Sheffield Steelers coach praises new duo - and hopes they can aid push for silverware

Debut for Josef Hrabal. Pic: Dean Woolley.

But the players themselves are going to be a whole lot more demanding for opposition skaters who will be taking on this ever-changing Steelers' team.

Czech defenceman Hrabal, 34, and Finnish winger Kolehmainen, 33, are new to the club and coach Aaron Fox thinks both will play a major role as Sheffield try and win major honours.

Both will be in the line-up for Steelers' Challenge Cup quarter-final second leg at Manchester Storm on Wednesday.

Kolehmainen has had three games for the club, while Hrabal made his debut in an almost flawless defensive performance in last Saturday's 6-2 victory over Fife.

Fox saw Hrabal play for the first time, against the Scots, and was pleasantly surprised how well he fitted in to the side, especially as he'd only landed in the country hours earlier.

“I really like his game, he skates real well, his stick is always in a good position, he is really defensively sound, I was really impressed.

“He kills penalties really well, as well. A really good first impression." said the coach.

"Janne is getting his legs under him, he is one of those guys who can play a shut-down role; he can close games out, he plays a heavy game down low, I think he will continually get better and better as he gets in better shape. He plays a real grind type of game; really effective."

As they settle in, team-mate Marco Vallerand has shown he is now over his recent injury.

He scored twice against Flyers - the way he skates and protects the puck during forays into enemy territory is one of the most pleasing sights in British hockey.

"Vally has been good, he has come around," said Fox. "Any time you are dealing with what he has been dealing with, it is no fun.

"It is a little bit mental as well. Sometimes you need to take a couple of hits to realise that you are okay and there is no issue there. He plays with such pace, so it is good to see him going again. He didn't skip a beat first time playing our system. He didn't look out of place."