Steelers look to keep their discipline as they search for European glory

The Elite League and play-off champions have endured a difficult defence to their crowns this season and currently sit second-from-bottom in the table having won only 12 of their 32 games.

But Dave Matsos's side – the first since Belfast Giants in 2003 to reach this stage – enjoyed a rare success in the previous round of the tournament in November, surprising Italian hosts Bolzano to clinch a place in this weekend's climax in Grenoble.

They will open their bid for glory tonight against hosts Grenoble Bruleurs de Loups who won the French league last year before facing fellow qualifiers Red Bull Salzburg tomorrow afternoon.

They will then complete their campaign against former winners from Belarus, Yunost Minsk, on Sunday.

Steelers will be considered rank outsiders to lift the trophy but 29-year-old Basiuk – who returned to action last weekend after surgery on an injured shoulder kept him out for almost four months – believes the South Yorkshire club could surprise a few people, particularly if they stay out of the penalty box.

"I think we'll compare quite well to the Grenoble team and the line-up from Minsk, but they've both got a lot of guys on those teams who are paid big dollars and have big resumes, while Salzburg are one of the best teams in Austria every year," said Basiuk.

"So we know it's going to be tough and we play a different style to most European countries but if we can clamp down defensively and bury our chances then who knows?

"We're going to have to be disciplined and not take ridiculous penalties. But we know what we are up against – that's the advantage of playing in Italy in the last round, we know what to expect from referees."

Defenceman Rod Sarich is expected to feature for Steelers, despite breaking a bone in his foot in the 3-2 Elite League defeat at Belfast Giants last Saturday.

The 28-year-old missed the previous round in Italy due to a broken thumb.