Tough weekend for Steelers, says Dowd

Fife and Stars play host to Sheffield

Robert Dowd believes back-to-back wins over rivals Nottingham Panthers have boosted Sheffield Steelers ahead of their double-header in Courier Country this weekend.

The men from the House of Steel visit Fife Flyers tonight (7.15pm) and then Dundee Stars tomorrow (5pm), with both games in the Elite League.

Dowd, an assistant captain for Great Britain in the World Championship, admitted that the Scottish trip is one of the toughest in their season.

The 31-year-old said: “We have many new signings and have had injuries – they aren’t excuses, they are facts and sometimes it takes a few weeks.

“We’ve seen in training though that this team (Sheffield) is a good one and we are now showing that against good sides.”

Sheffield look set to bring a huge travelling support and Dowd said: “I saw a Tweet from Fife the other day saying the away tickets were almost sold out so we know when we skate out the reaction from the fans will be great

“Both Fife and Dundee are tough barns to go to. Gone are the days that you would head to Scotland for a three-inthree (days) and think there is six points.

“Every game in Fife is a battle, emotional and physical and then you head to Dundee. Over the last year since Omar (Pacha) went there they have been excellent.”

Fife also host Nottingham Panthers tomorrow (6.30).

Meanwhile seventh-placed Stars are trying to get back on track after they suffered a tough-to-swallow 8-6 midweek loss away to Cardiff Devils.

Defenseman Reilly O’connor has been out injured since the last game against Sheffield but has seen just how motivated his team-mates are to win for the fans.

He said: “We are pretty motivated – it was tough to lose in overtime and being at home, so the guys really want to win this one for the fans and get a good result during the regular season.”

With the Stars recovering from a threegoal deficit in the last match with the Steelers, O’connor believes that it made a real statement to teams and fans in this league.

He added: “I think it showed, not just to us but to the fans as well, that we are a team that can compete in this league.

“When we show up and play the right way we play smart hockey.”

The 25-year-old also underlined the importance of tomorrow’s clash.

O’connor said: “We just have to keep doing what we have been doing, skating fast and hard, supporting each other all over the ice and moving the puck well.”

O’connor remains highly doubtful to play this weekend as his upper body injury continues to heal, although there is a chance of forward Brett Stovin making a comeback.