EARLY days – but the early signs are promising as far as Sheffield Steelers’ head coach Aaron Fox is concerned.

While a 3-2 overtime defeat at Cardiff Devils in the Challenge Cup last Sunday night will be seen essentially as a point dropped, Fox (pictured) saw plenty of things to admire in his team’s performance – not least their ability to fight back from two goals down to carry the game into the additional period.

Coming on the back of a 5-2 opening night win in the same competition at home to Guildford Flames, it was a profitable weekend overall for the Steelers as they look to regain the trophy they win in 2023-24.

They can further enhance their chances of progressing from the group stage when they visit Nottingham Panthers on Saturday night ahead of a home encounter against Manchester Storm 24 hours later (face-off 4pm).

"When we watched the game back, I actually felt a little bit differently to how I did on the night,” said Fox following the trip to South Wales.

“It was a little back and forth in the first but then I honestly felt from the second period onwards, that we played very, very well, very structured.

"During pre-season, they had taken a little bit of an advantage of us in the O-zone but I thought our D-zone was outstanding last Sunday.

"So our game review this week was just showing some detailed stuff on what we can clean up in certain areas, but it was a big character effort coming back from 2-0 down, we created plenty in that game to win, but it was just one of those nights where it wasn’t to be for us.”

BIG NIGHT: Sheffield Steelers' Stephen Harper in action during last week's Challenge Cup win at home to Guildford Flames. Picture: Dean Woolley/Steelers Media.

placeholder image — BIG NIGHT: Sheffield Steelers' Stephen Harper in action during last week's Challenge Cup win at home to Guildford Flames. Picture: Dean Woolley/Steelers Media.

The Steelers head to Nottingham to face a Panthers team desperate to record a first win of the season having lost out to Cardiff and Guildford on opening weekend.

Given the history of the fixture, Fox is aware there is no need for any additional fuel for either team.

"They are looking for their first Cup points, their first win of the season, while we’re looking to position ourselves as close to the top of the group for as long as we can.

"We know the stakes are high and we know this is a huge game for us.”