Steelers Denied in Overtime as Fife Take Controversial 2-1 Win
3rd October 2026
Sheffield Steelers suffered a controversial 2-1 overtime defeat to Fife Flyers at the Utilita Arena after the visitors’ winning goal was allowed to stand following a lengthy video review.
With the game tied at 1-1 after 60 minutes, Xander Lamppa scored just 18 seconds into overtime, prompting immediate protests from Steelers goaltender Matt Greenfield and the Sheffield bench.
The Steelers believed Greenfield had been interfered with in the crease during the play and also argued that the net had been displaced.
Sheffield challenged the decision for goaltender interference, but after a lengthy review the officials upheld the goal, handing Fife the extra league point.
It was a frustrating ending for the Steelers in front of 7,292 supporters after a game in which neither side had been able to take control for long periods.
Fife had opened the scoring in the first period when Zachary Power converted a wrap-around chance at 11:37.
Sheffield responded just under four minutes later.
Ryan Tait helped create the opening before Aatu Aarnio stepped into a shot from the blue line and fired past Dominik Groh, with Tim Gettinger providing the screen in front.
That made it 1-1 and the score remained unchanged through the second period despite chances at both ends.
Greenfield was required to make a number of important saves early in the middle session, while Adam Rockwood, back in the Sheffield line-up, produced one of the home side’s better attacking moments.
The Steelers were also handed a four-minute power play late in the period after captain Robert Dowd was caught by a high stick, but they were unable to capitalise.
Dowd and Dominic Cormier, who had also briefly left the ice after landing awkwardly, both returned for the third period.
Sheffield increased the physical intensity after the break, with Brandon Whistle landing a heavy hit at centre ice, while Leevi Teissala and Olivier Archambault both had chances to put the Steelers ahead.
Groh stood firm, however, and Sheffield were unable to convert another power-play opportunity midway through the period.
Greenfield was also involved in a physical incident when Fife captain Garet Hunt made contact with him in the crease, adding to Sheffield’s frustration.
With neither side able to find a winner in regulation, the game moved into overtime.
Lamppa then struck almost immediately, but the goal was followed by lengthy discussions and a video review.
The Steelers maintained that Greenfield had been impeded and that the net was off its moorings, but the officials ruled that the goal should stand.
Evan Jasper was named Sheffield’s man of the match, while Power took the award for Fife.
The two sides meet again in Kirkcaldy on Sunday evening.