History was made at the Thunderdome when Sheffield Steeldogs held Lightning to a 0-0 draw in the second leg of the English Premier League Cup semi final.

It was the first time in the 22 year history of the rink that a senior game has ended scoreless – and a far cry from the 27-1 hammering Lightning’s predecessor club, MK Kings, handed out to Oxford City Stars in their British League Division One promotion year in 1994.

Unfortunately the 0-0 draw was no use at all to Lightning who trailed 1-0 from the first leg played in Sheffield the previous week.

Not that it was for want of trying – Lightning dominated long spells of the game but could never unlock Steeldogs’ tight defensive tactics – superbly marshalled by their player coach, Andre Payette.

On the ice Payette did his best to wind up the home side but, for the most part, they were having none of it. However as a coach there are few to compare with the Ontario, Canada, born player in the EPL.

The home side’s best chances of the first period were probably Lewis Christie’s effort when he closed in on the net but saw his shot pushed away and Michael Wales’ drive which was blocked by the goalie, Ben Bowns.

There was an anxious moment early in the second when goalie Barry Hollyhead had to deny Janis Ozolins the chance of a touch in from Pavel Gomeniuk’s blue line blast before Adam Carr twice tested Bowns.

Leigh Jamieson went close towards the end of the session – coming straight out of the penalty box to be set up by Blaz Emersic – but without reward.

Lightning kept up the pressure in the final period with Carr and Adam Brittle, on a wrap around, both being thwarted by Bowns.

There was a blow for the home side in the dying stages as Emersic was forced to retire from the action with a facial injury.

As the game went into its final 50 seconds Hollyhead was withdrawn for the extra skater and soon after Payette was penalised – giving the hosts a six on four advantage. But they still could not find a way through.

That both netminders were their team’s men of the match said much about their influence on the game.

MKL Penalties

4.04 Jamieson, 2 mins, elbows
7.05 Zatopek, 2 mins, hooking
26.20 McPherson, 2 mins, roughing
31.34 Jamison, 2 mins, tripping
34.18 Jamieson, 2 mins, hi sticks
38.22 Wales, 2 mins, roughing
38.27 McPherson, 2 mins, roughing
38.32 Norton, 2 mins, slashing
38.59 Christie, 2 mins, slashing
46.12 Farn, 2 mins, hooking
53.19 Bowers, 2 mins, interference
55.47 Jamieson, 2 mins, charging

Sheffield Penalties

4.04 Payette, 2 mins, holding
13.25 Payette, 2 mins, charging
25.15 Duncombe, 2 mins, slashing
26.20  Payette, 2 mins, roughing
30.00 bench, 2 mins, icing infringement
38.22 Smith, 2 mins, roughing
38.22 Gibson, 2 mins, roughing
38.59 Bebris, 2 mins, slashing
41.55 Sykes, 2 mins, tripping
59.21 Payette, 2 mins, interference

Shots on goal

MKL – Hollyhead – 8, 10, 8 = 26

Sheffield – Bowns – 12, 12, 7 = 31

Referee – Matt Thompson

Linesmen – Nathan Carmichael, Tim Pickett