Rival pair set for clash on the ice

Neither club is playing up the prospect of a fight between their two rival enforcers, Jeremy Cornish of Sheffield and Brett Clouthier of Manchester.

But both men want to put a stamp down at the start of the season. And Clouthier will also bear a resentment against Sheffield for sacking him in the middle of last season.

Clouthier remains furious with coach Dave Matsos and would be happy to take it out on his new on-ice policeman Cornish.

But that doesn't bother Cornish. The Canadian left wing says: "I've been asked the question (about a possible fight with Clouthier) a number of times since I came over here, but he is not somebody I am too worried about.

"If anybody comes into our rink and anything bad happens then I'll have to take care of it, like any other game.

"I'm not really expecting anything huge, but if it happens then I will be ready for it."

Cornish says the pair had a "pretty good fight" last year. It was the first game (between Newcastle and Sheffield) last year and I didn't fight him again, I don't know why.

"Me and him had that choice, but we'll see what Saturday brings."

Cornish also sprang to the defence of second-string goalie Davey Lawrence, blamed by some Steeler fans for a couple of goals against Scimitars, last Wednesday.

"He'll be fine. We hung him out to dry a couple of times, but he will be solid for us."

A change in the fixture list sees Steelers play Nottingham on Wednesday, September 12.

And on Saturday November 17 they now host Edinburgh Capitals.