Overtime home win perfect home start for Blaze

THE Genting Casino Coventry Blaze made their home opener of the 2025/26 season one to remember, edging the Manchester Storm 5-4 in overtime in Challenge Cup action at the Skydome Arena.

- By CRAIG SUMMERTON

Coventry were without forward Artie Buzoberya and defensive duo Connor Russell and Ivan Chukarov, but two-way Brit Billy Thorpe stepped up on the blue-line. First-year netminder Dershahn Stewart got the start for Blaze, opposite Drew DeRidder in the Storm goal.

The home side made a far sharper start than the previous night, striking first at 3.57 when Elijiah Barriga picked out Matthew Gleason in front. The American forward buried his first professional goal to give Blaze the early edge.

Storm hit back before the end of the period, former Blaze forward J.D. Dudek converting a Loren Ulett feed at the far post to level it at 1-1.

After killing off a 2+2 penalty and a 5-on-3 disadvantage, Manchester grabbed the lead at 35.31 when Kaleb Ergang converted a wraparound pass from Brandon Cutler.