Macoy Erkamps says Sheffield Steelers are finding their identity as new-look squad hits its stride
Macoy Erkamps arrived in Sheffield during the summer following spells in Germany's DEL and leagues in Sweden and Slovakia
Sheffield Steelers defenceman Macoy Erkamps believes Aaron Fox's side are beginning to show their true potential after overcoming the early challenges of bringing together a new-look squad.
The Canadian blue-liner, who arrived in Sheffield during the summer following spells in Germany's DEL and leagues in Sweden and Slovakia, says the Steelers are developing the consistency and understanding needed to challenge for silverware this season.
And after two months in orange, Erkamps believes the signs are increasingly encouraging.
"I think we're starting to find our stride now," he said.
"The first couple of games were kind of a feeling-out process, getting used to the new systems. I think there was some inconsistency in our games, but the last four games we've really come together.
"I think we've been playing really good hockey, and it's been a lot of fun with these guys. Getting to know them and coming to the rink every single day has been a good time."
Erkamps believes the early inconsistency was understandable given the number of new faces in the Steelers dressing room, pointing to the advantages enjoyed by clubs with more settled squads.
"When you get some new guys together who aren't used to the systems, sometimes guys go off on their own page," he explained.
"You look at a team like Cardiff, where those guys have played together for a long time, and maybe they find more consistency at the beginning of the year.
"With us, we had to adjust a little bit. It took some time to get there, but I really like where our game is going.
"We're starting to find more consistency and a better identity. That's probably the best way to put it."
Having played in several of Europe's leading leagues, Erkamps knew plenty about Sheffield's reputation before making the move to South Yorkshire.
And so far, the experience has lived up to expectations.
"I'd heard nothing but good things about the organisation, the city and the staff. Everything has lived up to the hype, and I'm really enjoying my time here."
One aspect of British hockey that has required some adjustment is the intensity of the schedule, particularly the regular back-to-back fixtures.
"Having friends in this league, you hear that every single game is an absolute war and every game means something. That's what I've found here.
"It doesn't matter if it's game one of the league, every single game matters.
"Going back to the back-to-backs, I haven't done that in a few years. Adjusting the body obviously isn't what it used to be, but finding that routine every single weekend is key."
For Erkamps, the opportunity to compete for major honours was one of the biggest attractions of signing for the Steelers.
"That's why you come to Sheffield," he said.
"You hear such good things about the organisation, but also the winning culture.
"Every single guy in that locker room wants to win. That's why you play the sport.
"We've got a good chance to string together some games and hopefully play for a trophy."
Attention now turns to this weekend's double-header against Manchester Storm, with the two sides meeting in Manchester on Friday before returning to the Utilita Arena on Saturday.
And Erkamps expects the back-to-back encounters to bring an added edge to an already competitive rivalry.
"I think it makes for some good games. Obviously, they're a close rival to us, and when you play them back-to-back, there's some bad blood.
"If something happens in the first game, it still carries over. It should be fun."
The Steelers defenceman insists the approach will be the same regardless of the venue.
"It doesn't matter if it's home or away. We want to go in there and steal two points from them, and I'm sure they're thinking exactly the same thing.
"Manchester have been playing good too, so we've got to be ready to go on Friday."