Audio: Basiuk eyes positive impact from Steelers' Euro bid

The Elite League and play-off champions have endured a difficult defence to their crowns this season and currently find themselves second-from-bottom in the table having won only 12 of their 32 games.

But Dave Matsos's side – the first since Belfast Giants in 2003 to reach this stage of the Continental Cup – enjoyed a surprise success in the previous round of the competition back in November, stunning Italian hosts Bolzano to clinch a place in this weekend's four-team finale in Grenoble, France.

They will open their bid for glory on Friday night against hosts Grenoble Bruleurs de Loups, who won the French league last year, before Saturday's duel with fellow qualifiers Red Bull Salzburg - defeated during last year's semi-final stage by Coventry Blaze.

They will then complete their campaign against 2007 winners Yunost Minsk, from Belarus, on Sunday.

Steelers will be considered rank outsiders to lift the trophy but 29-year-old Basiuk – who returned to action last weekend after surgery on an injured shoulder kept him out for almost four months – believes the South Yorkshire club could surprise a few people, particularly if they are able to stay out of the penalty box.

"I think we'll compare quite well to the Grenoble team and the line-up from Minsk, but they've both got a lot of guys on those teams who are paid big dollars and have big resumes, while Salzburg are one of the best teams in Austria every year," said Basiuk.

To listen to the Scott Basiuk interview in full click the green PLAY button.

"We know it's going to be tough but there aren't really any expectations on us so anything positive that we can take out of it - either a couple of wins or maybe even win the whole thing - will be great for us as a team down the road.

"We simply haven't been a good team this year - there's no ifs or buts about that. We need to get it together - and soon - there's no excuse why it can't be this weekend."

With European officials reknowned for clamping down more on the physical side of the game - more often associated with North American players - Basiuk said Steelers' Canadian-dominated roster would have to box clever over the three-day event.

"We're going to have to be disciplined and not take ridiculous penalties," added Basiuk.

"But we know what we are up against – that's the advantage of playing in Italy in the last round.

"The important part is that if you're given a penalty just straight go to the bench because as soon as you give them any reaction, I don't think they like that as they are used to having their own way.

"We've just got to be smart with it and - after Italy - we know what to expect."

Defenceman Rod Sarich is expected to feature for Steelers, despite breaking a bone in his foot in the 3-2 Elite League defeat at Belfast Giants last Saturday.

The 28-year-old missed the previous round in Italy due to a broken thumb and is desperate to feature in Grenoble.

When Steelers return, Sarich is expected to be out for up to six weeks as he undergoes a full and proper recovery from his injury with Steelers expected to bring in a replacement for him next week.

To listen to the Scott Basiuk interview in full click the green PLAY button.