Steeler Liam makes most of friendlies

Liam (17), of Maltby, bagged an assist in his team’s 5-4 victory over Manchester Storm on Saturday and also gained lots of ice time in the 4-2 loss over the Pennines on Sunday.

The forward is one of three teenage prospects hoping to gain regular ice time for the Steelers when their season gets underway next weekend.

Cole Shudra, of Kiveton Park, and Kieran Brown also have their eyes on a spot in head coach Paul Thompson’s top four lines.

Despite his side falling to a 4-2 defeat in Altrincham on Sunday, Thompson said he was pleased with the performance.

He said: “We got a lot out of tonight. I enjoyed the game and I’m comfortable where we are.

“I took the opportunity to play the youngsters a lot. Kirk, Shudra and Brown all had good ice and of course “Netminder Brad Day had his first start in a while — it’s important we use these games to get Brad going.”

Steelers finalise their preparations with a home and away double-header against fellow Elite League outfit Coventry Blaze this weekend.

They will host the Midlands side on Saturday (7pm) before travelling to the Skydome Arena on Sunday.

Steelers will then get their season underway with a Challenge Cup tie in Manchester on Saturday, September 9 before hosting arch-rivals Nottingham Panthers on Sunday, September 10 at Sheffield Arena (5pm).

Their first game in the 2017/18 Elite League — which will include 12 teams for the first-time after EPL outfits Guildford Flames and Milton Keynes Lightning joined over the summer — will be at home to defending champions Cardiff Devils on Saturday, September 16 (7pm).