EIHL Preview: Panthers at Steelers – 8 September 2013
New Steelers Head Coach Doug Christiansen couldn’t have asked for a better challenge or a bigger stage on which to introduce his new look Sheffield side to home fans on Sunday, as the Steelers match up against the Challenge Cup and EIHL champion Nottingham Panthers in the Motorpoint Arena. The fixture, which has, perhaps generously, been called the best rivalry in European hockey, this year brings to the table its typical sub plots and storylines as well as the potential for some of the best Hockey on display in the EIHL this season.
Games between these two teams are always interesting and action packed and often difficult to call, as they can go either way. Last season saw panthers edge the games with 6 wins to Steelers 5, Steelers did however hand out the Panthers’ biggest loss last season, when they beat them 9-4 at the house of steel. The Panthers did revenge that loss, as they beat The Steelers to clinch the challenge cup.
Panthers will still be revelling in their trophy success last season and Steelers under new coach Doug Christensen will want to make their mark and take first bragging rights in the one.
The Steelers will be looking to put in a strong performance in front of home fans, as they bring their expensive and loaded new roster back home for the first time. Players such as Aaron Nell (F), Stefan Meyer (F), Dustin Kohn (D) and Frank Doyle (NM) who, amongst other new faces, shined during the Steelers pre season European tour will be unveiled to the South Yorkshire faithful for the first time.
Expect the loudest cheer of the night though to go to the returning Robert Dowd. The talismanic British Forward rejoins the Steelers after two seasons away and will be looking to emulate some of the great success he had during his first stint in Sheffield.
Truly an early season treat, for many this game will represent last year’s champions facing off against this year’s favourites, and a Steelers side who will expect nothing less than silverware in all competitions. The Panthers though will not be looking to simply pass the torch; having made key additions and held on to important skaters themselves this close season, Nottingham look as strong as ever to defend their titles this year.
Whatever happens on Sunday a tone will most certainly be set. While no trophies can be won or lost on the first weekend of the season, when the two stand out teams of the EIHL meet it will always mean something, with the Panthers trying desperately to show they are still the side to beat, and the Steelers finding out whether their galaxy of new stars will be enough to knock off the old rivals this season.