New Sheffield Steelers recruits encouraged by opening weekend double-header with Cardiff Devils
Adam Rockwood and Olivier Archambault say Sheffield’s early fixtures provided a valuable opportunity to regain match sharpness and adapt to their new surroundings.
New Sheffield Steelers signings Adam Rockwood and Olivier Archambault believe the club’s opening weekend provided an important first step as they adjust to a new team and prepare for the season ahead.
Both players featured as the Steelers returned to competitive action following the summer break, with fitness, tactical understanding and developing chemistry among the early priorities.
Rockwood said the weekend had allowed him to begin rediscovering his rhythm after several months without game action.
“It was just about getting reps in and getting my legs back,” he said. “It’s been a good first weekend to iron out the kinks. You want to make sure you’re playing the right way and getting chemistry with the guys.”
Archambault also acknowledged that he had not yet reached peak condition but expects his fitness to improve with more time on the ice.
“My game shape isn’t there yet, but I’ll get there,” he said. “It had been five or six months since I last played, so it was good to get those two games out of the way.”
The weekend also gave the new arrivals their first opportunity to put the Steelers’ tactical system into practice.
Rockwood said head coach Aaron Fox had made his expectations clear as the squad worked to establish a consistent style of play.
“I think it’s just about playing from the same script,” he said. “Foxy has us all dialled in with the systems. It’s about playing hard, playing straight, playing simple and executing well.”
Archambault admitted that the system differed from those he had previously played but said he was taking a straightforward approach to the adjustment.
“The system is different, so you have to adjust a bit,” he said. “But at the end of the day, you’re on the ice playing hockey. You just go out there and have fun.”
Rockwood is also beginning to develop an understanding with Mitchell Baumas. The pass-first forward believes his approach could complement the shooting ability of his new teammate.
“I’ve seen him shoot in practice, and he’s the type of player I’m used to playing with,” Rockwood said. “We’ve mixed up the lines a little bit, but I definitely think there is chemistry there that we can build on long-term.”
Archambault’s first experience of playing at the Sheffield Arena also left a strong impression, with approximately 8,000 supporters attending the exhibition game.
“It’s a great crowd,” he said. “For a team overseas, 8,000 is a lot. It’s fun, and I’m sure we’re going to have a good season.”