Friday 29 November 2013

Poll Results - Music At The Arena? + New Poll

Earlier this week, we asked you if you would like to try a game without the interruption of music during breaks in play, in order to get chants going and build up some organic noise in the arena. Judging by the low turnout, I presume it isn't much of an issue to most fans due to a low turnout, but out of those who voted, 66% said they would like to try a game without background music, and try to create a natural atmosphere. A bigger turnout, and it may have been worth mentioning the results to the club.

Our next topic.

On Wednesday night, I suggested we need a change, and speculated what the change was that we need. Well now I'm asking you.

The poll is now live on the desktop version of the site. Go onto a PC/Laptop/Mac, or select View Full Site on a mobile device, and register your vote. We want to hear from you!

Thursday 28 November 2013

Steelers releases!! Were they the right decision??

As were just about to go into the fourth month of the season what can we say other than its been a very inconsistent season for the Sheffield Steelers. Some people may argue this is one of the worst teams we've had in a long time but I completely disagree I think its one of the best teams we've had in awhile. In my eyes Doug Christiansen is putting his own stamp on the club which he said he would do and yeah were struggling to put a run together and take all four points on a weekend and been settling for two out four pretty much every weekend of the season so far but you try running a team that has had as many injuries as we have we was without 3 defenders for how many weeks one who is still out, the best backup goalie in the league hasn't even seen a match night yet, and then you look at Maxime Lacroix who unfortunately was ruled out in Nottingham back in September for 4-5 months with a broken leg and before he got injured he was outstanding and looked like he was going to be the top point scorer for the Steelers if not the Elite League, and so far we get a player back and another goes off injured. We've had to bring in Ilpo Salmivirta mid season who has since been released along with with Rylan Galiardi who was with Sheffield in Pre-Season we have also had to bring in Nate DeCasmirro, Robert Sirianni and Phil Hill mid season to fill up the team sheet because of injured basically what I want to talk about is whether releasing Rylan or Ilpo or if not both of them was the wrong decision.

We all know Rylan Galiardi did a hell of a lot of travel to meet up with his team mates in pre-season out in Europe I think it was like 26 hours of straight travelling, when Rylan was signed his stats look promising and I thought yes he could be a big player for us especially after Ryan Menei had pulled out of his contract due to family reasons but every time I saw Rylan play in a competitive match and I think I saw just about all 12 of his games he just never seemed to be the player a lot of people expected of him as some people would say but I thought (2+7) in 12 games I didn't think was bad but I do have to agree he just never seemed to fit into any of the lines and if I look at the line up now I don't think there is anyone you could take out to play him other than Phil Hill but if were being completely honest as soon as Lacroix is fit enough to play he will be back in that top line. I was one of the unlucky fans who got #39 Galiardi on my home jersey and I'd be lying if i said I wasn't gutted when he got released but looking on it now it was probably the right decision; yes he might have improved massively and start racking up the points but at the time of his release it was a case of he wasn't better than we already had and someone had to go unfortunately.

Now when it comes to Ilpo Salmivirta it didn't take him long to become a fan favourite but it wasn't a case of the Sheffield Steelers didn't want him it was a case of he was offered a better contract at Amiens in the French league, could we have done more to convince him to stay in Sheffield yes probably because the fans certainly wanted him to stay especially when he was on that line along with DeCasmirro and Sirianni accumulating 8 points in 8 games (0+8) yeah Ilpo didn't manage to score but he was getting closer and closer each game and it had been a long time since I've seen someone play so hard for the shirt. Ilpo was definatly a big loss for the Steelers and you could say that Nate and Rob haven't been the same without him but what about Rob Dowd?? since he joined them to on a line its been pretty explosive racking up points.

So guys what do you think when it came to Rylan Galiardi and Ilpo Samivirta leaving the Sheffield Steelers?

Was it a good thing or a bad thing lets hear you views get in contact on twitter @FrozenSteelBlog or on Facebook at Frozen Steel Blog or contact us by email at frozen.steel.91@gmail.com

Thanks for Reading guys don't forget to get in contact

Tom
@Tomwalkeden

Weekend Preview 29+30 November, 1+3 December 2013

Welcome back to the weekend preview! We've made our second week, which is remarkable considering some of the content we've been producing. Thank you all for reading, and making it worthwhile!

Now, onto the weekend's action.

Team News

  • No news has come out of the club on the status of Robert Dowd and Dustin Kohn, both of whom missed last weekend. While it wouldn't be a surprise for either of them to be missing, also don't be too shocked if they ice. This is where some communication from the club would be wonderful.
  • Long-term absentees Geoff Woolhouse and Max Lacroix remain on the sidelines. The latest rumours passed on have Lacroix's return at late February, which will be well timed for the playoffs.
  • "Club legend" (copyright Bob Westerdale) Jeff Legue is on 499 points in the Elite League, needing one to join the very exclusive 500 club. I hope to be present for it on Saturday.
Onto the game previews!


Saturday 30th November - Hull Stingrays Vs Sheffield Steelers (Challenge Cup Group B) (vs Stingrays this season 1-0-0)

If ever there was the definition of a dead rubber, this is it. Hull cannot improve on their fourth place position, regardless of the result. The Steelers can only go up a place, to second, if there is a 7 goal swing with Cardiff, whose final game is a trip to the NIC. So it's very hard to predict what is going to happen. Will there be experimentation? Will backup goalies be deployed? Will we have a working powerplay?!?!?!

Best not get ahead of myself.

As long as they put the effort in, and give a good showing to the large Steelers following that will be travelling up the M18 (or down the Wolds road in my case) thanks to a great discount offer from the Stingrays, then I think there won't be too many grumblings about the result, with nothing to play for.

Liam's Prediction - A Game Of Hockey Will Be Played In The Right Spirit And People Will Be Entertained...Maybe....Failing That, 3-1 Steelers

Sunday 1st December - Sheffield Steelers Vs Fife Flyers (Elite League) (vs Flyers this season - 2-1-0)

So its a Sunday game. At the Motorpoint. Against a team that's already beaten us at home this season. Worried? Don't worry, I am too.

