FIGHTING might be considered old-hat by some fans, according to a recent survey of Sheffield Steelers' following.
But try telling that to the club's beefy new defenceman.
"I love a good fight," says Scott Basiuk, drafted in from Manchester Phoenix.
"As a kid, I used to love going to hockey games and seeing a good fight, I still do.
"However, I think I would get fed up of watching the fights if my team lost every night. I think the building would soon empty!"
The 6ft 2in Canadian believes any side needs "loads of team toughness".
What do you think? Post your comments below.And the 27-year-old says: "I know from playing against the Steelers last year that their players don't back down from anyone; guys like Ryan Finnerty, Jonathan Phillips and Ashley Tait just keep coming at you.
"I played against Nathan Gillies for three years and I know he will be a warrior, he doesn't know any different way other than full out.
"I think that in Gillies and myself the Steelers have strengthened the team - more grit, a little more size - but every player will contribute.
"Hockey isn't about the 6ft 5in guys who just fight and can't skate any more; its about team toughness, team grit and team skill.
"In Sheffield we have all of those things in abundance and that's why I think the Steelers will win next year."
n Three Sheffield Scimitars British prospects will return next season.
Coming back are internationals Stephen Wallace, Ben Morgan and Steve Duncombe. Wallace, last season's top scorer, has signed a two-year deal.
Duncombe and Morgan both starred in defence as Scimitars reached last season's play-offs.
READ MOREIce hockey More rugby. More boxing. Sports columnists. All sport categoriesThe full article contains 304 words and appears in Sheffield Star newspaper.
