New feel for Steelers as 2013/14 campaign begins

A new era, under a new head coach, begins when they travel to Coventry on Saturday night, before taking on old rivals the Nottingham Panthers on Sunday at the Motorpoint Arena in Sheffield.

And the arena has had a facelift ahead of the puck dropping.

A new roof, new seats, new rink side glass, refurbished toilets and food and drink stands with new menus were all part of a multi-million pound development programme for the arena this summer.

It is hoped a bumper crowd of around 8,000 will attend the derby clash on Sunday, as Steelers look to get off to a good start in their bid to overhaul last year’s champions Nottingham.

Steelers, who have played over 350 hockey fixtures at the arena, are now under the watchful eye of new coach Doug Christiansen.

The former Edinburgh Capitals boss made a shock move to Sheffield from his last club Belfast Giants, shortly after last season’s play-offs ended in a disappointing defeat for the Northern Irish side.

Christiansen’s tenure as Steelers coach began with a pre-season tour in Europe, where he watched his men beat Slovenian side Olimpija Ljubljana in a shootout, after losing 5-0 to Swiss A side Ambri-Piotta and 4-2 loss to Kosice of Slovakia.

A limited number of tickets are still available for Sunday#s clash. Call 0114 256 56 56.