Mitchell Balmas makes Sheffield Steelers claim ahead of Manchester Storm double-header
Sheffield Steelers step up their new season preparations with a double-header against Manchester Storm this weekend
Mitchell Balmas believes this weekend’s two games against Manchester Storm will give Sheffield Steelers a much clearer indication of where they stand ahead of the start of the competitive season.
The Steelers face Manchester at the Utilita Arena on Saturday night before travelling to the Storm’s new home at the AO Arena on Sunday.
For Balmas, last weekend’s meetings with Cardiff were always likely to be difficult given the Devils had already been together for longer and had more games behind them.
“It was our first game in a long time, so we had to get the cobwebs and the rust off,” said Balmas.
“It was definitely a learning experience.
“We’ve got a good core of returning guys who know the systems and understand how we want to play, but we’ve also got a lot of new players who are still learning how we do things.
“It was good to get those first two games out of the way. Now we get back to work and start building something together as a team.”
Balmas believes the Manchester fixtures should provide a more accurate comparison, with both sides having started their preparations at a similar time.
“We’ve got a full week together now to prepare for Manchester, knowing that the season starts for real just one week later,” he said.
“Manchester started at the same time as we did, so unlike Cardiff last weekend, I think these games will give us a better read of exactly where we are as a team.
“They’ve retained a lot of last year’s group and brought in some exciting new talent as well, so it should be a really good test for us.”
Sunday’s game will also give Sheffield their first look at Manchester’s new home at the AO Arena.
“It’ll be nice playing them there,” Balmas added.
“No disrespect to Altrincham, but I think everybody will enjoy playing in that kind of building.
“We know ourselves there’s nothing quite like skating out in front of eight, nine or ten thousand fans.”
Balmas also used the opening weekend to begin developing chemistry with summer signing Adam Rockwood.
The pair were used together for much of the weekend and Balmas believes the combination has potential.
“We’re both offensive players, but we also know we have to be responsible in the defensive zone because it’s a 200-foot game,” he said.
“Rock is a very skilled player. He sees the ice really well and he’s a pass-first guy, although he’s also got a really good shot.
“I’m still learning things about his game and he’s learning things about mine, so I think that chemistry will continue to grow as the season goes on.”
With two exhibition games remaining, Balmas expects head coach Aaron Fox to continue experimenting before the competitive campaign gets underway.
“It’s pre-season, so I’m sure Foxy will keep some things together and move other things around,” he said.
“These games against Manchester will help us find the combinations that click and work out what is going to help us further down the road.”
Sheffield host Manchester Storm at the Utilita Arena on Saturday before travelling to the AO Arena for the return fixture on Sunday.