Nathan Salem keen to make up for lost time with Sheffield Steeldogs

A YEAR out of playing any sport – for whatever reason – means that whenever you do return to action, it’s going to hurt. It was no different for Sheffield Steeldogs’ Nathan Salem.
By Phil Harrison
Published 15th Feb 2021, 18:55 BST
BACK IN THE GAME: Nathan Salem returned to action for Sheffield Steeldogs almost a year on since his last appearance for them. Picture courtesy of Cerys Molloy.BACK IN THE GAME: Nathan Salem returned to action for Sheffield Steeldogs almost a year on since his last appearance for them. Picture courtesy of Cerys Molloy.
BACK IN THE GAME: Nathan Salem returned to action for Sheffield Steeldogs almost a year on since his last appearance for them. Picture courtesy of Cerys Molloy.

The 29-year-old forward ended his long Covid-enforced absence in the opening weekend of the NIHL National Spring Cup, helping Greg Wood’s team get off to a flying start with back-to-back wins against one of the sides expected to push them hard for the trophy.

And while the former Hull Pirates man was unable to register any points across the two games, his main aim of coming through his return to action in good shape was achieved, thanks in part to line-mates Jonathan Phillips and Liam Kirk.

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“I’m very tired after that first weekend back,” said Salem, now in his third season in Sheffield.

Action from Sheffield Steeldogs' Spring Cup clash in Swindon on Saturday. Picture courtesy of Steeldogs Media.Action from Sheffield Steeldogs' Spring Cup clash in Swindon on Saturday. Picture courtesy of Steeldogs Media.
Action from Sheffield Steeldogs' Spring Cup clash in Swindon on Saturday. Picture courtesy of Steeldogs Media.

“I was trying to keep my shifts as short as I could, but playing with Jonna and Kirky makes it a lot easier for me.

“We had a long trip back from Swindon on Saturday and playing back-to-back games for the first time in a year was tough.”

The Steeldogs don’t return to action until February 27 when they take on Romford-based Raiders IHC in a home-and-away double-header.

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Salem added: “We have the free weekend coming up, but that gives me chance to work on my fitness and get some good practices in working on the systems and getting some off ice work in.

“By the London weekend with the Raiders, I would hope to be firing on all cylinders.”

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Related topics:SheffieldLiam KirkJonathan Phillips

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