Steeldogs looking likely to return to action before Sheffield Steelers

NIHL National Division team Steeldogs will likely find it easier to open up for business when the corona pandemic is in full retreat and indoor sports can resume.

With the scrutiny, expertise and co-operation of iceSheffield staff, they feel they would be able to host socially-distancing spectator events when the Government lifts the ban.

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The east end's 'secondary' rink facility holds 1,500 fans - and Steeldogs normally only attract up to 1,000 supporters when Yorkshire rivals Hull Pirates are the visitors.

It is an entirely different matter for Steelers and the Arena.

Steelers averaged a whopping crowd of 6,610 last season and socially distancing that number, or more, would be a logistical nightmare.

There have been suggestions the EIHL might start as late as December, and only then if the virus 'R' rate is well under control.

Steeldogs' head coach Ben Morgan said: "I've heard the December rumour. As far as we are concerned, we don't know anything for sure, everything's up in the air. But I think, hopefully, our own league will start before then.

"The plan is for our juniors to start a month before the seniors at iceSheffield and that situation will be reviewed very carefully.

"If we were to start playing in September, we'll finish in April, if it starts in October it will end in May.

"But if it starts as late as January, then there will be a shortened season."

Steeldogs, who finished seventh out of ten teams last season, are laying plans to improve on that ranking.

They have a two-way agreement with Steelers Cole Shudra and Alex Graham and have signed Latvian Martins Susters, 21, from Peterborough Phantoms.

"We are a development club and we are hoping Martins will make the transition to the EIHL," said Morgan.

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Steeldogs say they would also welcome Ben O'Connor into their ranks, if he needs games ahead of a move to an EIHL club, following his departure from Steelers.

"We'd absolutely welcome a player of that calibre. We look after our own Sheffield lads and if the EIHL starts late we'd love to see him play and keep fit with us.

"If we could, we'd certainly make that happen, so long as it is financially viable."