Elite league holders Sheffield Steelers began the defence of their title with a 3-1 defeat by Coventry Blaze at the Sheffield Arena on Saturday.

Great Britain international Greg Owen gave the Blaze a first-period lead, sliding the puck past Kevin Reiter.

Jeff Legue levelled for the Steelers in the third period, converting a Rod Sarich pass.

However Owen secured the victory for the Blaze by completing his hat-trick in the third period.

Steelers head coach Dave Matsos told BBC Radio Sheffield his side have some work to do.

"In my mind we cut corners in certain areas, it was stop and start in the defensive zone.

"I think the key to our team is winning the little battles, we're quick and a gritty team when we want to be.

"We were out worked on the walls at both ends of the ice, I feel partly responsible because we looked so disjointed."

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