Steelers face first real tests

Ben Simon's side have enjoyed a comfortable start to the

2010-11 season but have not yet faced any of the so-called top teams.

That all changes with tonight's trip to third-placed Panthers who after their own perfect start to the campaign have stumbled in recent weeks, losing out to Belfast and newcomers the Braehead Clan.

Former Panthers forward Ashley Tait, back with Steelers after a season with Ritten Renon in Italy, said he was looking forward to being involved again in the bitter rivalry that always surrounds fixtures between the two teams.

"There are no seats left in the NIC which proves how much these games mean to the fans of both teams," said Tait.

"Nottingham look like they've put together a very good team again, but we're the form team going into this game and I think we'll be tough competition for anyone right now."

Sylvain Cloutier believes a weekend away in Scotland can only help the team spirit of his Hull Stingrays team as they get their league campaign underway.

Last Sunday saw them fight back from two goals down to secure a 3-3 draw against Cardiff Devils in the Challenge Cup and Cloutier will be hoping for league points from tonight's visit to league newcomers Braehead Clan and tomorrow's trip to Edinburgh Capitals.

"We're excited to get our league campaign underway at last and, as we've only been together for a short while, being away for the whole weekend can only be good for team bonding," said Cloutier.

"We're facing two tough games. Braehead are a new team with a new player-coach in Bruce Richardson who will demand the same intensity that he always display.

"And Edinburgh is always a tough place to play."

In the EPL, Sheffield Steeldogs take on the Swindon Wildcats and the Bracknell Bees.

A trip to Swindon is first on the agenda on Saturday where last season's surprise play-off semi-finalists will be looking to repeat the unexpected 3-2 triumph they enjoyed over title hopefuls Manchester Phoenix at the Link Centre last Saturday.

Sunday night sees Matt Darlow's side travel to Bracknell, who have endured a poor start to the campaign with just the one win to their name.

Steeldogs have already beaten the Bees, coming out on top following a penalty shoot-out at Ice Sheffield two weeks ago, and will no doubt fancy their chances once again, although Gareth Cox's side will be keen to repair the damage caused by a 7-1 home defeat to Peterborough Phantoms last Sunday.