Steelers' mobile skaters are difficult to contain on the bigger pads, like Sheffield Arena, where they host Edinburgh Capitals tonight (7pm) in the opening fixture of their league season.

But how will they go on against bigger, physical players in the smaller rinks like Cardiff, where they travel to tomorrow?

Former Manchester Phoenix man Basiuk insists: "We are good enough to play in the big rinks and the small ones like Cardiff.

"Last year in Manchester, the Sheffield forwards were the hardest to play against.

"They weren't the biggest but they had no fear and were so hard to pin down.

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"They skated so well, twisted and turned and caused more problems than we could handle.

"I see no difference this year. The likes of Ryan Finnerty, Jonathan Phillips and Jason Hewitt will love the battle in the smaller barns.

"The home opener against Edinburgh will be a big moment but I also think Cardiff will be a hell of a game. They are so big and in that small rink they will try and intimidate.

"I don't get intimidated, though. I enjoy playing against those big guys like Brad Vothl.

"They bring the best out of you. Voth is a big character and you always have to keep an eye on him."

Steelers'general manager Mike O'Connor is demanding a first-period improvement tonight over their midweek performance at Coventry Blaze. "We were flat in the early part there," he said,

"Jody Lehman (goaltender) was a bit shaky too, but he went on to make some fantastic saves after that."

O'Connor said a "stupid" penalty taken by Jason Hewitt (slashing, three seconds from end of regular time) was a lesson the winger could learn from. But he added: "I'm the first to admit some things just happen in the heat of the moment."

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