Tim Gettinger’s four-goal weekend no surprise to Sheffield Steelers coach Aaron Fox
Tim Gettinger scored twice against Glasgow Clan then bagged another brace against Manchester Storm
Sheffield Steelers head coach Aaron Fox says Tim Gettinger’s four-goal weekend was a reward for the work the forward has been doing even when the numbers were not necessarily showing it.
Gettinger scored twice in Saturday night’s 5-0 home victory over Glasgow Clan before adding another two goals in Sunday’s 4-3 Challenge Cup win at Manchester Storm, giving him four goals in the space of 24 hours
The 6ft 6in American has brought size and experience to the Steelers since arriving from Schwenninger Wild Wings during the summer, and Fox believes his contribution has gone well beyond goals and assists.
“He’s one of those guys who is going to get to the hard areas of the ice,” said Fox.
“Playing with Balmy and Archie over the weekend, he found some pucks on his tape in those areas where, if you get to them, you’re going to get rewarded.
“He’s not a guy I could point the finger at and say had been bad for us during this early stretch. He just wasn’t putting up huge numbers.
“Even when he isn’t producing numbers, he does a lot of the little things right that you need to win hockey games. He has that team-first mindset.”
Gettinger was named man of the match against Glasgow after scoring the opening goal and adding another as Sheffield took control of the game during the second period.
Less than 24 hours later he was on the scoresheet twice again in Manchester as Sheffield completed a four-point weekend.
Fox hopes the sudden burst of scoring will add another layer of confidence to Gettinger’s game.
“I’m really happy that he could find the back of the net,” Fox said. “Hopefully it gives him a little bit of confidence in that side of his game.
“He gives those two guys a very responsible, heavy forward who can push the pace, play low and defend well. It definitely worked this weekend.”
Gettinger, 28, was drafted by the New York Rangers in the fifth round in 2016 and has spent much of his career in North American professional hockey. Elite Prospects lists him as having more than 700 senior appearances across his career.
Fox said that background meant there was always a belief that more offensive production could follow once Gettinger became fully accustomed to Sheffield’s systems.
“Hockey is funny that way. You never know how things are going to translate,” Fox said. “When you watched the tape on him and saw some of the things he could do at different levels, you felt there would be numbers behind it.
“He is a big player, skates well and has been a full-time American League guy. He does all the things you’re looking for out of a player. Maybe he hasn’t been a huge offensive go-to guy everywhere he’s played, but he has still put up some pretty decent numbers in some pretty good leagues.
“I felt that side of his game would come when things slowed down a little bit and he started grasping some of the concepts we’re trying to run.”
After four goals in two games, that patience appears to be paying off.
“I’m happy for him and happy for us,” Fox added. “We brought him in for a reason and it’s great to see some production out of him.”