Sheffield Steelers have achieved first target but there's plenty more to come
Matt Greenfield says reaching Challenge Cup semi-finals is an achievement that should not be underestimated
Matt Greenfield says Sheffield Steelers have achieved their first major objective of the season by securing a Challenge Cup semi-final place, but the goaltender insists the hard work is only just beginning.
The Steelers booked their place in the last four following their successful Challenge Cup group campaign, leaving Aaron Fox's side just three games away from lifting the first major trophy of the season.
And for Greenfield, reaching the semi-finals is an achievement that should not be underestimated.
"That's the first goal we set at the start of the season, to clinch your spot in the semi-finals and be three games away from a trophy," he said.
"It's not something we take lightly, and especially this year, it's a tough task and a big accomplishment.
"So we're obviously happy that we made it through, and now the next step is to turn our attention to the league.
"But we'll be ready come January for that semi-final."
The Steelers' success comes during a season in which Greenfield believes the standard across the Elite League has become increasingly competitive.
With teams capable of taking points from one another on any given night, the experienced goaltender says there can be no room for complacency.
"This year I feel like there's no surprises. Everyone has been pretty competitive everywhere.
"There's no real easy game. It's a good league, and I feel like anyone could beat anyone on any night."
That unpredictability has already produced some surprising results, but Greenfield believes the Steelers must concentrate on maintaining their own consistency rather than worrying about their rivals.
"Every point matters. Obviously it's still early days here, but you can't afford to drop too many points to anyone.
"You never know when you're going to need those points, so we play every game like it's the last one.
"We just do whatever we can to scratch and claw and get as many points as we can."