Assistant coach stepping up as Sheffield Steelers prepare for decider against Nottingham Panthers

Fox was grateful for the victory, his team's commanding performance and also the contribution made by Carter Beston-Will, his assistant on the bench.

Beston-Will did most of the 'pre-scout' work before the game which Sheffield won 8-3, an aggregate victory of 13-7.

They play Nottingham Panthers in a best-of-three final starting on Saturday night.

Beston-Will said the experience of getting more responsibility had been hugely useful to him.

"I am learning something new every day. Foxy and me have a good working relationship, he gives me lots of responsibility. I do the best I can."

He said it was his ambition to be a head coach himself adding, "one day...I am in no rush.

"Right now I am a sponge, soaking up all the experience I can."

Steelers take on Nottingham Panthers in the final, a team that has won their last four games and are finding their best form.

"We have been watching all their games, I think they are executing both offensively and defensively now. Early on you could see what they were trying to do but now their execution is a little bit better.

"Tim (Wallace, Panthers' coach) has done a good job there, they have got better every single game.

"But I think we have as well. We put in a really good 60 minutes (on Thursday.)"

The asst coach said it was hard to pinpoint their biggest asset.

"They have four good lines, and in their 'D' they have a couple of guys who can log big, big minutes. They have good depth, it will be a good match-up."

This weekend's match is the first massive game since Sheffield won the Challenge Cup - a match watched by a big crowd at Cardiff Devils' rink.

Beston-Will said it was unfortunate no supporters would be at Nottingham.

"It sucks not having the fans there" he said. "That experience (in Wales) was amazing and I wish some of our new guys could see it. But we have got to adjust to the times and this is one of our goals.”

"Hopefully we can celebrate with the fans a few months down the road."