That's what most teams will make of the Sheffield Steelers class of 2008-9.

While all clubs in ice hockey like to class themselves as gritty, there is no doubt Steelers do possess an abundance of that quality in their ranks.

They showed in two friendlies against German opposition, Bietigheim, last weekend that they are prepared to take the body.

Ryan Finnerty, Jonathan Phillips and Jason Hewitt will present a formidable formation on the ice, especially when it comes to body checking.

But is the team, generally, big enough?

Elite League rivals think that will be their Achilles heel as there are no genuine power forwards.

At the back they have size in Scott Basiuk, Steve Munn and Randy Dagenais in particular, but the further you go up the ice the smaller the skaters get.

Even the team's so-called enforcer Andrew Sharp is relative small-fry.
Coach Dave Matsos' philosophy is based on the fact that refereeing will penalise intimidation, and, anyway, the nature of his players would not accept any harassment from anyone, whether they are over six feet or not.

From my perspective, the two pre-season games so far would suggest Steelers do have the fiery, snappy-tempered players who can change a match's tempo.

A few may take a beating when the fighting starts, but if the team is winning, then they will not mind a few cuts and bruises.
This weekend the durability of the side will be tested by a beefed-up Hull Stingrays team and we may have more of an idea about the strengths and weaknesses after that Yorkshire Cup series.