In our Opposition Bench feature, Flyers fan Laura Duff does not hold much hope out for the game, and in theory this should be easy for us. But again, its a Sunday at the Arena. We should win. But will we? Maybe if we give Hull a proper hammering, at a canter, then it might give them the confidence to actually go on and win a Sunday game.

Liam's Prediction - Sheffielf Steelers 3-1 Fife Flyers

Elsewhere around the league...

Friday night sees the Coventry Blaze making the trip to Tayside to take on the Dundee Stars (EL), where injury problems are finally catching up with the Stars after their stellar start. Depending how many bodies they have back, they could still be too much for the Blaze, but I expect the visitors to be all guns blazing (didn't mean that as a pun, sorry) after two narrow defeats to Belfast last weekend.

From there, the Blaze travel to Kirkcaldy to take on the Flyers (EL), and I see that being a slightly easier affair for Coventry, against a Fife side who by their own admission have not reached their expectations this season. They then round their Scotland weekend off with a visit to Murrayfield, to take on the resurgent Edinburgh Capitals (EL). I can see this going either way - Edinburgh have been very impressive of late, but if Coventry win both games as I expect them to, then they may carry that momentum on.

The previous night, the Caps visit the second city of Scotland, and tackle a Braehead Clan (EL/GC) side who are simply storming along right now, and I would expect nothing less than 2 points for Finner's purple army.

Sunday then sees the Clan travel south to take in the capital of culture, and play the Stingrays (EL/GC), where I expect the freight train to keep rolling with minimal resistance, and that is not a slight on Hull. Sunday also sees the Stars entertain the Belfast Giants (EL/CC), where a win would see the Giants finish top of Group A and seal a quarter final with Hull. You'd expect a Belfast win, but again it depends how many bodies are back for the Stars.

The two other weekend games are a double header between the Nottingham Panthers, fresh from their Continental Cup exploits (great showing chaps, shame about the result but you gave a good account of yourselves), and the 'deep in crisis, meddled with, messed up' (yet still managed to beat the Steelers....) Cardiff Devils. Saturday (EL/EC), Aaron Murphy and his Premier Sports crew take the cameras into the Big Blue Tent, where I expect a tight game to be separated by a late Cardiff winner (just a hunch). Sunday (EL/EC/CC), I think the Panthers will have their revenge and give the Devils a walloping.

One more game in this gameweek, and it should be a corker as the Panthers welcome the Giants into the NIC on Tuesday night. I don't think it will be particularly high scoring, but I think it'd be a great game to watch, with the Giants coming out on top.

Got a prediction for the weekend? Going to a game? Want to call me a fool and idiotic for my ideas? Get in touch. Send them all to @FrozenSteelBlog, or email us at frozen.steel.91@gmail.com.

If you're going to a game, enjoy it. If you're not, shame on you. Best be watching Premier...

Take Care

Liam
@IAmMcCausland

Wednesday 27 November 2013

A Change Is Needed - But Who For?

Three months in, it is obvious that a change is needed at the Sheffield Steelers.

The question is, where is it needed?

Do we need a change in the squad? Some players have been accused of being lazy, others of not seeming committed to the cause, others of just not being good enough. The club hyped these players as being the best squad in the league, and they are playing like anything but. Do we need a fresh influx of talent? Do we need to drop the deadwood?

Or do we need a change behind the bench? Have Christiansen's ideas been that much found out? Certainly their powerplay systems leave a lot to be desired. Lefebvre's attempts at coaching a D do not seem to be going well. Are their over-complicated systems stifling the players' natural talents? Are they failing to motivate the players to do their jobs properly? Do we need to axe the men in charge, and bring in a new coaching team with fresh ideas and better people skills?

Or do we, as fans, need to get off our high horse and accept the team is not that good? The sheer arrogance of Sheffield fans is why other teams laugh at us when we don't win the league like we say we will every year - and we haven't since 2011 remember - or when we get knocked out of the playoffs before we ever make it to the NIC. The PR machine says we have the best team, the fans roll over and go 'yeah! We have the best team! We will win the league!' And instead of accepting that we're wrong, and that the team isn't that good, we blame everyone else. The refs are in other team's pockets, or the league doesn't want us to win. We'd rather imagine up conspiracy theories than accept our limitations. Maybe, just maybe, we need to take a look at the squad and accept we are where we are because thats where we deserve to be.

What do I think? There are two better teams than us in the league. One in teal, the other in purple. And for different reasons, they are laughing their heads off at us.

What do you think?

@frozensteelblog
frozen.steel.91@gmail.com

The Opposition Bench - Steelers vs Flyers (EIHL 1/12/13)

To continue our new feature, we spoke to Fife fan Laura Duff (@hockey_laura) to look ahead to Sunday's game at the Motorpoint.

Things haven't quite clicked this season for the Flyers, what would you say has been the main problem?

Recruitment has been a big issue for us this season, guys we wanted to return from last season didn't and we left it too late to find suitable replacements. Don't get me wrong, we have brought in some fantastic signings but several of the players are not performing the way in which the coaches expected them to.

Barring any cup meetings, this will be the last time the Steelers meet the Flyers this season. Do you enjoy games with the Steelers?

I have to say i enjoy playing all the games with each team in the league, games against Dundee stand out for rivalry but its always good to be up against bigger budget southern teams to see how you shape up against them.

Which Fife players should we be particularly wary of?

Derek Roehl and Jordan Fulton have been too solid forwards we have brought in. Roehl is very quick and skilful with the puck, and Fulton is a gritty player with good strength who can finish. In D our new signing Kyle Haines looks good, impressed last Saturday in Braehead, good movement and a great shot.

Anybody from the Steelers that worries you?

Legue! Fantastic player for the Steelers has been for years, always a threat.

How do you think both clubs will do for the rest of the season?

I think both will do ok league wise. If the Flyers can make another couple of changes very soon then I'm sure we can turn start to turn our season around a bit and challenge for the conference. Steelers will be up there for league contenders but Belfast look like the team to beat so far. Playoffs and Challenge cup - its hard to say, all depends on draws and team fitness.

