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Sheffield Steelers' first ice hockey silverware in four years was "deserved" after a 3-1 Challenge Cup final win over Guildford Flames, says captain and club veteran Robert Dowd.

Dowd, who was also named Great Britain captain earlier this year, lifted his first silverware as skipper since succeeding Jonathan Phillips.

Brien Diffley, Patrick Watling and Mitchell Balmas scored for Sheffield.

"It's special obviously," Dowd told ����ý Radio Sheffield.

"It's a great group in here and Guildford played a great game but we thoroughly deserved that.

"We were very, very good in that first period and obviously solid the next two."

Guildford, who were facing Sheffield on their home ice, responded through Bradley Lalonde, but were beaten in their second Challenge Cup final in five years.

It has been a barren time for Sheffield in recent years, as one of the Elite League's major franchises, with their 2020 Challenge Cup success the last major trophy brought to the city's ice arena.

Their last Elite League title came in 2015-16 and the Play-off Championship in 2017, but head coach Aaron Fox is already hopeful this can be the springboard for more success.

"What a night," Fox said. "It was a huge effort from everybody.

"It's really good, this is why we play the game. I felt we hadn't lived up to expectations the last few years so we appreciate all the support we get from the fans."