Steelers Team News
Switching things around for the two opponents this weekend, starting by focussing on us.
The club announced Thursday evening that Pascal Morency was on the ice for training, but G will not rush him back if he's not ready for it. Tyler Mosienko sits out the last two games of his ban, which could mean the departure of Devin Didiomete, who hasn't been as much of a disaster as I'd expected.
Saturday 20th September - Panthers (a) (CC)
Well, like rain in April and paying tax, the inevitable has arrived. Game one against them lot from south of t'border.
Indeed, its our first visit to the NIC, and we face a Nottingham Panthers side still in the midst of their CHL adventure - they play Hamburg on Tuesday night.
Nottingham Panthers
Their idea of having an inflated roster for the CHL backfired when most of their short-stay players either left or got injured. Indeed, only Nathan Robinson remains fit from their "CHL" players. While they haven't exactly been setting Europe alight, they comfortably saw Cardiff off last weekend, so this will be our first real test of the season.
Injuries have struck the Panthers hard early on, and they will be missing the key players of David Clarke, Robert Farmer and Chris Higgins.
One To Watch
Everyone knows about Robinson, but what about Evan Mosey? He's the man at the back who looked most at home against the CHL sides, and I'd expect him to make a big impact in the league this year.
Prediction
Their barn in the Challenge Cup often ends badly. However, that was before G, and my pure faith in the FFR line leads me to this prediction.
Nottingham 2-4 Sheffield
Coverage
Both Tom and Alan will be in the NIC on Saturday, so make sure you follow @TomWalkeden and @FrozenSteelMNL for live updates. Alternatively, follow @NPHockeyLive for the other side.
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Sunday 21st September - Belfast (h) (EIHL, EC)
Sunday sees us lock horns with last season's EIHL Champions, and the runners up in the Playoffs, the (now under new management) Belfast Giants.
Belfast Giants
The Giants do not look as bulletproof as they were last year. They're still a good side, but they've been beaten by Braehead (twice) and given stern tests by Edinburgh. They'll still be there or there abouts this year, but it'll be a tighter run thing.
Unsure on the injury front, I know they had Mark McCutcheon missing last weekend but I'm unsure on his status.
One To Watch
Ray Sawada. The guy's got skills. Could be a MVP this year.
Prediction
Can't see us losing this one. Belfast don't look as strong as last year. Let's give IS a roaring thank you yeah.
Sheffield 3-1 Belfast
Coverage
The Steelers are broadcasting webcasts for every home game this season, so that's available for £8. Failing that, join @TomWalkeden and @FrozenSteelMNL for live updates.
So there we are. Our first big tests this weekend. Are we up to it? We'll see.
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