Matt Greenfield is happy to see the back of pre-season.
Matt Greenfield is happy to see the back of pre-season.
The Steelers’ number one is preparing for his fifth campaign in Sheffield and admits that, while exhibition games serve a purpose, he is far more interested in what begins at the Utilita Arena this Saturday.
“Pre-season is all well and good,” said Greenfield.
“It’s good to get your feet under you and get your conditioning game-ready, but once you’ve been here long enough, you just want to play the games that matter.
“That’s why you come back. That’s why you want to be here.
“So I’m super excited to get the regular season going on Saturday.”
For Greenfield, the week leading into the first competitive game carries a very different feel.
“You can sense it straight away,” he said. “The intensity goes up, practice goes up a level and the pressure starts to kick in.
“I like that. In this league, every game counts, every shot counts and every minute counts.
“That’s not necessarily the same everywhere, but after five years over here I know what it means in Sheffield. The guys understand that too, so come Saturday we have to be ready. That’s why you play the game. We’re all excited and ready to get going.”
Steelers Vs. Coventry Blaze at the Arena on Saturday, click HERE, or the link below for tickets
Greenfield, twice an Elite League MVP, will again be a key part of Aaron Fox’s plans this season, but he has already been impressed by new goaltending partner Lucas Brine.
Brine played a major role in Sunday’s dramatic 6-5 shootout win over Manchester Storm, helping the Steelers recover from 3-0 down and producing a string of important saves late in the game.
Greenfield was full of praise for his new partner.
“He was unbelievable,” he said.
“It was a really tough spot to come into because we obviously hadn’t played particularly well in the first period and we were 3-0 down.
“He stepped in and made some huge saves.
“I thought he did an awesome job and held us in the game at times, especially when we were killing penalties late on.
“Then in overtime and the shootout, he was outstanding and got us the win.
“The boys were really pleased for him. He’s going to be big for us this year – he’s a great kid and really easy to work with.”
There is another reason Greenfield is anxious to leave pre-season behind.
For a player who experienced the Steelers’ unforgettable Grand Slam success in 2024, two seasons without lifting a trophy feels far too long.
“Once you’ve experienced winning, you just want more of it, especially here in Sheffield,” he said.
“There’s a momentum and a feeling you get when you’re part of a winning team.
“I remember exactly what that felt like in 2024 and I want to feel it again.
“That’s what we’re all here for. You want to play in the big games, compete for trophies and ultimately win something at the end of it.”