Ryan Finnerty, returning to Sheffield for a third season, says: "We have improved and made good changes, bringing people in with character, guys who when things get tough won't go in another direction.

"I think we have three deep lines, there is skill, speed and tons of character in the room.

"The guys know what it takes to win. It has what it takes to go in rinks and win dirty, get those 2-1 and 3-2 wins on the road."

What do you think? Post your comments below.
Finnerty particularly welcomed the signing of Scott Basiuk from Manchester Phoenix.

"He was a pain to play against last year, he makes all the right decisions. When I was in front of their net last year and he was out there I knew I was going to get hit and moved out of the way.

"Andrew Sharpe (new enforcer) is going to be busy, teams will come out and try to intimated us just because we aren't as big.

"We won't be intimated, they tried last year and we just skated them off the ice. Our team has ample team toughness, character and grit.

"I haven't look forward to a pre-season as much as this in my life; we are all anxious to get back in the room, start the banter, and get going with the exhibition games ahead of the new season."

Steelers' Mark Thomas should ice tonight at iceSheffield (5pm) in the 'Sutton Sting' Charity Game, an event aiming to raise £50,000 for Weston Park Appeal. Dave Simms and Coventry boss Paul Thompson will speak at Dronfield Pioneer Club, Stonelow Road on Wednesday, 8pm.

READ MORE
Ice hockey
More rugby.
More boxing.
Sports columnists.
All sport categories