New spirit of co-operation benefits all

The Steelers edged a friendly derby against EPL neighbours Sheffield Steeldogs 4-3 at Ice Sheffield on Tuesday, in a match which helped demonstrate the new period of co-operation between the two clubs.

The Elite League champions got their title defence off to a fine start with a 2-1 win in Belfast at the weekend and used Tuesday night’s meeting with their lower-level rivals as much-needed match practice ahead of this Saturday’s home opener at the Motorpoint Arena against the Dundee Stars (7pm).

Last week saw the Steelers miss valuable ice time due to a mix-up, not that it held them back from returning from Northern Ireland with an impressive victory.

As a result Steelers player-coach Ryan Finnerty was keen for his players to catch-up on some practice hours, with Andre Payette’s young roster providing the energetic opposition.

The game may rarely have been played at full tilt - the two clubs having seemingly ended the frosty relationship from seen in previous years - but there was still plenty to attract the interest of around 600 hockey fans.

And Phillips - now in his sixth season with the Steelers - said the rivals’ ability to forge closer links would benefit both immensely.

“I think Tuesday night’s game showed that the two clubs are working more closely together now,” said Phillips.

“We’ve already started our season so it was a good chance for us to gain some welcome ice time in a match-type scenario. But they’re a good team and are heading in the right direction with some good players coming through.

“I’ve never really known why it’s not worked in the past but, for whatever reason, it’s just never really come off.

“But I think it’s important for hockey in the area as a whole that the clubs do work closely. Teams like the Steeldogs are the kind that bring on the next generation of homegrown youngsters and that’s so crucial.”

On Tuesday, Jeff Legue and Tom Squires put the Steelers 2-0 ahead before skilful Latvian Janis Ozolins - who topped the scoring for the Steeldogs last season despite not arriving in South Yorkshire until January - halved the deficit before the first break.

The second period belonged to the hosts, who found themselves 3-2 in front after 24 minutes when Scott Morris pounced on a rebound from Steelers’ netminder Geoff Woolhouse shortly after Edgars Bebris had drawn them level.

Chances came and went at both ends with both Woolhouse and opposite number Ben Bowns in good form and it wasn’t until the third period that the Steelers were able to haul themselves level, making the most of a harsh - and rare - penalty awarded against Payette for Ashley Tait to slot home early in the 42nd minute.

Jason Hewitt then restored the Steelers’ advantage but Woolhouse was called on to make a number of decent saves - one from the impressive Ozolins - before the final hooter sounded.