Prediction for Sunday?

Unfortunately I can't see us repeating the scoreline of last month down in Sheffield with our current run of form, so my prediction for the game is a 4-1 win for the Steelers!

A big thanks to Laura for helping us out. Follow her on Twitter for updates from most (if not all) Fife Flyers home games.

Tuesday 26 November 2013

The Opposition Bench - Steelers @ Hull Stingrays (CC 30/11/13)

Ahead of this Saturday's Challenge Cup tie, we spoke to Jonathan Fearnley (@JJFearnley), commentator of the Stingrays' webcast, about the Steelers' trip to Humberside.

How has the season gone for the Stingrays so far? Have things settled down post-Campbell?
In the absence of Campbell the Stingrays have been short of options and the lines have been consistent as a result. After a poor run in the immediate aftermath of the Campbell incident the team managed to find its scoring touch and picked up some impressive wins. It's the unimpressive defeats, 2 at home to Dundee, home and away v Edinburgh and two at home to Cardiff that stand out as games that shouldn't have gone the way they did. At their best Bowns is a game saver who can be called upon to make 40+ saves per night and the Rays have too much offensive speed for opponents to deal with. At their worst all those shots fly past Bowns and the 
offence skates into trouble and can't pass their way into scoring position.

The Challenge Cup group has been kind to Hull the past couple of years. Any particular reason for this?
A group of Nottingham, Sheffield, Coventry and Cardiff is kind, is it? The Stingrays had no points from their first 5 CC games and were 3-0 down after the first period of game 6 but managed to go through with a game to spare. Making it through with just 3 points (which they will if they lose to Sheffield) says more about Coventry's futility in this competition than it does for the Stingrays.

It's a great achievement for the Stingrays to make it out of this group 2 years running but a quarter final, probably against Belfast, is where this run will end in all likelihood. Cloutier and the boys won't mind too much if that's the case. Winning the Gardiner Conference is the team's main aim. The game on Sunday at home to Braehead is immeasurably huge compared to the Sheffield game. It might be the most important Rays game of the season so far.

Other than the always dangerous Tendler, anyone that will give the Steelers nightmares?
Guillaume Doucet is the man to watch. Speedy, good hands, good finisher. He's been playing with Jason Silverthorn and Carl Lauzon and they've built up a good rapport over the last few weeks. It's not all about the Tendler line any more. The Stingrays have 2 lines that can score on any given shift. Also keep an eye on Omar Pacha joining the rush from 
defence

Jamie Chilcott is a young Brit D-man, back in Hull after a spell in north America. He's very quietly been solid for the Stingrays and, like Paul Swindlehurst at Dundee, has got absolutely no publicity or recognition from fans of other teams for his level of play. After the Phillips brothers and Steve Lee he's the next Hull defenceman off the production line and could well follow their skate tracks into the GB team in the near future. 

Is there anyone on the Steelers roster that the Stingrays should be wary of?
At home to Belfast a couple of weeks ago the Stingrays just couldn't get the puck off them. Given the way the Dowd-Sirianni-DiCasmirro line likes to keep possession we might see more of the same. I could see them having lots of possession in the game and lots of shots from the outside. Hull give up a lot of shots but Cloutier doesn't mind too much if they're from 'bad' areas. Sheffield will need to find a way to get quality shots away from the slot and from close range. If they do then they should win with room to spare.

Hull's 3rd line of Squires-Mariani-Chamberlain isn't going to set the world on fire. Hard working and reliable, yes, but not much of an offensive threat. Kyle Mariani is a D-man filling in as a centre in the absence of Campbell. Between the three of them they are 1+5 - that's not much when you consider the ice time they get. If they can keep the Steelers 3rd line Brits (Hewitt, Phillips, Nell, Hill) off the scoreboard they'll consider that job done and hope the top two lines can outscore their counter parts.

Any predictions?
This game doesn't matter. Hull need the win to give the home fans something to cheer, Sheffield just want to avoid another slip up against a Gardiner opponent. In truth, the narrative of these teams' weekends will only be known after Sunday's games. The Steelers must beat Fife and beat them well, the Stingrays must beat Braehead at home to keep their season on track and the Gardiner title as a 
realistic prospect. If either team had a recognised and reliable back up we'd see them in goal I'm sure, but in a game where fringe skaters might get more ice time than usual the Steelers depth in that department should help them through. They are a better team and should take this one by a couple of goals, although it won't answer any of the questions hanging over either team.

You can purchase discounted tickets for the game - details here:  http://hullstingrays.net/article/90/5%20days%20of%20Discount
Alternatively, you can watch the webcast - with commentary by Jonathan - by visiting this link: http://hullstingrays.net/live.php
Huge thanks to Jonathan for such an in-depth response.

Monday 25 November 2013

Poll Results - Bring Back Farmer? - Next Poll Details

Poll Results - Bring Back Farmer?

Thank you to everyone who voted on our first poll, it helped to create a little sense of community on the site, and I hope that everyone will participate in the next one.

Onto the results.

We asked you if we should bring back Robert Farmer, after his release by the Alaska Aces of the ECHL.

The majority of voters (55%) wanted to bring him back, but the vote was split in what capacity he should be brought back in, whether at any cost, to replace somebody else or if a good deal could be made. All of which means, that with 45%, the winner of the poll is to NOT sign him, and leave the team as it is.

Of course, we have zero say on the matter, and there's no evidence to show that Doug has even looked at him - although personally I would advise him to at least take a look

Our Next Poll - Break In Play Music?
Our next poll is at the suggestion of @Steelers_Memes on Twitter, following on from my article last week about the atmosphere at the Arena. One of the points raised while discussing the piece was that when chants get going, the powers that be cut across them with loud, unrelated music. Personally, I have lost track of the times that I have started one chant going, only for Carnival De Paris to be blasted out over the PA. So the idea is this.
At the Boxing Day game with the great unwashed from near Derby, there is no break in play music to be used. Use music only for introductions and the home goal horn.
And we want your opinion on this! The poll is on all pages on the blog, which makes it easier to vote. You have until 23:59 on Wednesday 27th November to vote.

