We all know of my support for the Islanders…

But how about some noise for the SHEFFIELD STEELERS!!!!

Yes - the most successful team in the history British Ice Hockey, the Sheffield Steelers have terrorized team in the UK since 1990.  The team has won two different Grand Slams, the most recent in 2001.  That means they won four different titles during that season.  The regular season championship, the playoff final, and two other tournaments during the season.

Many talented players from Canada, US, Europe, as well as the UK have been Steelers.  Tony Hand, considered the Wayne Gretzky of England, was a star for the Steelers for a short time.

A couple of former Islanders played for Sheffield.  Derek Laxdal, who played for the Isles for a brief time in 1990 was a Steeler, and Brad Lauer finished his hockey playing career in Sheffield in 2002.

Jason Sessa, a native Long Islander, and former Maple Leaf draft pick, spent a year there in 2004.

Now - why does a Long Islander know so much about this team???

Well - got a minute?

Early in 2000, I got an e-mail from a bloke in Doncaster, who needed tickets for an Islander game.  A friendship quickly ensued.  I have now made 4 trips across the pond and have seen nearly 10 Steeler games.  I can honestly say that of all the games I have ever been to, my first Steeler game is one that made the hair on my arms stand STRAIGHT UP!

We (Claire and I) were invited to drop the ceremonial first faceoff before the game (they do this before EVERY game).  I could not hear the instructions from their game night staff, as over 8,000 were SCREAMING  at the top of their lungs, as a banner was raised to the rafters celebrating their regular season championship three weeks before the season ended.  They were telling me to go right outside the benches for the faceoff.  Now - I did not hear this, but tell me New York Hockey Fans, where do ceremonial faceoffs happen?

Of Course CENTER ICE!

So what did I do?

I went to CENTER ICE!

The fans could not believe what this Yank was doing - but what the hell.  When I got there, the Sheffield captain who was doing this, came up to me and said,

You sure have a set of balls to do this?

Yes I do!

There started a great experience going to games at the Hallam FM Arena, or what Steeler fans call THE HOUSE OF STEEL!  From the constant chants, songs and yells from start to finish; to the PA Announcer from his perch called THE WHITE HOUSE, asking the fans to make some noise for the SHEFFIELD STEELERS at the loudest decibel level possible; to riding the referees and the opposing players at ever turn, they at 5-6000 make a full Nassau Coliseum sound like a morgue.  I am so intrigued by their passion and love for the game.  And I will tell you, they know as much if not more than we do.

And the Steelers natrual rival, the Nottingham Panthers have a Ranger like streak, that they have not won their league title since 1954, I think.  So it is nice to whip on the Kitty Kats!

Also - the hospitality and warmth that the people of South Yorkshire, made Claire and I feel so at home. They would give the shirts off their backs to us.  We have made so many friends since our first trip, that it doesn’t feel like we are going to a foreign country anymore - it’s like a homecoming. 

So since my first visit, I have tried to make sure that when I see anyone in a UK jersey - I show some return hospitality for them - to repay the favor that my best friends did on our first trip.

So last week - the trend continues.  A couple from West Yorkshire have written me to let me know that they are coming to the Coliseum to see the Isles take on the Rangers on the 25th.  The welcome wagon has officially re-opened for Andy and Joanne Willoughby, and I am looking forward to their visit.  It may only be a day, and it may only be the small chance to hang for the day, but it is a great opportunity to bring the signs of hockey friendship to us. 

To check out the Steelers, please go to www.sheffieldsteelers.co.uk

Well - back to my bowling (since this is Tuesday night).  And my wife just beat me the last game 184-171, so I am dead meat.  I am not writing tomorrow, since it is Valentine’s Day, as well as my one year Anniversary being married to my wonderful wife Claire, who I love twice as more today, than I did yesterday.  Have a great day, everyone!

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