The Sheffield Steelers’ comeback was thwarted when the newly crowned Elite League champions Belfast Giants prevailed Yorkshire News

The game seemed dead and buried with just over 10 minutes to go when GB U-18 international Mack Stewart put the Giants up 4-2.

But a power play effort from Tanner Eberle at 51.36 gave the visitors hope, something they capitalized on even more when Rob Dowd equalized with just 63 seconds remaining in regulation.

But his dynamic efforts proved in vain when Jordan Boucher took advantage of the extra point that was offered to him just over two minutes after extra time.

Previously, the Giants had raised their Premier Sports Challenge Cup flag before the match in front of a crowd of 6,125 at the SEE Arena, the title they won in a penalty shootout in Sheffield last Sunday.

Slater Doggett gave the hosts the lead at 18:31, but Marc-Olivier Vallerand tied it at 28:34 and, although Boucher put the Giants ahead just seven minutes later, Dowd tied it close at 38. :06.

The Giants regained the lead on the power play at 47.42, through Lewis Hook and when Stewart struck shortly after it looked like the game was over.

But the Steelers made sure the home fans endured a few nervous moments before more celebrations followed to commemorate the league title they won in South Yorkshire as well as the Challenge Cup.

Next week, Adam Keefe and his players will take the first steps down the road to what they hope will be a treble as they kick off their play-off campaign.