Please note we have no actual say in what happens, but if enough people show a liking for the idea, we could maybe approach the club with it.

Thank you to everyone for your continued support of the site, it's taken off better than I expected.

Liam
@IAmMcCausland

Sunday 24 November 2013

Elite League Results And Standings 24/11/2013

Saturday 23rd November 2013
Braehead Clan 7-4 Fife Flyers (Lea/Cup/Con)
Coventry Blaze 2-3 Belfast Giants (Lea/Con)
Hull Stingrays 1-4 Cardiff Devils (Lea)
Sheffield Steelers 4-1 Dundee Stars (Lea)

Sunday 24th November 2013
Cardiff Devils 3-1 Sheffield Steelers (Lea/Con)
Coventry Blaze 2-3 Belfast Giants (APS) (Lea/Con)
Edinburgh Capitals 5-3 Hull Stingrays (Lea/Con)
Fife Flyers 0-4 Braehead Clan (Lea/Con)

ELITE LEAGUE TABLE
Thanks to @ConfErhardt on Twitter
ERHARDT CONFERENCE TABLE
Thanks to @ConfErhardt on Twitter
GARDINER CONFERENCE TABLE
Thanks to @Clanstats on Twitter

Devils and Steelers Battle for a Four Point Weekend: Match Report

Sunday 24th November 2013 - Cardiff Devils (5-10-1) v Sheffield Steelers (10-6-2) @ Cardiff Arena. Face off: 6.45pm

Its been a mixed season so far for both the Cardiff Devils and the Sheffield Steelers neither have had many four point weekends yet but one of them is guaranteed one this weekend. with all the off-ice problems in Cardiff in the last few weeks the Devils would still manage to win in Hull on Saturday evening with a convincing scorline of 4-1 with goals from Matthew Myers, Jake Morrisette, Tomas Kurka and Mac Faulkner as the Devils would out shoot the Stingrays 20-7. The players to watch for the Devils are Dan Lacosta, Matthew Myers and as always the ever dangerous Mac Faulkner. The Steelers would love a four point weekend at this point of the season after defeating arch rivals the Nottingham Panthers last Saturday at home and then conceding 5 goals to them on the Sunday in the final period to lose 6-1 the Sheffield Steelers will definalty be looking to put that to the back of their minds by securing another two points after being the Dundee Stars 4-1 at Ice Sheffield on Saturday night. The Steelers would out shoot the Stars 39-16 and would more than deserve the points especially now the power play is beginning to click, goals Jeff Legue who would score two power play goals as well as Rob Sirianni as the Steelers would go 3/6 on the man advantage and then Aaron Nell would wrap up the scoring with an even strength goal midway through the third period. Now the players to watch for the Sheffield Steelers are Jeff Legue who is one point away from his 500th Elite League point, Rob Sirianni, Stefan Meyer, Drew Fata and captain Steven Geortzen. My Prediction for this game will be for a Sheffield Steelers victory.

1st Period starts with Dan Lacosta in goal for the Devils and Frank Doyle in between the pipes for the Steelers, The Steelers would be without Kohn and Dowd tonight and off-course Lacroix who isn't back till the new year, Steelers would start fast as Sirianni would get through on goal and force a good save out of Lacosta after 10 seconds but it would be the Steelers that would take the first penalty of the night as Mark Thomas would get called for tripping at 00:40, the power play would be successfully killed along with a big hit from Phil Hill on a Cardiff Devil as he returns to the big blue tent for the first time since being released possibly with a point to prove. The hosts would take the lead though on 03:12 when Devils Captain Mac Faulker would receive the puck from Tomas Kurka to back hand it into an empty net. Sheffield would have the opportunity to hit back straight away on the power play as Chris Blight went for tripping on 03:49 but a fantastic kill from the Devils as they would block shots and take away as many shooting opportunities as possible. Steelers would get another power play but it wouldn't last long as Steelers would be called for too many men and we'd go to 4 on 4 hockey. There would be an incident on the ice involving Tim Spencer now I'm not entirely sure what went on but Gord Baldwin would eventually go for holding of the stick but what ever happened Spencer wasn't happy about it. Steelers would try their best to create offence along with a power play opportunity that would end up as 4 on 4 hockey again but once both teams were back to full strength a goal created by Langlais would be pocked in by Stefan Meyer to level the score at 17:38. poor a discipline by the Steelers throughout the 1st period as on 18:04 gifted the Devils with a 5th power play opportunity but the period would end all square.

2nd Period started with Devils still on the power play and it was successfully killed and Steelers would create some strong attacking play and would want a goal but Darnell said no goal as I believe the net was of its moorings, end to end stuff so far throughout the first and second period and a strange moment occurred when the puck would bobble along the crossbar and almost bounce in but Frank Doyle would cover up for a face off. Cardiff would break 2 on 1 and Frank Doyle would turn up with a big chest save and then Spencer and Plumpton would have words with each other while their both on the way back to their respective benches. Stefan Meyer playing very well and skating hard would try and take the lead of the Steelers but Lacosta would cover up the puck, Doug Christiansen must want more physicality in the Steelers game while the Steelers have been getting physical finishing of hits with a big one from Drew Fata as he put Ben Davies on the floor. Sheffield would be let of the hook when Gord Baldwin falls to let Matthew Myers in on goal and he dekes Doyle and has an empty net but would some how be miss the opportunity to give the hosts the lead. Steelers would get the only PP of the period at 30:42 as Tyson Marsh would go for Boarding and it would be an excellent penalty kill the Devils. The rest of the period would go without incident with Doyle and Lacosta both having to make good saves but the 2nd Period would finish all square again.

