Sheffield Steelers forward, Brendan Connolly, was named as the Elite League’s ‘Player of the Game’ in Sunday’s Challenge Cup Final in Cardiff.

A highlight reel assist, a penalty shot goal and an all-round workmanlike performance from Connolly led to his award.

Speaking moments after the final buzzer, Connolly said:

“It’s the best feeling in the world. It’s why we play the game, to win championships like these in front of so many of your own fans.”

Since arriving in Sheffield from Glasgow during the off-season, there has been no looking back having already posted 55 points in league play.

It came as no surprise to head coach Aaron Fox that Connolly would become such a fan favourite, knowing exactly what the speedy forward would bring to the side night in, night out.

“I think playing with that emotion and energy is something this team lacked last year. He leaves everything on the ice and I think our fans will fall in love with that part of his game.”

On Sunday afternoon Connolly would look to make the difference between the two sides and did so just 8:34 into the game.

A perfectly timed spin-o-rama move to shrug off Sam Jardine before an inch-perfect backhanded pass found the stick of Marco Vallerand at the backdoor to tap home.

As a key leader on the ice, it was hard to not notice a time when the number 63 wasn’t present. Foxy had placed a lot of faith in his worth seeing plenty of 5on5 time to go with his special team duties on both the PK and powerplay.

Into the second period and after stirring up the Devils supporters after a coming together with Devils’ forward Blair Riley, Connolly got himself on the scoresheet.

After winning the puck back with an aggressive forecheck on the penalty kill, Connolly broke through on Bowns but was taken down on the play by Joey Haddad.

A penalty shot was called and Conns dusted himself down to step up to take the shot, gliding in from the left-hand side and releasing a wicked wrist-shot into the top corner.

On playing such an influential role in the biggest game of the 2019/20 season so far, he said:

These are big games and you just want to contribute as best you can. To win a trophy here in Cardiff on their ice, is extra special