Sheffield Steelers: Coach pays tribute to long-serving skipper ahead of festive schedule

He might not get as many shifts as some of his higher-profile teammates, but as long as they win, he's always happy.

Phillips' influence on the club over the last 13 years has never been stronger than it is now.

Aaron Fox will be depending on the 37-year-old veteran now he has a long-term injury to star forward Robert Dowd.

The coach moved the occasional fourth-liner up on to the starting unit, alongside Nikolai Lemtyugov and Tanner Eberle, in the acclaimed 5-1 win at Glasgow Clan on Sunday.

"If there is anyone that I think could look at the year this year and be a little disappointed at the ice time, at times, it would be Jonno," said Fox.

"But with Dowdy going out, that is going to open up some more ice time there."

He said that like Eberle, he never has to worry when his captain and chief shot-blocker steps onto the pad.

"When he is on the ice you know the right things are going to be happening."

Eberle was parachuted into the centreman's role when John Armstrong became injured.

"Ebs is unreal. An absolute work-horse," added the coach.

"He does everything you ask of him, or more.

"He is someone I don't have to worry about. When I go to bed at night I know that when I wake up I know Ebs will give everything he's got."

Steelers have a Boxing Day encounter planned against Manchester Storm at 4pm - an unfortunate choice of opponent given the amount of times they have played them already this season.

Sheffield and Nottingham Panthers normally contest this festive date, but rink availability was against them this year.

It will be interesting to see how the crowds stack up for the holiday series.

Last Boxing Day, Sheffield won 3-2 in Nottingham with Mark Matheson, ironically now a Panther, scoring. A crowd of 7,028 watched the game.

A day later, some 9,368 filled most of Sheffield Arena for the 5-3 home win.

The corresponding fixture on Saturday, December 27 starts in Altrincham at 7pm.

The Nottingham games follow on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day.