3rd Period got underway with the same intensity as the rest of the game so far and Mac Faulkner would put the first shot of the period wide, it would soon be followed up by a big glove save straight of a face off from a Chad Langlais shot on Dan Lacosta. Steelers would have a lot of puck possession in the early stages of the third period but Cardiff would defend extremely well taking away shooting lanes, the game would start getting feisty with lots of hit flying in and a coming together with Brad Plumpton having words with ex teammate Phil Hill, Frank Doyle would carry on to keep Sheffield in the game saving several shots while on the floor with Cardiff beginning to control the game and would get one more power play opportunity as Legue would get called for hooking, at 51:01 a call which he wasn't impressed with but the Devils wouldn't be able to make it count. There would be a time when Doyle was sliding across the crease and take the net of its moorings but even the commentators were talking about how the net at the cafeteria end comes of its moorings a lot easier than the other net. Doyle would continue to keep Steelers in the game but at 57:17 Jake Morrisette would wrist one in front of goal to give Cardiff the lead with under three minutes remaining, Steelers would take a timeout with 44 seconds left and pull Frank Doyle and play 6v5 at the hope of nicking a draw but Chris Blight would get possession in the neutral zone and shoot into the empty goal at 59:45 to give the Devils a 3-1 victory over the Sheffield Steelers.

FINAL SCORE: Cardiff Devils 3-1 Sheffield Steelers

Boxscore (1st-2nd-3rd-[PIM]-{PP}-S)
Cardiff -    1-0-2-[8]-{0/6}-28
Sheffield - 1-0-0-[12]-{0/4}-31

So it's the Cardiff Devils that take a four point weekend as once again the Sheffield Steelers have to settle for a two point weekend, Chad Langlais picked up the Man of the Match award for the Sheffield Steelers and Chris Blight would receive the award for the Cardiff Devils. Next up for the Cardiff Devils is the Nottingham Panthers home and away next weekend while the Steelers travel to Hull on Saturday and then face the Fife Flyers at the Motorpoint Arena on Sunday.

Thanks for reading guys. Any questions or comments get in contact via Twitter or Email me at Tomwalkeden@gmail.com

Tom
@TomWalkeden

Sheffield 4-1 Dundee - Steelers Shoot Down The Stars

Rob Sirianni returned to form, Jeff Legue moved to within a point of the 500 club last night, scoring 2+1 as Sheffield put the Dundee Stars to the sword 4-1 at Ice Sheffield last night.

It was a night of things finally clicking for the Steelers, with Sirianni notching 4 points, the team converting 3 powerplay chances, and Frank Doyle only facing 16 shots all night.

It was also an impressive performance without the attacking talent of Robert Dowd, and the continued absence of Dustin Kohn.

Stefan Meyer returned to the lineup, and those at the game commented on how impressive he was throughout.

Legue opened the scoring at 15:53, converting a powerplay chance with assists from Nate Dicasmirro and Sirianni.

#71 made it two after 38 seconds of the second, with assists coming from Legue and Dicasmirro, again on the powerplay.

Nico Sacchetti pulled one back for Dundee at 23:12, but 6 minutes later Legue converted yet another powerplay opportunity, with another assist by Sirianni, and Chad Langlais providing the second.

Aaron Nell completed the scoring at 50:45, finishing off a 2 on 1, with assists from both Dicasmirro and Sirianni, capping off an impressive night for the ex-Italian imports.

FINAL SCORE - Sheffield Steelers 4-1 Dundee Stars

Boxscore (1st-2nd-3rd-[PIM]-{PP}
Sheffield - 1-2-1-[6]-{3/6}
Dundee - 0-1-1-[12]-{0/3}

3 Steelers Stars
#71 Rob Sirianni - 1G 3A 4Pts
#11 Jeff Legue - 2G 1A 3Pts
#13 Nate Dicasmirro - 0G 3A 3Pts

Saturday 23 November 2013

Premier Off With A Bang

While the Steelers were putting the Stars to the sword, and the majority of the nation was glued to the blue phone box on the TV, Premier Sports began their live coverage of the Elite League at the Skydome, as Coventry hosted the Belfast Giants. I'm not going to do a match report for the game, because quite frankly I can't remember the majority of what happened. It was a cracking game to start with though, with prolonged powerplay periods of tension, the underdog making the comeback, a late winner, and lots of entertainment. It was a good first pick. What I will report on, is the overall show. And what a show it was.

The show started at 6:15 with Aaron Murphy reporting to camera, introducing the show. He then did commentary over all the week's highlights - well at least all the highlights that got submitted to the show. As much as I didn't want to relive the 6-1 thrashing last weekend, it probably belonged on this segment, and its absence was noticeable. What was on show, though, was very well presented. The quality wasn't pristine HD, but until every club gets an oligarch its not going to be. Use the tools you have to the best of your ability, and that was done tonight.

The in-game presentation was equally well done. Murphy clearly has a vast knowledge of the sport, and a good knowledge of the league. His assistant, Benn Olson, was a good colour analyst, who did not seem too biased, even with his Blaze allegiance. Credit to Paul Wheeler too, who held his own conducting rinkside interviews.

The only real dark spot was when they were going around the league with the scores. They had us LOSING 3-1.

A minor blip though. A great presentation that will only grow with experience and age. I fully recommend it.

Liam
@IAmMcCausland

Wanted - Your Tweeted Game Reports

What's the point of a fansite if the fans aren't a part of it?

Are you going to a game this weekend?

Are you pouring into Ice Sheffield tonight to see the Steelers host the Stars?

Are you braving the Sunday evening trip to Cardiff?

If so, we want to hear from you!

Simply go onto Twitter, and send us your match report, starting with @FrozenSteelBlog.

We'll publish the best at the end of the weekend.

Frozen Steel Meets #1 - Send Us Your Questions

At Frozen Steel, we feel that we are here for you. We exist to be a voice for Steelers fans, and we bring the fans what you want to see. I think we've done well with this.

Ladies and gentlemen, the first player to face the Frozen Steel Meets hotseat is this man:

Photo Courtesy of sheffieldsteelers.co.uk
That's right, our first interview will be with #22, Chris 'The Tank' Frank.

And we want your questions.

If there's anything you've ever wanted to ask Chris, or have an inquisitive mind, then here's your chance.

