Sheffield Steelers - on their way back?

When Sheffield Steelers' coach Aaron Fox ponders the likely length and format of a Covid-secure mini season in the New Year, he has to employ a sliding scale in his mind.
Steelers - on their way back?Steelers - on their way back?
Steelers - on their way back?

Initially, it had been hoped that the five English Elite League clubs could play each other over a three-month, mini-campaign.

That could still happen, but the sport is now destined to go into January without anything set in stone, which means a shorter format is becoming more and more likely.

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"If we could do 12 weeks great, ten good, eight ok, anything less than that probably gets a little bit more difficult" the team boss told The Star.

"But if you play three games a week you can still play 24 to 28 games - I think France plays 28 games in a normal season!

"At this stage, if it is eight weeks with three games a week, that is not a terrible number in the circumstances.

"Just getting guys playing is the most important thing, still, to bridge that gap to August, (the run up to season 2021-2.) We'll take anything we can get.

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"Would I like more than eight weeks? Of course. I'd be on the side of getting 10-12 weeks in, the more the merrier" said the coach.

All the five clubs looking to be involved have had to file individual paperwork to the Government, in the hope they will secure the £4m on offer.

The administration will rule on those submissions early in the New Year.

"We'll see what is approved," said Fox.

"It's been slow. We are at the mercy now of the bureaucratic side of things and we all know that there are too many clubs that can't front those up-front costs (flying in, paying and accommodating players) without knowing exactly the day that funding is supposed to be coming.

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"It would cripple clubs if they had to front those upfront costs and the money didn't come. It would just destroy them, so we have got to be very sure that what is supposed to be coming is coming so we can move forward."

Fox said that as the EIHL standard was officially recognised by the Government as enjoying 'Elite' status, there was little concern that the season could start and then stop through Covid reasons, as had happened in some countries.

"My understanding about how things are working in other countries is that while there is a lockdown in Germany right now and rinks are closed, they are not closed to the DEL and the DEL 2 (leagues.)

"Those elite sports are still allowed to play so I don't think there is anything that shuts us down other than positive cases within the group.

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"And that is why we have to make sure we are stringent in our rules, people (clubs' rosters and staff) are going to have to do what is right to make sure we put ourselves in the best spot."

Fox said a season as limited as eight weeks would not be a turn-off for many import players looking for work.

"A short season would make it easier for some to come, unless they already have something that is earning them a decent wage.

"Most guys wouldn't have an issue with that; I get lists from agents daily and there are still plenty of players to support our league."