Reflecting before the run-in

[Loopsteel]

I saw a tweet earlier that gave me pause, and made me think that now, as storm clouds gather for a potentially classic title scrap, is the perfect time to take stock of how far we’ve come.

I don’t really buy into any rhetoric about “rebuilding“ or “transition years” as an excuse for an underwhelming league showing, as everybody knows the nature of our domestic game is massive turnover rates every off-season for all teams. However, last summer was an instance where Steelers really did require a foundation-up gutting after two feeble years, and knowing that we mostly kept our expectations reasonable.

Less than twelve months ago, we were pinning our silverware hopes on Martinelli. McFadden. Pitt. Owens. McGrath. Our worst-period-team-period-ever-period. It felt like a false season that took place in some nightmare dimension.

Fast forward to today. Top of the league, nominally, averaging over four goals per game, produced by our sexiest hockey ever from one of our most charismatic squads in history.

People saw our summer recruitment and rightly whispered about the league title, but this season has delivered something more valuable and lasting that we could never have been certain of before the first puck dropped: a return to our shared personality. All our key players feel born to wear the shirt and embody the club spirit in a way we arguably haven’t quite seen since the Matsos years.

I haven’t felt this invested in a group since I was a teenager (now 27) and it’s only partly because of the disappointment of past years. Even with Fox and Jono as our leaders, two men with the general vibe of absolutely nothing our fans or club demeanour are associated with - quiet, dignified, humble - we’ve recaptured everything worth loving that the other teams hate. Speed, swagger, impudence, cockiness, comedy and, whether or not we manage any silverware, clear hints at grand slam capability.

And all this, at the first time of asking.

So, whatever happens here on out until spring, this season will go down as a success no matter what, if we can just keep the right personnel. We’ve got defensive tweaks to make, but with benching Liwing and Bettauer, I feel like Fox already has the right idea for it next year.

Watching us crumble in a second-leg capitulation against Cardiff last April, all I wanted was that this year we’d be Back...

And I’m pretty sure we are.

[SteelerBlade]

For sure! Although I think Cardiff will pull away from us and Nottingham, possibly winning out from here.

We do have that one game do or die cup final and the playoffs lottery too. If we can tighten our D in April and keep scoring there's no reason we can't take that.

Although Cardiff do have a great chance for a triple with their big, fast, physical side.

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[Al Murrays Hairbrush]

At the start of the season I didn't have a thought in my head that we'd be in 1st place at the end of February.

Having said that, I think The Devils will win the league, if we can get 2nd / 3rd I'll be satisfied.

I don't expect us to win everything every year, but want us to be in there with the leaders at least, and in the last few years it's been obvious we weren't. Painful times.

The mid seasons pick ups have proved invaluable.
Now Fox has got a feel for the league, from the bench week in, week out, I hope he can recruit players like Tron, Hrabal, and Kuukka for a whole season and build on what we've done so far this season.

[wildwood]

As an outsider looking in, every game I have seen (as a 'neutral'), Steelers have looked more than competent against any team ... vs Giants as a prime example.

With the style of hockey they are playing, the Cup and Playoffs are definitely an opportunity for honours. The league isn't out of the question despite the games in hand of other teams; they (Devils and outsiders Panthers) continue to stumble rather than dominate.

The difference in the quality of the game (and the results) this year compared to last season is palpable. Makes for an interesting month ahead ...

[Ron 25]

I feel there is no comparison between this season and last. Before last season started, we seriously considered not renewing our season tickets. The recruitment was woeful, and it continued with the recruitment of replacements throughout the season. I got sick and tired of welcoming yet another ageing Scandinavian. Barasso did his best having been dealt a very poor hand by the previous incumbent. Thus I was happy to give Fox a chance. I am more than happy with the team and the results he has brought. Sure, he's signed a couple of duds, but not three quarters of a team of duds, as PT did. I realise that the "no coach who has had no previous experience of our league has won the league" is likely to be proved correct again, but, you know what, I'm not bothered. It's great to have a team that's still in the hunt for all 3 trophies at the end of February.

