Why Sheffield Steeldogs’ Davey Phillips has no problem catching up in Spring Cup

HOCKEY instinct and the sight of some welcoming, familiar faces have helped Davey Phillips quickly find his feet with Sheffield Steeldogs in the Spring Cup.
By Phil Harrison
Published 2nd Mar 2021, 06:45 BST
Davey Phillips, right, is back playing alongside former Sheffield Steelers' team-mate Ben O'Connor, left, this time withSheffield Steeldogs. Picture courtesy of Mark Ferriss/EIHL.Davey Phillips, right, is back playing alongside former Sheffield Steelers' team-mate Ben O'Connor, left, this time withSheffield Steeldogs. Picture courtesy of Mark Ferriss/EIHL.
Davey Phillips, right, is back playing alongside former Sheffield Steelers' team-mate Ben O'Connor, left, this time withSheffield Steeldogs. Picture courtesy of Mark Ferriss/EIHL.

The 33-year-old defenceman was a late addition to the Steeldogs’ roster ahead of the behind-closed-doors tournament, but has quickly proved a pivotal piece in their unbeaten start to the competition.

Phillips, initially signed to neighbouring Elite League team Sheffield Steelers until the Covid-19 pandemic ended hopes of a 2020-21 top-flight season, has reunited with a number of his team-mates from the FlyDS Arena.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Jonathan Phillips, Alex Graham and Liam Kirk have all laced up alongside Phillips for the Steelers at one point or another, but it is his return to playing alongside fellow D-man Ben O’Connor that has helped the Hull-born GB international slot in so seamlessly at Ice Sheffield.

And while he admits it has taken a short while to regain his on-ice fitness, everything else he has learned over the years clicked back into gear almost immediately on the opening weekend double-header against Swindon Wildcats.

““Maybe the on-ice fitness wasn’t quite 100 per cent but, to be honest, it just felt like being back to normal straightaway,” said Phillips. “You’ve played so many games over the years, it’s almost like going to automatic pilot, you just switch to game mode.

“Being paired with Ben helped in those first two games immensely, all the games I’ve played in the last four years have been alongside Ben, either with the Steelers or GB, so it helped smooth the process and made my life a lot easier.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“We know each others’ games inside out and seem to instinctively know where each other is on the ice in certain situations.”

Davey Phillips, in action for Sheffield Steeldogs against Swindon Wildcats. Picture courtesy of Podium Prints/Steeldogs Media.Davey Phillips, in action for Sheffield Steeldogs against Swindon Wildcats. Picture courtesy of Podium Prints/Steeldogs Media.
Davey Phillips, in action for Sheffield Steeldogs against Swindon Wildcats. Picture courtesy of Podium Prints/Steeldogs Media.

Support The Yorkshire Post and become a subscriber today. Your subscription will help us to continue to bring quality news to the people of Yorkshire. In return, you’ll see fewer ads on site, get free access to our app and receive exclusive members-only offers. Click HERE to subscribe.

Related topics:Sheffield SteelersJonathan Phillips

Comment Guidelines

National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.