NATHAN Gillies is only one week into his new Sheffield Steelers' career ... but he is already fully briefed about the importance of beating Nottingham Panthers!
The rivalry between two of the Elite League's super-powers promises to be every bit as passionate this year as it has been in previous seasons.
And the new Sheffield winger is up to speed on how important it is for the fans to savour victories over "The Dark Side".
He told The Star: "The boys have mentioned the rivalry with Nottingham, I look forward to those kind of games.
"I am a play-off-type player. I play hard; that's when I come. I usually get a point a game in the play-offs, that's my average in any league I have played in. But in any battle game you will see me, you will know me on the ice."
Gillies says he bumped into two Panthers players Bruce Richardson and Kevin Bergen at Montreal Airport recently.
"They are pretty good; both fairly tough and play pretty hard. So we should have a war!" he forecast.
The Canadian forward iced alongside present-day team-mate Randy Dagenais for Union College in the NCAA for four years (1999-2003).
"We were in the same class. He's a really good player; I like him a lot," he said,
"I have also played against Ryan Finnerty, he's a real good, shifty guy.
"The team is made up of great guys, good family types I would go to war with. That's pretty much why I came here."
Meanwhile, Steelers goalie Jody Lehman said he didn't realise new signing Scott Basiuk "was that good" until playing on the same side, for the first time, last weekend.
"I thought he had a super weekend. You can see why Matty (coach Dave Matsos) brought him here," he said.
"He is big and strong and imposes himself. He reminds me of Steve Munn.
"I was impressed with how mobile Basiuk was. He moved the puck quickly and made good decisions.
"We have five quality defenceman."
Steelers play Hull Stingrays away tomorrow and on Sunday at the Arena (6pm).
Tomorrow: Steelers star raps "rowdy" fans.
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