Email your questions to frozen.steel.91@gmail.com with the subject header "Question For Frank."

Please just email questions - do not tweet them - thank you.

I will collect all the questions, and select the best ones to ask Chris next week.

I'm hoping this will be the first of many to come.

Liam
@IAmMcCausland

Friday 22 November 2013

Okey Not Okay With Latest Outburst

Apologies for the terrible headline...

Another week, another controversy coming from the business side of the Sheffield Steelers. This week's edition of Face Off Thursday on Mansfield 103.2 saw Mike O'Connor accuse referee Mike Hicks of having a conflict of interest when officiating games of the Nottingham Panthers, as he holds the shirt contract for the Panthers as owner of CH Sports.

The accusation comes from the amount of penalties he gave against the Steelers in the final period on Sunday, when our own discipline let us down and led to the 0-5 final period capitulation. O'Connor feels that Hicks should never be put in the sort of position where accusations can be thrown against him.

What is it about people in glass houses shouldn't throw stones?

I'm going to try to put some points across now, just calling it as I see it. Bear in mind that I am a Sheffield Steelers fan - in fact I'm a sponsor (minor sponsor, but still).

  • Two Panthers players were kicked out on Sunday, the second of which is still an issue of contention for Nottingham fans. If Hicks was biased towards the Panthers, he had a funny way of showing it.
  • There was no perceived conflict of interest from within the Steelers when 'Mr Wonderful' Paul Ragan owned both Sheffield and Cardiff.
  • There's no perceived conflict of interest from within the club at Tony Smith being both the owner of the Steelers and the Chairman of the Elite League.
I presume we're working off the theory that Smith doesn't abuse his position in the league to benefit the Steelers, and it certainly does not appear that way.  But sometimes accusations of the like are made, and understandably so.

The difference is, those sort of accusations are often made in the stands, or post-game in the pub, by fans. Not by club officials, on the radio (where clear evidence of what you said is there plain as day), in an official capacity. Why would you go out and say such a thing on the radio?

I wish it was the first time, but most times that our club officials wear the "club representative" hat, it seems to have a D on it, whether that be O'Connor or Simms.

I don't really know what to suggest. I certainly don't think Hicks has any vested interest in the success of the Panthers - I just think he's a pretty poor referee. If the Steelers were to start some sort of campaign to remove Hicks from his position, then Tony Smith would surely have to stand down too. And I don't see that happening.

My suggestion? Send the Steelers PR machine on a course to actually learn Public Relations to stop things like this happening. Failing that, we could use our superb medical relationship to get them that foot-from-mouth removal surgery that seems appropriate.

Any opinions? Email frozen.steel.91@gmail.com or tweet us @FrozenSteelBlog

Liam
@IAmMcCausland

Thursday 21 November 2013

Panthers in Europe

It was just under a week ago when the biggest and best rivalry in the Elite League took place when the Sheffield Steelers and the Nottingham Panthers played in a double header with Steelers taking the points on the Saturday at the Motorpoint Arena after a 5-3 victory before Panthers took their revenge the following day in Nottingham 6-1 in the NIC, both games were without incident and left so many talking points, However this weekend rivalries are put a side as Nottingham go to Italy to represent the UK in the 3rd round of the Continental Cup after successfully making it through round 2 in Nottingham back in October.

Panthers leave for Italy (Image Courtesy of Nottingham Panthers
As I understand Nottingham left for Italy this morning with a full roster including previously injured Craig Kowalski and Eric Werner who will be assessed before the game the only player I know hasn't travelled is Bob Wren who broke his leg.

Nottingham begin their Italy weekend on Friday when they take on Russian side Toros Neftekamsk at 4pm UK time, I think this is one of three games that Nottingham has the best chance of picking points up and to do well in the Continental Cup as Steelers found out the hard way a few years is that it really helps to start with a win. For Nottingham to do especially well on this trip it would help if first choice netminder Craig Kowalski is fit enough to play as he gives his team the opportunity to win every time he's on his game. I'll go for a Nottingham Panthers victory on Friday to kick them off in style.

Saturday see the Panthers hit the Ice in their second game of the tournament against Yertis Pavlodar who play in the top flight of the Kazakhstan Hockey Championship. This game gets going at 4pm UK time and I think its a game where Nottingham will have their first real test and will be a one goal game decided in regulation if not without the help of overtime and penalty shots. If Nottingham are to get past Yertis they need to hope Kowalski or Conway is on form and the likes of Francis, Clarke, Lachowicz, Benedict and Lee also need to be on their best form, Yertis is a winnable game for Panthers but are both respectively good teams but my prediction is for Pavlodar to edge it in Overtime.

Nottingham finish their Italian trip against the hosts HC Asiago at 7.30pm UK time, If Nottingham are to advance this is a must win game as I expect Asiago to have won both of their previous games and top the standings on 4 points, it will be a big team effort but I honestly think Corey Neilson has the squad capable of doing well this weekend but has to to control Henley after his outburst last weekend and use him smartly to bully the likes of Asiago's top liners. Asiago are a much improved squad from the team that beat the Steelers after Penalty shots back in 2011/2012.

I'd like to wish the Nottingham Panthers the best of luck for this weekend and hope they do British Ice Hockey proud.

Thanks for reading guys. Any questions or comments get in contact via Twitter or Email me at Tomwalkeden@gmail.com

Tom
@TomWalkeden

Weekend Preview 23/24 November 2013

This is the start of a regular feature on Frozen Steel, where staff members will preview the weekend's action. This week, I shall start with the boys in orange.

Injury News

  • "Every Sister's Favourite Player" Robert Dowd is expected to be out for at least a few weeks after the bad hit from Tuukka Makela on Sunday left him with concussion. We wish Dowdy all the best.
  • The status of Jeff Legue is up in the air, after he reportedly left the NIC with an injury. However, the club is being particularly quiet with information on him, and hopefully that means he will be fit for the weekend. They may release some information after this has been published.
  • No news on Dustin Kohn, who has missed the last three games through injury. He only iced 19 times for his team due to injury last year, which may be an indication of how he ended up in the Elite League.
  • Stefan Meyer was reportedly close to a comeback last weekend, so should be in contention to start this weekend, after missing the last four games. However, a report in today's Star suggests that he may still be absent, so we shall see.
  • Max Lacroix and Geoff Woolhouse remain on the long term injured list.

