Brandon Whistle plays through pain to help Sheffield Steelers bounce back
"It's just one of those things that it's going to hurt, but you've just got to play through it."
Brandon Whistle has revealed how he battled through the pain barrier to make an unexpected return to the Sheffield Steelers line-up, scoring twice in Saturday's 5-0 victory over Glasgow Clan.
The Steelers forward suffered an injury during the recent trip to Fife and was expected to miss last weekend's games against Glasgow and Manchester.
However, following a scan that delivered the best possible news, Whistle was given the opportunity to return earlier than many had anticipated.
And he certainly made his presence felt, scoring twice against the Clan as Aaron Fox's side returned to winning ways in emphatic fashion.
"After the game in Fife, I went for a scan and got the best-case scenario," explained Whistle.
"It's just one of those things that it's going to hurt, but you've just got to play through it."
The forward has made an impressive start to the new Elite League campaign, recording three goals and six points from his opening five league appearances.
His return was particularly welcome following a disappointing previous weekend for the Steelers, who were determined to respond positively.
Whistle believes the reaction from the players was exactly what was required.
"Last weekend was disappointing and that can't happen again," he said. "It was good to come back and get two wins and make up for it. It's always nice to contribute offensively."
With the Steelers now looking to build on those victories, attention turns towards another important encounter with Nottingham Panthers, a fixture that always generates plenty of excitement among supporters.
Whistle, who previously experienced the rivalry with Nottingham during his time with Belfast Giants, says the atmosphere is something players always enjoy, regardless of which team they represent.
"I don't think it's really too much different for the players," he explained. "I understand the fan aspect of it, and it's your biggest rival here and has been forever.
"It's just a nice building to go into as well. We have a ton of fan support there and it's a good atmosphere every time we go in."
The Challenge Cup is also firmly on the Steelers' agenda, with Whistle stressing the importance of securing the highest possible seeding as the competition progresses.
"Trying to get the number one seed, obviously having home ice for the final game would be huge if we could get there," he said. "But it's going to be tough with the other group and how it's going so far. We've just got to get in and try to get the best seed we can."
Whistle has also been adapting to a new line combination, something he believes showed encouraging signs during Saturday's victory.
While opportunities were harder to come by on Sunday, the forward is confident that the understanding between his new linemates will continue to develop.
"We created a lot of opportunities on Saturday, although Sunday was a little more difficult," he explained. "My role is really to try and win the face-off and play with two really skilled guys.
"I just try to get open and give them the puck whenever I can."