Tough weekend awaits Steeldogs

Payette’s team understandably turned a few heads last Sunday when they emerged from the opening weekend of the league season in pole position after doing the double over Swindon Wildcats.

This weekend sees them travel to Basingstoke Bison on Saturday before returning home to welcome Milton Keynes Lightning to Ice Sheffield (5.30pm).

Basingstoke produced a mixed weekend when they followed up a 4-2 win over Bracknell Bees with a 5-4 defeat at defending champions Manchester Phoenix.

Milton Keynes, who finished fifth in the regular season last time around before finishing as play-off runners-up, have had to wait a week longer for their season to start and take on Manchester on Saturday evening before making the trip to South Yorkshire.

Payette has moved quickly to bring his players back down from the understandable euphoria of last weekend and is keen for them to stay fully focussed on another difficult six periods of hockey.

“The lads enjoyed last weekend, it has been back to hard training sessions during this week,” said Payette,

“We can’t get carried away with the perfect start, although it has certainly lifted the team’s spirits. We now have to build on that start by playing a full 60 minutes against two tough teams this weekend.

“We want to do well in front of our own fans on Sunday and the Milton Keynes game should be an entertaining one to watch.”

Tickets will be available on the night for the match between the Steeldogs and Milton Keynes (5.30pm). Priced: Adults £9; Concessions £6.50; Child £3.50 (Under-8s Free); Family £20.