GAME THREAD FRIENDLY: Sheffield Steelers v Nottingham Panthers Saturday, 9th September 7:00pm

[Johnny777]

A very, very pleasant surprise. A fully deserved win and 2 of 3 players that I was looking forward to seeing play (Watling & Tansey) did not disappoint. Tansey really did not mess about and not since Dion Darling have I seen a defender go after somebody and then sort them out.

For a pre-season game I thought we looked pretty sharp. Panthers looked poor though.

Vallerand looked off the pace though, but it is only the first game after all.

Please Mr Fox let the players play their natural game. Don’t stamp out the physical play.

A great start to the season. Well done lads. A nice big smile on my face.

Munn and Fitzgerald spring to mind regarding D-men who have done that before Tansey?

[smbmetal]

Of course! Can’t believe I forgot about Fitzy! Didn’t see Munn play so can’t comment on him.

Tansey is also smart as he quite rightly turned down Tetlow’s challenge with 2 and bit minutes left as that would have made him miss the next game.

[paul johnston]

Of course! Can’t believe I forgot about Fitzy! Didn’t see Munn play so can’t comment on him.

Tansey is also smart as he quite rightly turned down Tetlow’s challenge with 2 and bit minutes left as that would have made him miss the next game.

Tetlow is tall and gangly, but can he fight? Don't think I've ever seen him fight at all.

[wakefieldsteelersfan]

If Tetlow really wanted the fight he'd have dropped em regardless and no-choiced him......instead he let Tansey back him up half the length of the ice into his own zone.

[Doom]

Very happy with that, at times it felt like we were on a 5 on 5 powerplay.

The player who caught my eye the most was an oldie, I thought Dowd was outstanding all over the ice.

I also thought we were excellent at faceoffs tonight, which was a pleasant surprise.

Still to be convinced by Vally and Saucerman was slower than I expected, although his passing was inch perfect.

Based on tonight we look bigger, stronger and faster than Nottingham, but we need to improve our shooting.

A more physical Cardiff team will be an interesting test next week.

Regards

Doom

[ginger]

That was thoroughly enjoyable.

Tansey plays like that all year and he'll be the in the best Dman running.

Watling, Balmas look great - Watling super smooth, can't wait to see him on good ice! Balmas looked direct and shoot first, which is something we've missed the last couple of years.

Simpson definitely making a case to play up the lines - really strong on face-offs and good hands for his size.

Thought Diffley looked good as well.

Goals, a line brawl, Dowd pummelling some guy who didn't read the game notes - god I've missed hockey

[smbmetal]

If Tetlow really wanted the fight he'd have dropped em regardless and no-choiced him......instead he let Tansey back him up half the length of the ice into his own zone.

Perhaps, but on the stream is looked like Tetlow was challenging him. Perhaps they’re setting something up for tomorrow.

Fox really needs to realise that games like this one is what a lot of the fans want. If you want some evidence just listen to the noise level and atmosphere. It’s always louder than when a goal is scored.

IMO he stamps this out which will make players like Tansey go into their shell and play an unnatural game.

[Woodsy]

Well said Ginger.

I was on Simpson watch tonight and was quite impressed.

Early days but his faceoff ability in the centre circle combined with his size could be a game changer.

[Jayboy]

Now that's passion, Tony should go down to Aaron and tell him, now that's a Steelers team, now you know this... don't change a bloody thing... Probably the best game I've watched in 3 seasons looks good for next week Bums on seats for Tony lol
If Aaron wakes up to his negative vanilla hockey and let's them play a more natural game and coaches them in a style that keeps this up with the same timing and self discipline, then yes we have the makings a a very very good team,
That was the best I've seen an Aaron Fox team play without doubt. Put it this way the line brawl is worth it watching the streaming rerun alone, we haven't seen one of them in an age and they never make the highlight package because if EIHL rules re re broadcasting fights etc...
Give me that all season and I will be extremely happy Steelers fan.. Please Aaron if you ever thought about watching and listening the reaction of the fans and the result on the ice please let this be the time..
The fans will turn on you faster than a Panthers Fan pulling the fire alarm on Boxing day... If you take this team performance away from us... There tonight was your winning formula, don't blow it now you've been shown the golden ticket!...

[greeny]

Cant ask for anything more for first pre season game, big crowd, decent game, fisticuffs, whats not to like at this stage