Former Sheffield Steelers ace ready for Russia and the rest

Ben O'Connor in Sheffield Steelers days. Pic: Dean Woolley

The defenceman, who played 380 games for Steelers before signing for Steeldogs, didn't play in the EIHL 2021 series and so hasn't had the same level of preparation as others wearing the Lions' shirt.

But his hard work in the GB training camp and the player's own natural abilities will make up for that.

Steeler Liam Kirk said: "Benny had to get a bit of rust off at the start but he is looking good out there.

Ben O'Connor playing for Sheffield Steeldogs. Pic: Podium Prints.

"He didn't play in the EIHL tournament but played in the Spring Cup and chalked up getting on for 30 points (in 12 games.)

"He will be ready to get going. You just know he is going to produce offensively."

And Matt Myers, who played for Steelers in the mini series added: "Ben kept himself in good shape off the ice and in the earlier (NIHL) tournament. It is not like playing against Russia, ofcourse, but when he got out on ice and had a feel for the puck in camp he was fine. I think he felt better than he thought he would and will get better, he will be absolutely fine."

O'Connor is mentally raring to go in the Worlds, which start for GB against number two seeds Russia, on Saturday (May 22.)

In an interview with The Star, before the EIHL tournament, the 32-year-old Russian-speaking skater said: "There is nothing quite like starting out against Russia, is there? It'll be a walk in the park!

"We start with four games in five days. We are talking about the world's best and it is going to be a challenge but we just have to do the best we can" said O'Connor.

"Every game is going to be difficult. But it will be exciting to play against Russia, we didn't play against them in the last series so playing against them now will be something special.

"There is a safety in the fact that there is no relegation this year - that is motivating and momentum-building, we will be playing at that level the year after."

O'Connor has played at the Olympic Sports Centre in Latvia before, is looking forward to returning to the Riga facility, and believes the GB side can specifically target Pool A adversaries Belarus and Denmark, for points.

"We'll try and win every game, but for a betting man the odds are going to be better against teams like them, rather than Russia and Sweden."

Sheffield's Myers (95) and Jonathan Phillips (97) should both reach a 100-game milestone in the Championships.

Meanwhile, former Steelers' coach Dave Whistle has been appointed team boss of National League side Leeds Chiefs.