Jonathan Phillips might be the older statesmen of the Steeldogs side but he has some youthful excitement heading into the new season
This Saturday will see Phillips play his first game of the year at ICE Sheffield following his return from assisting the Great Britain’s men’s national side at the recent Olympic pre-qualification tournament.
“I’m looking forward to getting back onto the ice” he said “In an ideal world I would have been here for the past couple of weeks but the chance to work with the national side and try and pass my knowledge and experience on was something I couldn’t turn down”
It will be the former Steelers and GB captains second year with the Steeldogs after his incredible and illustrious professional career ended at the end of the 2023 season
“When the gear comes out for the first time I still get excited, that doesn’t change
“You know this summer even more so with the changes that the club have made, you can’t help to be impressed with the giant step forward the Steeldogs have undergone
“I knew through my time with the Steelers that once Tony had taken stock of what was happening with the Steeldogs big changes would happen but even I didn’t think so many would come about so quickly. Bringing in Ben Morgan I think was key and he has worked wonders alongside Jamie to bring back some talent that had escaped from Sheffield
“Then we have added some more youngsters and what look to be three quality imports that perhaps can bring us that scoring edge we need”
Samuel Tremblay won’t be with the Steeldogs this weekend as he is away on Champions Hockey League duty with the Steelers, Phillips sees the link with the Elite League side over the road as nothing but a positive “When the real league games start Sam will be with us, I think fans have to realise that the imports can’t move up and down like the Brits can between leagues. This CHL experience for Sam will end up benefiting us at the Steeldogs
“As for the two way British players, I see the link between thew two clubs benefiting both sides. The players get more ice time in the week training and the Steeldogs will benefit from that come the the weekend. Yes, we will lose one of the Brits for some games but that’s the price you pay if you want these quality British players coming to the Steeldogs. If it wasn’t for the Steelers link some of these guys wouldn’t be with us.
“I think it’s a win win and seeing their enthusiasm gives me the boost to try and contribute as much as I can both on and off the ice, I’m here to mentor if the guys need that, I hope they do as well, use my experience”
As for Saturdays game “I’m looking forward to it, I was astounded by how many fans turned up last week for the 15 goal thriller, but saying that I know how crazy for hockey the Steelers fans are and if we at the Steeldogs can encourage more of them to come and cheer us on then that’s better for everyone
“When your at ICE Sheffield you’re a Steeldogs fan, then when over the road at the Arena we are all Steelers supporters, there is no reason why that can’t be the case as we are all the same club now”
Steeldogs take to the ice at 7pm on Saturday against Hull Seahawkes