After four wins from four for the Belfast Giants so far this season, the rubber hits the road this weekend as Adam Keefe’s men face their biggest test yet against treble holders Sheffield Steelers.
The Giants have enjoyed a relatively leisurely start to the campaign so far, with four impressive Challenge Cup performances in the last month against Scottish sides Dundee Stars and Fife Flyers.
There were plenty of positives - namely 22 goals - for the men in teal, but some room for improvement for the much-changed squad in their opening three games, with 10 goals conceded causing concerns over the side’s defensive solidity.
Those concerns appear to have been addressed in the most recent outing, with the Giants putting in their most impressive performance to date last weekend with a 5-0 win over the Dundee Stars.
The Irish News spoke to new signing, 29-year-old forward Kyle Osterberg about the anticipated trajectory of the Giants as they look ahead to their first league game of the season.
“There has been a period of time to gel as a squad, to figure out how to play a new system.” Osterberg explains.
“We are coming in and adapting to Keefer’s (Adam Keefe) playing style. It’s a pretty aggressive, in-your-face type of hockey.
“We implemented it in pre-season, but it can be difficult to replicate the nature of a competitive game to see how it is going to work out in practice. However, I feel we are now more confident in understanding what Keefer wants out of us and what we can expect from each other.
“It’s a playing style which requires us to work really hard or it just isn’t going to work. The returning members of the squad have helped the new guys grasp what Keefer wants. I love the playing style and find it really exciting.
“Against Dundee, we demonstrated we can control the puck and the pace of the game. We haven’t had too much trouble scoring goals which is a good thing, but we face a massive test this weekend with a couple of tough away games against Manchester and Sheffield.”
Indeed, with the puck dropping on the Giant’s league campaign with a tough English double-header, Adam Keefe’s men will face their toughest test yet as they seek to set their stall out as contenders for the title.
Manchester Storm serve as the appetiser on Saturday evening, however all eyes will be on the main course the following night - the clash with the defending treble champions, Sheffield Steelers.
“Sheffield have a target on their backs and everyone is going to be gunning for them.” Osterberg explains.
“It was the same for Belfast - everyone wanted to knock them off the top of the hill. There’s a sour taste from some of the guys in the team about what happened in the play-offs last year.
“As good as we know Sheffield are and what they did last season, it just makes us more eager to see where we stand against them this weekend.
“However, we’re focusing more on ourselves than Sheffield. It doesn’t matter who we face - it’s about believing in the system and believing in each other. I’m excited going into these games against two very good teams and two difficult buildings to go to.”
As for the rest of the season, Osterberg is clear about what the squad wants to achieve.
“Obviously we want to win as many trophies as possible. I really wanted to come to Belfast because I know it’s a great set-up and a team that competes at the top level.
“Consistency is everything - it’s what wins trophies. It’s a long, intense season with 54 games and there will be injuries and ups and downs. Every team is good and you can’t take any games lightly. You have to perform night in, night out.
“I feel like we haven’t hit our potential and we have got better and better every weekend. We have such a talented squad - capable of winning everything - and I just want to do my part and contribute in whatever way I can.”
