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Head Coach: Don McKee. He replaced the highly successful Alex Dampier, who had probably taken the Steelers as far as he could, as seems to be the man to take them back to the top. He comes highly rated, and has as his General Manager the motor-mouth Dave Simms, who has presumably had to step down as match-night announcer. The combination could prove a winner, with McKee alledgedly a great motivator, and Simms having accute in-depth knowledge of the British game.
Home Form: Last year, it took a turn for the worse. The House of Steel started to show some signs of rust. Previously, the Steelers had not finished outside the top two in any league they played in, but last season they finished a lowly sixth, although they did win the 3rd/4th Play-off for the Play-off Final. This year, they'll be hoping to return the the old days of indomitable home form.
Players to watch: Ed Courtnay joined last season, and was probably their most dangerous and consistant goal-scorer. He's a typical big, aggressive Canadian-style player, and as such ideally suited to both the ISL and Steelers style of play. He should once again be leading Sheffield from the front. In goal, Sheffield have the reliable Jimmy Hibbert. Although not as spectacular or even as able as other ISL goalies, he is certainly the most determind and the most consistant. As a back-up keeper, he is exactly the guy you need if you have to swap keepers mid-game, whilst he proved towards the end of the season that he has what it takes to be a number 1, as well. It should be interesting to see who takes the lead, with Grant Sjerven joining Sheffield after being last season's back-up minder in Manchester.
Kit: As yet, I haven't seen th new home strip, but the new away strip is a diagonally halfed black and teal affair, with cog details. The traditional Steelers colours are black, white, teal and ornage, so expect the home strip to be made from that. The badge on the new away strip is a detail from last year's "Steel-man", showing a close up of his face (again in teal and ornage).
Play at: The House of Steel
Capacity: 8,500-10,000
Where?: The Sheffield Arena, Broughton Lane, Sheffield, S9 2DF.
Call?: 0114 2561 580
Here we go, here we go!
By train: The best way is to take a train to Meadowhall station (no extra charge from Sheffield central), then catch a tram to the arena (only 50p).
By Car: Take junction 34 of the M1, which should be signposted Meadowhall. Then follow the signs for the arena.
Parking: The arena has a volumous car park, and there should be no problem finding a space. Getting out after the game might be a trial, though.
Nice Gaff?: Yes. Until the appearence of the Nynex, the best arena in the country. Still very nice, and has the advantage of being a lot friendlier than Manchester.
How much?:
Programme: A nicely produced A5 job, with full colour, glossy pages. However, not a lot on the visiting team, so at £2 maybe a little dear.
They all hate: Well, if you hadn't already guessed, they don't like Nottingham very much. Also, they have healthy rivalries with the Cardiff Devils and Manchester Storm developing.