Saturday 23rd - Sheffield Steelers vs Dundee Stars (vs Stars this season - 1-1-0)
Saturday sees the Steelers take to Ice Sheffield to entertain Dundee. A lot of talk has gone on this year about the Steelers home form, and how much of a Jekyll and Hyde side they are. I would say, this week, it is not a case of which Steelers team turns up, but how well this man plays.

Photo Courtesy of DundeeStars.com
Dan Bakala has been a revelation in goal for the Stars, and if he turns up, the Steelers will be in trouble.

The good work done at the Arena feels like it was undone again in the NIC, and the boys will have to pick themselves back up off the floor. Can they do it? I wouldn't like to put any money on it either way. Hopefully, if both Meyer and Kohn return, it will offset the loss of Dowd (and potentially Legue), but again its tough to predict whether the Steelers will show up. I'll be optimistic.

Liam's Prediction: Sheffield Steelers 2 -1 Dundee Stars

Sunday 24th - Cardiff Devils vs Sheffield Steelers (vs Devils this season - 2-1-0)

A trip to our delightful former owner, and the wonderful residents of the Welsh capital beckons on Sunday, as the Steelers visit Cardiff for the first time since Gerad Adams was given a made up job and Brent Pope took over coaching duties. The Devils have gone on a four game losing streak since beating Belfast in the Odyssey at the start of the month, but it would be typical Sheffield hospitality if we gave them the opportunity to snap the streak - they play Hull on Saturday night having already lost to them a fortnight ago.

We do seem to play better on the road, and the Devils just have not clicked at all this year - a 4-3 win at the Motorpoint being one of the high points of their campaign. For once, and I am likely to be proved wrong here, I cannot see anything but a 2 point game for us.

Liam's Prediction: Cardiff Devils 1 - 3 Sheffield Steelers

I realise that means I'm predicting a four point weekend, but have some faith. Its the hope I can't stand...

Meanwhile, elsewhere in the Elite League...

History will be made on Saturday as Premier Sports, led by the hockey sage that is Aaron Murphy, take their cameras into the Skydome Arena as the Coventry Blaze host the Belfast Giants to the first of a double-header to be held at the Skydome over the weekend. If you're not going to a game, I implore you to find yourself in front of somewhere viewing this, as not only is the Elite League on TV again a big deal, but it has the potential to get a bit tasty. As for results, I can see both teams sharing the spoils, potentially with 3 points each, with two tight games that could both end up going to overtime. I see Coventry 3-2 on Saturday, and Belfast 2-1 on Sunday.

The Braehead Clan and the Fife Flyers split the weekend, with Saturday's game being held in Glasgow, and the return on Sunday in Kirkcaldy. I am an admirer of the Flyers, but Ryan Finnerty's side have something special going on at the moment, and I think they'll be too strong for the Flyers. Lets go Clan 4-1 on Saturday, and Clan 2-1 on Sunday.

I expect the Hull Stingrays to be too strong for the Cardiff Devils on home ice, taking that one 3-1, before they travel north to visit the Edinburgh Capitals on Sunday. The Caps will have been buoyed by recent performances in defeating both the Panthers and the Giants, and I expect them to carry this on in Murrayfield. 3-1 to the Caps.

No Nottingham Panthers in Elite League action this weekend, as they are on their way to Italy to continue their way in the Continental Cup. I wish them every success, and hope it stretches their roster as far as possible.

But no, really, good luck.

Enjoy the weekend.

Liam
@IAmMcCausland

Where Did All The Hate Go? - Your Thoughts

We had a great response to my first article from Tuesday, where I covered why the Motorpoint Arena isn't as intimidating and loud as it could be. Thank you to all of those who got in touch, or shared the article.

Here are some of the best responses:

Jon Williams (via email)
"The only way to get a good atmosphere in the arena is to get the like-minded people sitting together, its embarrassing when you're sat with 300 people and you try and start a chant going and nobody joins in! 
Offer 'chanting' and 'non-chanting' tickets and turn say blocks 120 119 118 and 220 219 218 into the Sheffield Steelers Kop!
That's what i would do, also get the drummers there too! In sync like you said."
@Steelers_Memes (via Twitter)
"Interestin points. For me, too much talk from whitehouse, music breaks too loud, no chance to build up atmos...let the crowd dictate the atmos, not the announcer. Never get any atmos otherwise...its proved when we get on the ref, the chants start but soon killed with music DEAD."
@Kerry_Renshaw (via Twitter)
"I agree with some points but unfortunately we sit high up behind the sin bin and dont relish having to sit with pansie fans! I do however agree spesh when away fans taunt Doyle (nettie). They should sit next to the drums haha , and the echo from both sides of drums makes them out of sync ;)"
@Sarah86Bailey (via Twitter)
"Another to add to list .. Don't allow rivals to buy 50/50 tickets or shirt off your bk That should be for Sheffield Steelers fans only"
@Rubber_Puck (Panthers Fan Via Twitter)
"I think that at the NIC we are too friendly to opposition to be honest. Sunday was the exception to the rule. If you came to a game not built up as much like a Cardiff or Belfast you'd find the atmosphere completely different. at Coventry they used to play the muppet show when we came on, and general p*** taking went on. Builds up a not too friendly atmosphere for is who visit. sheffields problem is they give way too many free tickets to build up numbers. Loads of kids at Motorpoint on Saturday. you can't build up a none friendly atmosphere with kids. It's laughable to be honest. Might as well play at wacky warehouse. I'll add one more criticism. That woosh thing, that's got to be thought of by a kid surely."
Keep your thoughts and opinions coming, its been great to get feedback on what I wrote.

Look out for more from us over the weekend.