[JoeySlats#13]

Huuuuuge improvement from last season, the import recruitment, the style of hockey, the intensity, the speed, the offense it's all way way better!

The results are obviously much improved and to be in contention for all silverware is where the Steelers should be.

The attendance is high and fans are happy - if we can win some trophies this season we would all be pleasantly surprised considering the standard that we saw last season. It's been a very good season so far and trophies will hopefully make it a great one! If we were not to win one then it is still obvious to see the gap we have closed on the Devils (who we all consider to be the best team) and with Fox here for another 2 seasons minimum I think we should all be excited for the future...But let's hope we can get our hands on at least 1 trophy this season first!

[smbmetal]

Funny how we all see the game.

I do definitely agree that this season from a results and league perspective has been night and day better than the last few.

Fox has brought back the battling attitude that used to be the standard part of the Steelers identity.

For me and this is a league thing more than just the Steelers,I’ve found most of the games boring to watch. So much so I’ve not been back to the arena since October. I have watched most of the streams though.

I would be disappointed if we don’t win a trophy. Fox has had fantastic backing from Mr Smith and we’ve brought in more players in than any other club. So with the budget available I’d be disappointed to not win a trophy if I was the owner.

As a fan all we ask is to be in with a decent shout of all competitions and Fox has certainly delivered that.

Hopefully things will continue to improve, but I think Cardiff will pip us to the league.

[Lukejohnspencer]

Funny how we all see the game.

I do definitely agree that this season from a results and league perspective has been night and day better than the last few.

Fox has brought back the battling attitude that used to be the standard part of the Steelers identity.

For me and this is a league thing more than just the Steelers,I’ve found most of the games boring to watch. So much so I’ve not been back to the arena since October. I have watched most of the streams though.

I would be disappointed if we don’t win a trophy. Fox has had fantastic backing from Mr Smith and we’ve brought in more players in than any other club. So with the budget available I’d be disappointed to not win a trophy if I was the owner.

As a fan all we ask is to be in with a decent shout of all competitions and Fox has certainly delivered that.

Hopefully things will continue to improve, but I think Cardiff will pip us to the league.

What makes the games boring for you?

[Jayboy]

I have to be honest, I haven't found the majority of this seasons games boring at all, far from it.. I can recall maybe 2 from the entire season! The exact opposite to the last 3 seasons...

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[smbmetal]

Funny how we all see the game.

I do definitely agree that this season from a results and league perspective has been night and day better than the last few.

Fox has brought back the battling attitude that used to be the standard part of the Steelers identity.

For me and this is a league thing more than just the Steelers,I’ve found most of the games boring to watch. So much so I’ve not been back to the arena since October. I have watched most of the streams though.

I would be disappointed if we don’t win a trophy. Fox has had fantastic backing from Mr Smith and we’ve brought in more players in than any other club. So with the budget available I’d be disappointed to not win a trophy if I was the owner.

As a fan all we ask is to be in with a decent shout of all competitions and Fox has certainly delivered that.

Hopefully things will continue to improve, but I think Cardiff will pip us to the league.

What makes the games boring for you?

I find the game slow to watch and scrappy. I don't think there's much of an atmosphere in the arena either.

I've made no secret that I enjoy the rougher side of the game. For me, that's totally gone (and I'm not just talking about fighting). You might see one or two decent hits a game. The skill level has not gone up to replace this side of the game in my eyes.

We keep getting told that the league is getting better.....not for me.....Both Belfast & Cardiff are no where near the level of seasons before. We've improved, yes, but not by as much as many make out. I would suggest the top teams have got worse.

I usually enjoy one period which is played at a good intensity but that rarely carries over to all 3.

Best game I've seen this season was our last win Cardiff that was an awesome game.

I'm glad everyone else is enjoying the hockey though, but I'd be dissapointed if we don't win a trophy with the budget and resources that Mr Fox has had at his disposal.