Hewitt targets further improvement

The 26-year-old British forward, from Manchester, has already surpassed his previous best season points total, having contributed 12 goals and 15 assists in 59 games this season.

In recent weeks, he has been singled out for special praise by head coach Dave Matsos and his performances have been a key part in the Steelers' upturn in form which has seen them win five of their last six games.

The extra hours spent in the gym last summer with a personal trainer have obviously paid off for Hewitt but, despite the personal improvement shown, he says it will count for little if Steelers fail to rescue a disappointing campaign by retaining the Elite League play-off trophy for a third year running.

"Personally, it has been a fairly good season for me – I feel I've played my best hockey this season," said Hewitt.

"Every year I want to get better and I think getting picked for Great Britain at the end of last season spurred me on even more.

"I'm on the ice at key times of the game more than I was before, whether it's the penalty kill or whatever and that's a big confidence boost for me.

"But the team comes first and we know we've been poor this season, but we seem to have hit some form at the right time of year with the play-offs coming.

"There's nothing specific I can put my finger on as to why things have got better recently - I think we've all just had enough of how it was going.

"We know we'll be matched-up against one of the top four and it will be tough but we've beaten each of them at some point already this season so we've got nobody to fear."

With four games of the regular season remaining, Steelers remain in a fight with Edinburgh Capitals to finish in fifth place and hope to boost their hopes of doing that by defeating Yorkshire rivals Hull Stingrays at Sheffield Arena on Saturday (7.00).

Stingrays are looking to avoid picking up the wooden spoon and head to South Yorkshire knowing time is running out for them to overhaul Newcastle Vipers, whom they welcome to Hull on Sunday (6.00).

With play-off places assured for all eight teams in what is hoped will be a one-off, Hull defenceman Pavel Gomenyuk believes Sylvain Cloutier's side could spring a surprise.

"I believe we can win them. I played twice in the finals weekend for Newcastle and it`s an unbelievable feeling. It will be hard but this team can do it," said Gomenyuk.

"I think it`s possible to win all four games before the play-offs. It will give us more confidence and I don't think it will matter who we play because teams will be scared of us."

Steelers head to Coventry Blaze on Sunday where victory for the home side combined with favourable results elsewhere could see them crowned champions.

Belfast Giants kept alive their slim hopes of snatching the league title away from Coventry on Friday night when two goals from Jeff Szwez sealed a 2-0 victory over Cardiff to take them to within one point of the leaders, although they have played two games more.