tonight.”

He added: “Some very special memories I’ll take to the grave with me.”

The Steelers started quickly as Brien Diffley finished at the back door past Flames goalie Taz Burman.

Despite a strike from Bradley Lalonde bringing the Flames level, Patrick Watling restored their lead late in the first period with a powerplay goal.

Mitchell Balmas doubled the Steelers lead and sealed the win in the second period as the Flames had no answers for Sheffield Goalie Matt Greenfield.

The Steelers have been dominant this year as they sit top in the league standings in addition to a comfortable run in the Challenge Cup winning every single game.

Challenges did face the Sheffield side this season, most notably the tragic event back in October where player Adam Johnson died on the rink after his neck was caught by a skate blade.

A fan on social media said: “What an incredible night last night was. Proud to be a part of the Sheffield Steelers. The best defensive hockey I have seen in a long time.”

The side are also in pole position to win their first Elite League title since 2016 as they sit eleven points clear of the Cardiff Devils with ten games remaining.

Coach Aaron Fox said: “What an absolutely unbelievable feeling, what a great group of guys we have, I truly believe we’re not done.”

The Utilita Arena saw an attendance of 9,206 on Wednesday to watch the celebrations take place.

Steelers player Marco Vallerand said: “This is another level, winning at home it’s just amazing all these fans were there the whole night and behind us the whole night.”

Sheffield’s next fixture takes place on Saturday 16 March back at the Utilita Arena, Sheffield, where they take on the Nottingham Panthers in a top versus bottom-of-the-league clash.