Sheffield Steelers '˜re-focus' for Play Off quest

There will be little room for sentiment for Jason Hewitt and Jeff Legue during Shefield Steelers' Play Off games, this weekend.
Sheffield Steelers: championsSheffield Steelers: champions
Sheffield Steelers: champions

It is only after the final hooter on Sunday, when they hope to boast an aggregate win over Coventry Blaze, that the long-serving pair can celebrate their last match at the Arena and impending retirement.

“There will be emotions, ofcourse, but they have a job to do and a tough one first” said coach Paul Thompson.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“They will be able to appreciate and reflect on their careers after their last game.

“Hewy and Leggy are experienced professionals, all that will matter to them at this stage is to go out at the top. And that’s what they will try and do.”

Steelers must get the top-side of Blaze to reach the Play Off semi-finals next weekend.

They have had to totally re-focus since the joy of winning the Elite League trophy, last Sunday.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“I gave them a day off on Tuesday and since then been very explicit on what we want them to deliver” said the coach.

“We had a fabulous couple of days but we have got to park that.”

There is a very strong chance that Colton Fretter will be back in the line-up.

His progress has been strong this week and he is itching to make a contribution to the Play offs.

Thompson rated his chances of playing at “90%.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

After such a long lay off, following serious groin problems, Fretter won’t be sharp and may even play on a fourth line.

But such is Thompson’s high regard for the import, a half-fit Fretter is seen as a highly valuable asset, even if another overseas player has to sit out.

Asked if he had different game-plans for the Saturday and Sunday matches against his old club, Thompson replied: “We want to win both games; simple as that. We have been through a lot of stress but we are a successful team on form right now. We must keep our intensity in both games.”