STEELERS FIXTURES CANCELLED THIS WEEKEND

[smbmetal]

Don't think many people would disagree that the decision rests with the players when they play again. As already mentioned, this has to be backed up with professional medical advice etc.

I can't imagine what the players will be going through.

I'd like to think that Adam Johnson would not want the players who no doubt love playing the game of hockey not continue playing. I know everyone is different, but other than probably Matt Petgrave, I'd want to play in Adam's memory and dedicate every single to him.

We'll (hopefully) never see this type of incident ever again.

I'm looking forward to seeing both the Steelers and Panthers play again and personally, I hope it's very soon.

Guess we'll see how the players feel after this weekend's fixtures.

[Jayboy]

I've said it elsewhere in chats and our own Steeltalk group, that the players will decide, I personally believe the players collectivly will want to get back on the ice competively very quickly. In a similar way to someone involved in a bad RTA needs to get driving again, it's a hard process but one that heals the mind in a way only putting your self back in the same mind set can.. Lots of emotions and drawing strength from that and also the fans getting behind you. Also I do believe their will be a tangable link between the fans and the players that will help both start the healing process, I can only speak for my family and I but I need to feel that connection again and feel being in the arena again will help me, my wife and our kids as well as hopefully the players.. Our bond between this set of players and fans will be there forever...

Sent from my SM-G975F using Tapatalk

[Joesteeler]

Steelers back on the ice today. So proud of them all

From X “ Update from the Steelers

Head Coach Aaron Fox confirmed that the team had an ice / gym practice today at the Arena.”

[Doom]

Thanks Joe, we've decided to take in the Dogs game this Saturday, hopefully a Steelers game won't be long afterwards.

Regards

Doom

[smbmetal]

I predict we’ll be back in action on the weekend of the 11th & 12th of November.

[greeny]

Just as the players will go back when they feel the time is right, it will be the same for alot of the fans, i know on a personal note i feel strangely anxious about the next game. As with alot of people who experienced that dreadful night i think the game will be seen in a different light from now on.. But comfort can be taken from the fact that hockey is one big family and everbody will look out for one another

[jas]

Like everybody who was there on Saturday this incident shook me to the core and in quiet moments of reflection I still see Johnson trying to skate across the ice in my mind.

However, I'm going to take a slightly different view and say that I want to get back on the horse as soon as possible. I think it will help going back into the arena with fellow supporters who witnessed the awful incident and reflect together and show our respects.

To me it was just a freak accident which I'll never see again. I would think there's more chance of me witnessing a car accident whilst being out and about on a Saturday night than something like that.

I always remember reading an article by Jack Charlton who said he didn't like flying, but if he did he'd rather fly with his Brother. His logic was that Bobby had been involved in a one in a million plane crash, so for the same thing to happen to somebody twice would be in the billions to one.....you can sort of see his logic.

Obviously everybody needs to make their own decisions, but for me I'd like to get back as soon as possible and try to get some routine back.

I can see it being difficult for the kids. Instead of pestering their parents to go to the game on a Saturday night, now I could see them strongly objecting to going.

Ultimately I think the decision of when we re-start again needs to be with the players, but this has to be backed up by specialists who agree they're mentally fit to start playing again.

I hope I'm wrong, but I wouldn't be at all surprised if Matt Petgrave calls it a day on his career. He clearly loves the game when you listen to him in interviews, but psychologically he's probably more damaged than anybody.

My final point is there is another victim in all this and that is Tony Smith. Obviously it's not in the same ball park as Johnson's family and friends, but Tony has done a fabulous job in building our fanbase and making the hockey a great family night out....and then this.

It's a horrible situation for everybody and each individual needs to deal with it in their own way.

Regards

Doom

Great post Doom

[Nathan]

Looks like Nottingham have pulled out of the CC for this season.

I wondered if this would happen.

Makes sense really.

[DimTim]

The fact Panthers have withdrawn from the Challenge Cup means the home fixture Saturday 25 November will not take place.
Their next visit to the Arena would be on Boxing Day - doesn’t seem appropriate with a full house expected.

Will there be a change of opponent being considered for this fixture?

[Nathan]

The fact Panthers have withdrawn from the Challenge Cup means the home fixture Saturday 25 November will not take place.
Their next visit to the Arena would be on Boxing Day - doesn’t seem appropriate with a full house expected.

Will there be a change of opponent being considered for this fixture?

Not a chance.