Sheffield and Guildford to compete over Josh Waller's future?

The 21-year-old from Reading was on Guildford Flames' books last season. But, in their absence from the current mini tournament, the winger was drafted by Sheffield Steelers and his speed and directness has endeared him to the South Yorkshire club and their fans.

Sheffield coach Aaron Fox was surprised and disappointed that Waller did not make the cut for the World Championships.

His support will give solace to Waller.

But the young star is playing his cards close to his chest about who he may be playing for, come September.

The Star gave Waller a proposition to ponder: if Sheffield and Guildford put identical offers on the table, who would he chose?

"Honestly, I can't answer that!" he replied.

"I have enjoyed my time here playing for the Steelers I also have enjoyed my time playing in Guildford, with that organisation."

He confirmed he was not under contract anywhere, currently, so he will have a decision to make soon.

GB coach Pete Russell couldn't find room for Waller in the squad for next month’s World Championship in Latvia, though Russell did say his "day will come.”

Waller said he had not been in direct contact with the GB coaching staff over the decision.

He commented: "Everyone feels they have the chance of going and I am not going to say whether I should have been there or not, it is not my decision to make.

"Hopefully, I can secure a spot down the line in the future."

Waller will be in the Steelers team for Saturday's game with Nottingham Panthers.

And coach Fox won't want to see a repeat of the final period in his side's 7-5 win over Coventry Blaze on Thursday, where they shipped in four goals in 13 minutes and in his words "played easy."

Referring to that lapse, Fox said: "We are a system-detail oriented team and when you get away from those details..all it takes in one or two guys to play out of the system and you get exposed pretty easily. "

He said players were caught out of position, vulnerable to odd-man rushes, and failing to compete with enough aggression.

"If you don't pay attention to the little things the game can go the wrong way. Obviously I am not happy how that third period went. But we scored seven goals!"