Steelers 'light' as Devils opener beckons

Forwards Derek Campbell and recently-signed former NHL winger Rob Globke are not expected to arrive in time for Saturday night's opener against Cardiff Devils at Sheffield Arena (7pm).

And bench coach Neil Abel last night said the team had been forced into looking to sign up a new back-up goaltender after first-choice reserve Geoff Woolhouse picked up a knee injury.

After a turbulent summer off the ice, which has seen the liquidation of the club's former operating company' and a management walkout in protest at owner Bob Phillips, Steelers' fans will finally be able to judge how new player-coach Ben Simon's team measure up on the ice.

Despite having no warm-up games ahead of the visit of Cardiff Abel – a former Steelers defenceman – said there was a buzz about the team after a week or so of training.

"The guys have skated well for the last few days and I think they're as ready as they'll ever be," said Abel.

"I honestly don't think having any exhibition games will have made any difference. They've all come back in good shape and there's a real good buzz about the place.

"With no Derek Campbell or Rob Globke we are short. There's some complication with Derek's visa, I don't know why because he's played in the UK for a number of years.

"We still want him to come over but, if he's not going to be able to come - for whatever reason - we need to know as soon as possible."

On Woolhouse, Abel said the former Nottingham Panthers No 2 netminder was likely to be out for up to four weeks.

"We've to a couple of guys in the pipeline," said Abel. "But it's a big blow at this particular stage.

"Geoff has injured his knee and is out for about 3-4 weeks."

Cardiff, coached by Gerad Adams, finished last season as play-off runners-up, are tipped as being serious contenders for silveware this season and will have former Steelers' favourite Ryan Finnerty among their ranks for the trip to South Yorkshire.