Steelers number 6 returns to Frozen Steel, chartering his past couple of weeks in the UK.
As the games continue to come upon us we are finding different ways to win each and every
night.
With the big rivalry of us and Nottingham, we knew that the game would be an important
one - not only in the challenge cup but for the regular season. After the loss we had taken in their arena we were due for a important performance in front of our fans.
Once I signed this summer one of the first questions I was asked was about the rivalry between the 2 clubs. Form this moment on I knew that when we would play the Panthers that the atmosphere would be great. After traveling to Nottingham for our away game I was amazed by the interaction the crowd had with the game. As the game went on, the fans became more and more involved. After losing the game the support was great from our fans and I kept hearing wait till they come to the arena.
I was delighted to see the turnout as well as the atmosphere of our venue. From the start of warmups to the announcing of players the fans were into it and the players could feel the energy from the fans.
The game was a very fast passed game up and down the ice with good chances from us as well as the Panthers. As the game went on we got better and better and this contributed to us winning the game 4-2. Once again there were great performances up and down the roster. With many guys missing we found ways to win.
After the game there was a good feeling in the dressing room, knowing that we had beating a team that was not only our rival, but a team that has done well in this league in the last couple years and has also had some success in the CHL. In addition it shows that the EIHL is growing each and every year and that more and more players are coming from top leagues to play in the UK.
So far this year we have had many types of games from nail bitters to blowouts and many in between. Some of these games were a one goal differential. With the victory over the Panthers we were carrying some momentum into the game on Wed. against Hull. Not knowing much about our opponents we took this game just like any other game. From the start of the game we were doing many things right from the offensive side of things to the defensive side of things. There were some times that I thought we were going to run away with the game but the Stingrays held in there and were fighting back.
While heading into the second we stressed that it is important to play with a lead and know how to play with a lead. This has been a issue for us all year, giving up a couple goals in the game putting wind back into teams' sails. With blowing a 2 goal lead in the second period we knew that we would need a stellar third period to get us back into things. We did just that, we put 4 on the board in the 3rd period winning the game 6-3. Not only did we score 4 goals but the goals came from many different players on the roster which shows that our team has some great depth as well as character to get us out of situations like that.
With 2 more games this weekend we know that we have to play our game every night because teams don't just roll over and die anymore when they are down by a couple goals. With 2 victories this weekend this could put us in a good spot in the Challenge Cup standings as well show other
teams that Sheffield is the team to beat this year!!
As always, we thank Cullen for his time.
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