By Alex Briggs
Head Coach Paul Thompson has hinted at the possibility of adding to the Sheffield Steelers roster over the coming weeks following the double-header defeat to Belfast.
Having played with one fewer import than the limit allows for the first three quarters of the season, games are hotting up and the competition for places could help the side.
Following the defeat to Belfast, Thompson said in an interview: ““We only want a player that can help us, make us better, offer us something different that we are looking for.”
With no confirmation yet of a potential player or date of announcement, fans of Sheffield are playing the guessing game as to who the new face could be.
The supporters were devastated and angered at how the last two fixtures unfolded with some describing it as ‘ridiculous’ and ‘not good enough’ on social media sites.
@owlsteeler @steelershockey It was shambolic & embarrassing to say the least we look utterly clueless & spineless on the PP & PK
— Robert Turton (@SteelerBobbyT) 29 January 2017
Currently in third place, Sheffield now find themselves further back from the number one spot, needing to overcome an eight point gap to Cardiff with only 18 games left to go.
A new arrival at this time of the season could help the Yorkshire side put together a run of victories.
As goal-scoring has dried up, it may be a case of signing a new sniper or playmaker to help in front of goal, which is something they lost in Tyler Mosienko and Jesse Schultz’s departure.
Eyes have also shifted to the defensive play of the Steelers, after giving up 10 goals in the two games against the Giants, of which the vast majority were obvious mistakes by the defence.
Jace Coyle added some security to the blue line but it seems almost unbelievable that their play can change so quickly.
An impressive Scandinavian cohort has led to many believing that another will be on their way to add to the likes of Yared Hagos and Markus Nilsson on the forward lines.
Going in search of three consecutive titles is proving to be a tough task, but the championship will not be decided for weeks to come so a new signing may prove to be a vital decision.