New Coventry Blaze coach Chuck Weber got to watch the Blaze in action for the first time but they were beaten 3-2 at Edinburgh Capitals.
The Blaze took the lead through player/coach Steve Goertzen on 7.46, assisted by O'Marra and Rawlyk and it was two on 30.24 when O'Marra netted with a goal on the powerplay, assisted by Goertzen and Rawlyk.
Edinburgh came back with a Steel goal on 33.34 and less than two minutes later, the Scottish side were level through Rix.
The game looked to be heading for over-time but on 57.52, Portwood scored to send the Blaze to a 3-2 defeat.