'We are no beer league' says Sheffield Cup winning boss

Sheffield Steeldogs are champions - a runaway juggernaut of a roster far too good for the rest of the opposition in the NIHL Spring Cup tournament.
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On Sunday, they beat Raiders 6-3, 24 hours after dismissing Bees 4-1 on the road.

It was enough to continue their 100% win rate and collect the Cup with two games remaining.

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Co-owner Ali Cree felt the standards set by his team and competitors in the tournament lays waste to the suggestion, made from some in the next door EIHL camp, they play in a "beer league."

He said: "We are delighted to have won the league and to have overcome all the challenges of playing hockey at a time of Covid 19.

"We are not a beer league as some people over the road call us - I think the Steelers players who are taking part have been impressed by the skill levels.

"These are exciting times for us. We are hoping to be involved in another tournament in May when we can again use the opportunity to show off our brand.

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"Sheffield (Steeldogs) might not always have been an attractive option for players to come to, but maybe the Spring Cup and the performances might have put us more on the map."

Steeldogs are title winners. Pic by Podium Prints.Steeldogs are title winners. Pic by Podium Prints.
Steeldogs are title winners. Pic by Podium Prints.

Sunday's game winning goal was dispatched by Steelers' skipper Jonathan Phillips, who has clearly enjoyed his time with the iceSheffield outfit.

The Welshman was instrumental in two of the other strikes.

Fellow Steeler Liam Kirk scored the first and last - he hasn't had a bad time of it either. The forward has scored 15 goals in 10 games, along with nine assists!

Steeldogs' other strikes came from Lewis Bell, James Spurr and Ben O'Connor, the club's second top-scorer.

Jonathan Phillps: Cup tie winner.Jonathan Phillps: Cup tie winner.
Jonathan Phillps: Cup tie winner.
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If Steeldogs had needed a morale booster going into the weekend, they received it on Friday when closest competitors Telford unexpectedly flopped 4-1 at Swindon Wildcats.

Dogs replicated that scoreline on Saturday, putting Bees to the sword on their own ice.

Top scorer was Ben Lake, with a brace, with Phillips and Kirk adding one each.

Greg Wood's team have two dead rubber games left of the 12-match series, starting with Telford Tigers on Wednesday.

Fans are invited to join their "virtual celebration" next Sunday, when they complete the Spring Cup programme, against Swindon Wildcats (5pm.)