Sheffield Steelers skipper Robert Dowd hoping for positive news after specialist visit
Robert Dowd has not played since the Steelers’ 2-1 overtime defeat to Fife Flyers on October 3
Sheffield Steelers captain Robert Dowd is hoping for positive news this week as he waits for the results of a specialist assessment on the injury that has kept him out since the beginning of October.
Dowd has not played since the Steelers’ 2-1 overtime defeat to Fife Flyers on October 3, but after weeks of treatment and rehabilitation there is now hope that a clearer return timeline could soon be established.
The Steelers skipper has this week seen specialists in Solihull, with further news expected by the weekend.
For Dowd, the enforced spell on the sidelines has been a frustrating one.
“Obviously it’s frustrating,” he said. “I love being out there and helping the boys, so it’s frustrating not being able to do that, but they’ve been doing a great job in my absence.”
Dowd was quick to praise the Steelers’ medical and physio staff for the work they have put in during his recovery.
“The medical staff have been amazing, absolutely fantastic,” he said. “Hopefully we’re coming to a point now where we’re going to know a more solid timeline that we can aim towards.
“Fingers crossed this week that the news is good and it’s a short time.”
Dowd added that the treatment process has been thorough throughout.
“We’ve gone to a specialist now and hopefully he’s going to come back with a timeline for us,” he said.
“I couldn’t be more thankful for all the help I’ve had so far.”
Watching the team from the press box has not made the situation any easier.
“Whenever you’re in the stands, you feel like you could contribute and help the boys,” Dowd admitted. “Anyone who has played the game will tell you that watching your team and not being able to take part is super frustrating.
“But I think the boys have been really good. Obviously some results haven’t gone our way, but we need to stay the course and I think we’re going to turn it around.”
Dowd also had a clear message for his teammates as the Steelers look to find greater consistency.
“We need to stay the course, stay in the battle and stay with it as a team,” he said. “We can’t get separated. We’ve got to stick together, point the swords outwards and charge forward.”