If we fail, it be will our fault, says Sheffield Steelers' player

That's the forthright view of defenceman Sam Jones the 23-year-old who joined the club from Fife Flyers and is looking for a trophy at the first attempt.

Steelers have lost their last two games and seen their lofty position in the mini league come under threat.

But coach Aaron Fox is not unhappy with performances - he felt they dominated Manchester Storm on Sunday, despite losing 3-2.

Jones, however, is under no illusion what the players have to deliver in the mini EIHL tournament.

"In Sheffield we are expected to win, the owners and staff all put us in a real good spot to do that" he said.

"They give us everything we need to win, so at the end of the day we don't have excuses.

"If they do everything on their end to put us in a winning position, then the only fault they can blame it on is on the players in reality."

Jones said Sheffield did more of the "little things" than his last club Fife, in order to get the most out of their athletes.

"Having Danny (Mawer; Strength and Conditioning coach) here, having physios around, the way we are getting meals the way we are getting supplements after games, its all the little things that they really focus on."

Jones added that physical tiredness was the main challenge at the moment, although players like the experience of playing more than they are training, he said.

The skater expects the mental toll on players will be more of an issue as they get towards the end of the series.

But Jones is pleased to have linemate Josef Hrabal in his corner...literally.

"He is obviously very solid. He has a lot of experience and is good in the corners" he said.

"It is good for me to have that guy who is good in the corner battles, obviously he is more experienced than me, he likes to jump in the play too and he is just a good all round guy to play with, it's been fun."

Sam's older brother Adam has not had anything like the ice time he has been granted.

He was scratched from Sunday's game.

But Sam said: "He's happy to be here, just like anybody would he wants more ice time, but he's really enjoying it."

As regards his own development, he said: "It has been good to continue getting those minutes, learning the systems is the main thing...and focusing on individual things I can improve."

Steelers had no fewer than 68 shots on Sunday in the defeat to Manchester Storm, with an efficient rate of 5.26%.

Storm had 46 shots (10%.)