Can I just say how good it was to see all the young Sheffield Scimitars players helping us out in the two games against Hull.

Their motivation and enthusiasm certainly helps us more experienced players and seeing the smiles on their faces being a part of a Steelers winning team was fantastic.

Whilst we were beating Hull, the Basingstoke Bison beat the Coventry Blaze in a league game.

That has presented us with an opportunity, especially with Coventry having a few injury problems and a very tough Christmas schedule.
We have had these windows before and have always failed to take advantage when Coventry have dropped points.

This weekend we play Basingstoke twice, Saturday in their building and Sunday at the Arena.

I hope we don't blow it again; we have to play these two games like they were the last two games we will ever play.

If we have to dive in front of the puck, take a hit, or get involved in a fight, then we will have to do that. If we have any aspirations of getting back into the race it just has to be four points this weekend.

I'm not being rude, but Basingstoke is a horrid place to go; it's dark, it's cold, it's damp, the team is split into two dressing rooms at either end of the building.

They shouldn't be excuses, but they are, but on Saturday night, though, we can have no excuses. I don't care if the roof caves in, the ice is lit by Christmas candles and we have to play without sticks, we have to win that game against Basingstoke.

It's my second Christmas in Sheffield and that means a Boxing Day game against Cardiff. It really means that we have to have our Christmas Day on Christmas Eve so whilst you lot are toasting Christmas greetings with a nice glass of wine or three we'll be eating pasta and drinking Ribena.

We look forward to seeing you on Boxing Day.

Christmas games at the Arena are always well attended and I know that my Sheffield Steelers team will put on a great Christmas show for you against Cardiff.

On behalf of the whole Sheffield Steelers Merry Christmas and please come out and support us on Sunday against Basingstoke or on Boxing Day against Cardiff.

Jono