Tim Smith keen for Sheffield Steeldogs to keep on playing after Streaming Series

There is no doubt that the first two weekends of the behind-closed-doors event – which has also involved a third NIHL National team in Swindon Wildcats – have been a success, with an average of just over 1,000 tickets sold to fans who have watched the games live on the internet.

The aim is to try and show a way forward for the second tier to maybe go on and have some kind of a regular season from January onwards, if enough of the other seven clubs show enough interest to then get involved.

To buy tickets to watch either of the games between Milton Keynes and Shefield Steeldogs go HERE

There are intentions to stage a Cup competition next month, with the possibility of Telford Tigers and Bracknell Bees jumping on board after both recently attained the ‘elite sport’ status previously gained by the ‘Streaming Series’ teams.

But this week’s announcement from the Conservative government on life after the second national lockdown has potentially thrown plans for more games into doubt.

As it stands, Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport officials have categorized ice rinks as entertainment and leisure venues which, if in a proposed Tier 3 area, such as Sheffield, would not be allowed to open.

To buy tickets to watch either of the games between Milton Keynes and Shefield Steeldogs go HERE

English Ice Hockey Association officials are continuing to hold talks with the DCMS in the hope of getting ice rinks reclassed as sports venues, which would then allow hockey players to continue training, as is the case for any other Olympic sport.

But, in the meantime, defenceman Smith, who stepped up to take the ‘C’ following an injury to Lewis Bell against Swindon two weeks ago, is simply concentrating on ensuring his team emerges from the Series by maintaining their 100 per cent record.

Tonight sees them travel to Milton Keynes before the two teams lock horns again at Ice Sheffield tomorrow (5.30pm).

“In terms of any games after this, it is completely out of our control,” said Smith. “We’re just hockey players, we just do what we’re told but we all want to continue after this weekend if at all possible.

To buy tickets to watch either of the games between Milton Keynes and Shefield Steeldogs go HERE

“We hope to keep going for the remainder of the season but – first and foremost – the biggest priority is that people remain safe and healthy. Hockey is not really top of the list of priorities but if it can give people some Saturday or Sunday night entertainment then we’re more than willing to keep going.”

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