Finnerty keen to end Steelers’ Cup pain

Since the Elite League’s inception in 2003, the Steelers have finished runners-up three times in the annual Cup competition, the last time coming in 2007-08 when they were beaten by arch-rivals Nottingham Panthers who, by contrast, have lifted the Cup five times, including the last three years.

And while the Steelers can point to having had more success in the league over the years – lifting the most coveted piece of silverware three times since 2003 – Finnerty thinks it is time the club added to that by finally winning the competition seen by many as the league’s poor relation.

They begin this season’s Cup campaign tomorrow night with a tricky visit to Yorkshire rivals Hull Stingrays, who began their Group B campaign in style with a 7-5 win over Cardiff Devils.

Hull are also the team who sensationally knocked the Steelers out in the first round of the play-offs last season, although Finnerty believes that will matter little tomorrow night.

“The guys from last year will remember what happened in the play-offs, but we are past last year,” said Finnerty. “We can’t afford to think too much about what happened at the end of last season.

“The Challenge Cup is something we haven’t ever had in Sheffield and I think the guys are a bit fed up with that situation, seeing other teams lift that trophy, particularly Nottingham.

“It’s a trophy we desperately want and I’m not just saying that. We’ll be treating this as seriously as any other game and, with it being such a tough group, we can’t afford to switch off.”

Steelers go into tomorrow’s Yorkshire derby in positive mood after league wins over Nottingham and Belfast Giants at the weekend – two teams expected to be their biggest rivals for the regular season title.

Hull will also be in buoyant mood after picking up three points from weekend double-header with Edinburgh Capitals.

[email protected]

Twitter: PHarrisonYP