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Off-field crisis leaves Steelers playing catch-up
IF success in the league was determined by pre-season preparation, Sheffield Steelers appear to face an unfair challenge in catching up on the coattails of Coventry Blaze.
The reigning champions are the benchmark that Steelers must strive to match and overcome if they are to rule the Elite League again, this coming season.
Yet while Steelers have no pre-season games, Blaze have a hatful.
They were beaten by Belfast Giants (4-2; Charity Shield) on Wednesday night and visit Cardiff Devils tomorrow.
On Sunday, they play Steelers' old Dutch adversaries, Tilburg, before another meeting with Cardiff on September 1.
Nottingham Panthers take on Tilburg tomorrow, too.
Steelers' foreign imports are coming into the country in dribs and drabs - the last to arrive is thought to be new signing Derek Campbell, the former Newcastle Vipers left wing.
Because of visa complications, he is not expected in until August 31, four days before the start of the new Elite League season.
If bench coach Neil Abel is concerned about the lack of pre-season competitive activity, he is not showing it.
"We have had some lads skating earlier this week, (goaltender) Ervins Mustukovs, (forwards) Jason Hewitt and Jonathan Phillips," he said. "Last season at Steelers shows that coming in early does not guarantee results.
"One thing is certain, our guys will not be tired after pre-season training; they will be fresh and ready to go!"
Abel, who went gym-training with Mustukovs this week, is also non-plussed about fears of another financial melt-down at Sheffield.
"As regards the off-the-ice matters, the players need not let things that have gone on behind the scenes bother them. They should concentrate on playing hard," he said.
"If they get their wages and their jobs are as safe as anybody's are these days, then I really don't see why they should be worried. As far as I know, everthing is fine."
Steelers' plans to mend fences in the community sees them adopting Hallam FM Cash for Kids as their charity.
Got a view? Leave a comment below.
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Weather for Sheffield
Friday 10 February 2012
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