Steelers defenceman Thomas wary of Blaze fireworks

Paul Thompson’s team pulled off two stunning results last weekend to open up the title race once again, first shutting out leaders Belfast Giants in their own rink for a 3-0 win before returning home to edge out second-placed Nottingham Panthers in a seven-goal thriller.

Despite the 2011-12 season being only a quarter way through, there were those already doubting Coventry’s ability to mount a sustained title challenge after a hit-and-miss start to their campaign.

After welcoming the faltering Dundee Stars to South Yorkshire on Saturday night (7pm), the Steelers head go into Coventry’s Skydome Arena 24 hours later looking to maintain their own title bid.

And according to Thomas, last weekend’s double triumph by the Blaze served notice to the league’s other top teams that four-time regular season champions Coventry will once again be a force to be reckoned with.

“You can never write Coventry off and I think their results last weekend will have certainly shut a few of the doubters up,” said Thomas.

“Apart from last season when they finished sixth they have always been there or thereabouts and, of course, they’ve got a great coach.

“It’s always difficult going into Coventry, it’s slightly smaller ice and suits their game. They’ll be coming out hard and we’ve got to make sure we match their intensity and play a dirty road game to try and get the win.”

Coventry will be looking to even the score on home ice on Sunday having gone down 6-4 at Sheffield Arena in September. The two sides also drew 2-2 in the Challenge Cup at Ice Sheffield earlier this month.

Thomas said he hopes to see Steelers’ forward Mike Ramsay back in the line-up as soon as possible after the 27-year-old Canadian fractured two fingers to leave him facing a spell on the sidelines of up to eight weeks.

“Mike’s done a really good job since he came in so it’s a real shame to see this happen to him,” added Thomas.

“He’s actually one of the nicest guys I’ve met so hopefully he’s back sooner rather than later.”

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