Liam
@IAmMcCausland

Tuesday 19 November 2013

Where Did All The Hate Go?

For some time now, the Sheffield Steelers have been too preoccupied with being a family sport, welcoming everybody in. Its all part of the business, and getting people through the doors and spending money, I get that. But is it to the detriment of the on-ice product?

For my sins, I'm a Sunderland fan, and the famous 'Wearside Roar' has, for many a year, been seen as good as having an extra man on the pitch. Not too long ago, when the crowd really got up, and encouraged the players to get stuck in and get to stepping, you could guarantee a goal within two minutes. I imagine the same applies in hockey.

When I first started watching in 2008, there was that sort of feeling. There were less people in the building, but the fans would get behind the team from the first puck drop. Not a constant noise, not unconditional support, but they would get behind the team and support them, encourage them, and make lots of noise.

These days, it seems to be different. People seem to be sat on their hands, waiting to be entertained. "We'll chant and sing and clap along when you do something that's worth us doing so," which as paying customers is their right and choice. But it seems like there are a lot more of these paying customers, and less of the 'proper' ice hockey fans. Credit should be given to the off-ice team for managing to get people into the arena and spending money to watch a team that isn't as successful as it once was. But again, is it a negative in some ways?

The lack of atmosphere certainly cannot be a good thing. These days people tend to stay quiet until they find something to make noise about, either in a positive and celebratory sense, or a negative and condemning manner. That is the nature of the beast these days, in the instant gratification era, where you can find entertainment in your pocket if what you have in front of you is boring you. Part of that is due to the on-ice product, although you would need to score within the first 20 seconds to keep some people's attention at the Motorpoint (Candy Crush, during the game. Really?).

The club certainly doesn't help itself though. It kills chants at every break in play with loud music, which is usually just a chance to show some kids dancing. It welcomes in the opposition like they are old friends, both the fans and the players - they may well be, but don't acknowledge that until after the 60 minutes of checking and scrapping. We welcome in ex-players, and give their fans good seats next to where the opposition come out. They make too much fuss of opposition goals, with the music, and the announcement. I'll go back to Sunderland - when the opposition score, you can't hear the announcement because the guy on the microphone mumbles it in the quietest, lowest form you can imagine.They make constant announcements about selling 50/50 tickets, the merchandise available, joining the SSSC. It all appears to be stuff aimed at appeasing the customers, or the sponsors, but what about the fans?

The obvious alternative stems from my visit to the NIC on Sunday. While on the way to, and coming away from the arena, the fans were polite, jovial and willing to engage with me, once inside the arena it was a different story. The Steelers were booed, mocked, and derided by the fans. By the arena, and the PA? Ignored. Little mention of us at all, only when the scorekeeper read out the announcements. That is how it should be.

Last night on Twitter, when I had the idea to start this blog up, I came up with a list of ideas for how to try to improve the atmosphere at the Motorpoint. Most of it was aimed at making away fans feel uncomfortable, but then it started up with ideas for how to improve the whole shebang. See what you think.


  • Give the away fans top tier blocks, at the penalty box side. That way they cannot bang any plexi or be right next to their team as they come out onto the ice, thus making them quieter.
  • Enforce a blanket ban on all musical instruments, except those pre-agreed with Steelers management. Enforce a rule that musicians (drummers, vuvuzuelas, etc) have to sit together, in a separate block somewhere in the middle of the arena (behind the goal maybe), and be conducted by a group leader who sets the rhythm and the tempo. This would avoid the current problems where different chants and beats are going from the other side of the arena, and would have everyone working at the same time, as opposed to one set being faster than the other.
  • When the away team come out, do not acknowledge them officially. Boo them onto the ice, let them come out in the darkness, but no way should anyone be applauding them or should the club be acknowledging they are there.
  • When the Steelers come out, only the starting lineup should be announced, then let the rest of the team come out under the announcement of "now please welcome the rest of your Sheffield Steelers." By the time the 16th player has been announced, the crowd is outclapped (having clapped through The Pretender, and 15 players before them), so shortening this would keep the fan's stamina for when it is needed - just prior to faceoff and throughout the game.
  • Don't welcome back any former players. Get the puck drop and the anthem out of the way, and get on with the game. We can do the welcoming after we've beaten them.
  • Don't acknowledge that any away fans have turned up. "Are you here with the Nottingham Panthers?" No David, and neither are you, so why are you encouraging them? Make a massive fuss about the Steelers, and forget that they're there.
  • Make minimal fuss about decisions against the Steelers. Away goals, Steelers penalties, say them like you're reporting the death of somebody on the news. If you have to throw in who sponsors the penalty box do so, but don't put any colour into your voice. Make it sound like you hate saying it.
  • Stop focussing on the business aspect of the evening. We have a big fancy scoreboard with video walls. Use that for sponsorship details, or for flogging the 50/50 tickets. Anything audible in the Arena should be purely based on the game - except for the announcement of the draw numbers because I understand that.
  • At full time, make sure all the opposition players leave the ice, and blocked from getting near to their fans, before doing the niceties - like the man of the match presentation, welcoming back former players and the like. Only the man of the match should be allowed to re-enter the ice, and they should be made to leave with minimal fuss.


So that's my twopennies worth. What do you think?
Leave a comment, tweet us @FrozenSteelBlog or email frozen.steel.91@gmail.com and we will publish the best responses later in the week.

Cheers for reading.

Liam
@IAmMcCausland

Under Construction

Welcome to the Frozen Steel blog, the new online home for fans of the Sheffield Steelers.

We felt it was horrendous that there was no collective voice of the fans online, so we made one.

Keep an eye out in the upcoming days, weeks, months and years for:

  • Match Reports
  • Opinion Columns
  • News and Rumours from around the league
  • Fan Polls and Interaction
We welcome fans from around the league, whether you be fans of the Steelers, the Flyers, the Devils, or even the Panthers, so come in, take a look, and get in touch.

Fancy contributing and helping us? Email frozen.steel.91@gmail.com

Thanks for now

Liam
@IAmMcCausland