All attention turns to Manchester
Mitchell Balmas believes the Steelers will quickly improve as Aaron Fox’s new-look roster continues to settle into life together.
Last season’s leading scorer admitted the opening weekend against Cardiff was always going to be about shaking off the rust, learning systems and beginning to build chemistry across a team featuring a number of new faces.
“It was our first game in a long time, so we had to get the cobwebs and the rust off,” said Balmas.
“It was definitely a learning experience.
“We’ve got a good core of returning guys who know the systems and understand how we want to play, but we’ve also got a lot of new players who are still learning how we do things.
“It was good to get those first two games out of the way. Now we get back to work and start building something together as a team.”
Attention now turns to this weekend’s double-header against Manchester Storm, beginning at the Utilita Arena on Saturday night before the Steelers head across the Pennines to face the Storm again at their new home, the AO Arena, on Sunday.
“We’ve got a full week together now to prepare for Manchester, knowing that the season starts for real just one week later,” Balmas continued.
“Manchester started at the same time as we did, so unlike Cardiff last weekend, I think these games will give us a better read of exactly where we are as a team.
“They’ve retained a lot of last year’s group and brought in some exciting new talent as well, so it should be a really good test for us.”
Saturday’s meeting will also give the Orange Army another opportunity to see Fox’s new-look roster on home ice before the competitive season begins.
Then on Sunday comes a first visit to Manchester’s new surroundings.
“It’ll be nice playing them in their new home at the AO Arena,” said Balmas.
“No disrespect to Altrincham, but I think everybody will enjoy playing in that kind of building, and I’m sure their returning guys are excited about it too.
“We know ourselves there’s nothing quite like skating out in front of 8,000, 9,000 or 10,000 fans.”
One player combination Steelers supporters got their first look at last weekend was Balmas alongside summer signing Adam Rockwood.
The pair offer plenty of offensive ability and Balmas believes there is much more to come as they learn each other’s game.
“We’re both offensive players, but we also know we have to be responsible in the defensive zone because it’s a 200-foot game,” he said.
“Rock is a very skilled player. He sees the ice really well and he’s a pass-first guy, although he’s also got a really good shot.
“It’s nice to have skilled players like that here and be able to play alongside them.
“I’m still learning things about his game and he’s learning things about mine, so I think that chemistry will continue to grow as the season goes on.”
Balmas expects Fox to continue experimenting with combinations during the remaining exhibition games.
“It’s pre-season, so I’m sure Foxy will keep some things together and move other things around,” he said.
“These games against Manchester will help us find the combinations that click and work out what is going to help us further down the road.
“We’ve got another big weekend ahead, another full week of work together, and then it’s time for the real thing.”
Steelers vs Manchester Storm – Saturday 5th September, 7.00pm at the Utilita Arena. Tickets HERE