Elite League fans will love cup action, says Sheffield ice hockey star

Some observers believe the semi-professional surrounds of the NIHL are a step down from what players of his calibre are used to - and could have a negative effect on them.

It won't be anything like the standard required for Great Britain national team players, specifically, given the Pool A World Championships that are looming on the calendar, they say.

NHL draft pick Liam Kirk returns to Sheffield ice hockey

But GB mainstay O'Connor, who has spent the last six seasons with Sheffield Steelers in the EIHL, is raring to go with his new club, Sheffield Steeldogs.

"I think everyone enjoyed the Winter Series that we did, as part of the return to play," the 32-year-old says.

"You will be seeing not only current players that play in the NIHL but the likes of myself, Ben Lake and Liam Kirk is sticking around too.

"It will be entertaining with GB players as well as the normal NIHL guys, it will be a good standard and at the end of the day some hockey is better than not," said the defenceman, who 20 years ago was playing for Sheffield Rapiers.

"Fans from EIHL clubs will be hoping to see the likes of Ben Lake, Oliver Betteridge, Ben Davies, Josh Batch, Matthew Myers and ofcourse Jonathan Phillips. There will be something for everyone.

"It is great to get back on the ice two or three times a week and a couple of games a week.

"Obviously no matter what was put in place, whether it was the EIHL or Spring Cup (during the pandemic) it was never going to be ideal leading into the World Championships," said O'Connor.

"But even if EIHL had gone ahead I don't think it would have been the quality we've seen and got used to the past couple of years.

"The main factor is that guys just want to play. And now most of the GB players will have played at some level before the World Championships. Yes, none of us are going to be up to normal fitness standards. With gyms closed, we have been caught between a rock and hard place; but we'll give it a go.

"These are unprecedented times - as I keep saying, some hockey is better than not."

Covid busters! Sheffield ice hockey is back from deep freeze

O'Connor is confident the players will all observe the Covid 19 'bubble' protocols.

"Measures will be in place, with testing a couple of times a week. We will be going about it the right way - no one is forcing any of us to play, it is up to us.

"After the Winter Series, similar measures will go into this. I believe it is safe."

*Seven weeks of Cup action begin on Saturday running through until the end of March with five teams playing a total of 12 games each in that time.

Games are being played behind closed doors but fans will all be able to watch on live stream.

Swindon Wildcats and Steeldogs open the competition; Bees, Raiders and Telford Tigers face off from Saturday February 20.

FULL FIXTURE LIST

Week 1Sat Feb-13 Swindon v Sheffield 18:30Sun Feb-14 Sheffield v Swindon 17:00

Week 2Sat Feb-20 Swindon v Bees 15:00Sat Feb-20 Telford v Raiders 18:30Sun Feb-21 Bees v Swindon 14:00Sun Feb-21 Raiders v Telford 17:00

Week 3Sat Feb-27 Telford v Bees 15:00Sat Feb-27 Sheffield v Raiders 18:30Sun Feb-28 Bees v Telford 14:00Sun Feb-28 Raiders v Sheffield 17:00

Week 4TBC Raiders v Bees (midweek)Sat Mar-06 Swindon v Telford 15:00Sat Mar-06 Sheffield v Bees 18:30Sun Mar-07 Telford v Swindon 14:00Sun Mar-07 Bees v Sheffield 17:00

Week 5TBC Bees v Raiders (midweek)Sat Mar-13 Telford v Sheffield 15:00Sat Mar-13 Swindon v Raiders 18:30Sun Mar-14 Raiders v Swindon 15:00Sun Mar-14 Sheffield Telford 17:00

Week 6Fri Mar-19 Swindon v Telford 19:30Sat Mar-20 Raiders v Swindon 16:00Sat Mar-20 Bees v Sheffield 18:30Sun Mar-21 Telford v Bees 14:00Sun Mar-21 Sheffield v Raiders 17:00

Week 7Wed Mar-24 Telford v Sheffield 19:30Sat Mar-27 Swindon v Bees 15:00Sat Mar-27 Raiders v Telford 18:00Sun Mar-28 Bees v Raiders 14:00Sun Mar-28 Sheffield v Swindon 17:00

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