Playing in the LUK Challenge at Ice Sheffield against German side Bietigheim Steelers, the Sheffield side went down 6-2 on Saturday and 3-1 on Sunday. Steelers will now enjoy a full week's training before playing Hull Stingrays next weekend - in Hull on Saturday (30th) and at home to the Stingrays on Sunday 31st.

Despite going down to two losses Steelers head coach David Matsos said last weekend's games were a huge success. "You have to remember that this German side had been together for seven weeks, we had four guys fly into Sheffield on the day of the game; this is the very start of our pre-season, the Germans are in full flow and were a very good team.

"I thought this was perfect preparation for us. Every player benefitted from the games. They were fast and played with excellent tempo. It certainly blew away the cobwebs. We came out of the games injury free and now can look forward to good training on the ice and in the gym.

"The new players fitted in well I thought. We saw how big and imposing Scott Basiuk was at the back end. He was solid all weekend and moved the puck well. We also saw that big shot of his. Once we can work the power play around to him then that shot is going to score a fair few goals for us. Poor old Nathan Gillies arrived in Sheffield 40 minutes before the Saturday game and still he gave us two great efforts. On Sunday, in fact, I thought he was one of our better players"

The weekend ahead......

Steelers will take on fellow Elite League side Hull Stingrays in a two game challenge - The Yorkshire Cup - a competition the Steelers won last year.

Captain Jonathan Phillips believes this is another excellent opportunity to prepare for the new league season which commences on 6th September. "The club has given us players the best chance to win this yea. We are all here playing one week before any other team with the games against the Germans. This weekend we play Hull and they have changed nearly all of their team for this year. Hull have gone for toughness and size and I'm sure all of their new players will want to make a point against us.

"These two games will be very different to the German games. The Germans were quick and skilled, these games against Hull will be tough. The Stingrays will want to take it to us physically I'm sure. We have had to handle that before though and won't be intimidated at all. I'm looking forward to getting back into the arena next Sunday. The game against Hull there on Sunday will be the first time we have been back since winning the play-offs last year

Sheffield Steelers v Hull Stingrays (second leg of the Yorkshire Cup) Sunday, 31st August - Face Off 6pm. Tickets: Sheffield Arena Box Office: 0114 242 3535