This weekend, however, we play Nottingham on Sunday at the Sheffield Arena and with all the talk this week being about that game, you sometimes forget that first of all we have to go to Belfast on Saturday.

I have to admit that every morning when I woke up this week, Nottingham has been my first thought, but our coach, David Matsos, has drummed into each and every one of us this week that for the club, the Belfast game is equally important.

What is it about these Nottingham games, though? The whole week in training is different; we practice at a higher tempo, there's more energy, more excitement. Perhaps it is because we know at the end of the week we are playing in the game that every ice hockey and every ice hockey fan would love to be a part of.

Nottingham deserve a beating. Twice we led against the Panthers in Nottingham only three weeks ago and yet they come back to beat us. It was such a flukey goal that got them their winner as well, a deflection off one of our own skates. Mind you, we only had ourselves to blame on that night. Stupid penalties and a lack of concentration. That won't happen again on Sunday.

I love playing in Belfast, it's a great venue, a great city and the people there are fantastic. However, on this one occasion, I can't wait to leave and get back to Sheffield against the Panthers

If you've never been to a Steelers-Panthers game in your life, then you'remissing out on something very special. You won't believe the atmosphere and the energy in the Sheffield Arena at 6 o'clock on Sunday. We'd love to see you in the stands cheering us on.



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