Playing with Steelers' stars past, present and future

The Great Britain forward had signed a second-year contract for EIHL side Belfast Giants, however the coronavirus lockdown put paid to that happening.

After playing in the Streaming Series for Steeldogs last November, he was recruited again by the NIHL team for the ongoing Spring Cup tournament, which continues this weekend with back-to-back games against (Romford) Raiders.

And his linemates are well known to Steelers' fans - Hewitt, 37, had the best part of 11 seasons at the Arena and 18-year-old Graham was on the Elite League team's roster eight times in the 2019-20 campaign.

Lake is enjoying his time icing with players from such varied age and experience ranges.

And with two Spring Cup wins under their belt so far, he hopes the formation will be equally successful on Saturday and Sunday.

"Hewy is a good guy, I like playing on a line with him, he has a lot of experience and in the dressing room he is a pretty big character" said Lake.

"He gets on with everyone and likes the banter.

"Alex has got a pretty big future, he is a big body for his age, he can skate and he has got a really good shot."If he keeps working, he can play for the national team eventually."

Lake is currently living in 'Last of the Summer Wine' country.

"Ali (Cree; co-owner) found out that I was living in Holmfirth and he contacted me and I was able to commit myself to Steeldogs.

"I am enjoying it, I think everybody is just glad to be playing again.

"I think you see the desire out there and I am just very grateful to be in the dressing room."

Players are effectively living in a bubble and are Covid tested twice a week, as per the Government's instructions.

"Everything is being pretty well taken care of" said Calgary-born Lake, a former Coventry Blaze forward.

"We haven't had any positive tests yet so that's good news and hopefully it continues to."

Before signing for Steeldogs, Lake had attracted glances from other clubs, but iceSheffield met his needs.

"There has been a bit of interest abroad but I didn't see the value in going abroad with the risk of leagues being shut down and teams not playing that many games.

"I saw more value in staying there and gaining some work experience (off the ice) and playing more locally. And I am not regretting that decision."

Lake said the quality of hockey is not that far away from the top flight in the UK.

"There are so many elite league guys playing in it now.

"Obviously, as expected, there is a bit of a dip but any chance you can get to play in these circumstances you are not going to pass it up.

"I am excited for the weekend games.

"We have had a couple of meetings (about Raiders) but we are more focused on ourselves; if we play our game then we'll be fine."

The player said he agreed "100 per cent" with comments in The Star recently from team-mate Davey Phillips about the Steeldogs' ethos.

Phillips praised coach Greg Wood's technical abilities and the team camaraderie.

"Barring myself, they are all local guys everyone has known each other for a long time and all get along.

"it is nice to be a part and I am working my way into it."

*Lake was born in Canada, but his mother was from Liverpool, his father from Norfolk. His parents emigrated before he was born.