THERE have been some 'pre-seasons' at Sheffield Steelers where players have turned up just a day before - or even several days after - the start of the new league campaign.
In short, a fairly ramshackle, disorganised system was common-place, where coaches and owners were keeping salary costs to a minimum in the vain hope that their skaters would come in fit and ready to hit the ground running.
It's certainly not the w
ay current coach Dave Matsos and his backroom team do things.
The class of 2008-9 want to ensure they are as prepared as they can be for the start of the regular league season.
Skipper Jonathan Phillips said even now many other teams "get their players in on a Friday, play a couple of exhibition games at the weekend and then the next week they are into league play.
"We know that this year if we are to win the league title we need a great start to the league season, therefore the pre season is vital and in all fairness we are been given a hell of a build up.
"A full week leading up to the games against (German team) Bietigheim on the 23rd and 24th August at iceSheffield, then another full week before the Yorkshire Cup games against Hull at the Arena and then a third full week before the league starts.
"One thing is a certain, there won't be a team better prepared than us come the start of the year," said the Welshman.
"I feel in great shape, I have worked hard all summer and seeing some of the other guys like Mark Thomas and Jason Hewitt you can tell that they have the bit between their teeth as well; they have both been working out and look in fine shape.
"I saw Ashley Tait the other day, he makes you sick, he always looks in great shape, I think he is just so naturally fit."
Phillips said the team would be focussed from the moment they are assembled.
"Every player returning knows the importance of pre season this year, if we are to go down as some of this clubs great players, if this team is to be remembered as a great team we have to deliver that league title.
"This summer has been strange, we had a few weeks off after the Play Off championship win and then the GB World Championships, but after a week or so my mind has turned to this year ahead. There is a pressure this year, a good pressure, a pressure to win."
Tomorrow: The happy Steelers star who might stay till he's 40!
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