Christmas cheer? Not much for Steelers...Glasgow Clan 6-3 Steelers

Anthony DeLuca marked at Glasgow by ex Steeler Zack Fitzgerald. Pic by Al Goold

Sunday saw his team dismantled 6-3 at Glasgow Clan, the third time Sheffield have been hit for six.

The club boss has also been hoping coach Tom Barrasso would commit long term and Smith recently said that mutual "talks were ongoing."

But Barrasso, quizzed by The Star about staying on for 2019-20, insists: "I won't consider that atÂ all, until the season is over.

"Tony has made overtures about retaining my services, but I'm in a position where I am on through theÂ end of the year" he said. "I'm enjoying being in Sheffield; it has been a great challenge for me toÂ learn to coach older players, something I haven't done in the past" he said.

"It has been a great learning experience, but I'd like to keep my options open as I move forward. WeÂ will see how things develop in the Spring.

The Russian KHL remains attractive to him. "It is the second best league in the world. I enjoy myÂ time in Europe...I don't ever see myself returning to north America to coach; the KHL would be theÂ highest opportunity I'd have."

He said the politics in north American sport didn't appeal to him.

Barrasso said the club had "talked to every agent under the sun" to find a defenceman. "UnfortunatelyÂ at this time of year most guys who are looking to play are playing some place" he said.

On Sunday, a day after beating Guildford Flames 3-2, Barrasso's boys were well beaten byÂ Clan.

Ben O'Connor had the best early chance with a penalty shot but was denied by Joel Rumpel and then CraigÂ Peacock beat Matt Climey to put the Scots ahead, at 18:02.

Matt Climie in action at Glasgow. Picture: Al Goold (www.algooldphoto.com)

Steelers shipped in another, from Rasmus Bjerrum 32 seconds later.

Clan started the middle period with a 81-second five-on-three advantage, with Ryan Martinelli andÂ Tanner Eberle in the box - Brendan Connolly duly making it 3-0.

Steelers have become experts at coming back from deficits and Robert Dowd popped home a reply atÂ 24;27, assisted by Anthony DeLuca, who went on to hit a post. But it only served to urge on Clan,Â with Matt Beca netting at 28;12.

The third period saw further offensive carnage from both sides. Beca scored again before two in 43Â seconds from Steelers Jordan Owens and O'Connor. Connolly saw Glasgow over the line with his second.