MINI MATCH PREVIEW

Games with Sheffield are always an exciting affair, with the goalies of both teams consistently backstopping their respective team to a potential win, with the Knights coming out on top the 4 times we’ve played so far – but some times only just. Sheffield were the first team to take us outside of regulation when we beat them 6-5 in overtime on the 29^th October, the difference was just 2 goals in the games before the 29^th, with our last clash ending 4-1 when we went to iceSheffield.

The key to both teams having a chance at winning could be decided by Sam Gospel and Dmitri Zimozdra, who are two of the top goaltenders in the league, both in terms of stats and their ability to help their team(s) to a big win.

However, in hockey the team that scores more goals wins and although the Steeldogs haven’t scored many this year, their first line of Matt Bissonette, Jason Hewitt and Alex Graham can light the lamp night in and night out, almost with ease on occasion.

The rink could be full on Tuesday night, but the evening is definitely going to be action-packed, with an amazing atmosphere for this post-Christmas derby with our Yorkshire rivals!

ONES TO WATCH

The one to watch for the Sheffield Steeldogs is their starting netminder, Dmitri Zimozdra. Zimozdra boasts a scary save percentage of .927 through the first 25 games of the season, as well as an impressive 2.62 Goals Against Average.

Dmitri and the Steeldogs have conceded the second lowest amount of goals in the league, having conceded just 68 goals – they have only scored 87 goals though, which is the fourth lowest in the league. In Goals Against the Knights are top of the table, with just 64 GA and the most Goals For goes to Peterborough Phantoms on 139, but we do trail close behind with 130 goals in 3 less games.

Zimozdra gives his team a chance to win every night, and he can be held as quite responsible for their position in the league, as they comfortably sit in fourth place. Sheffield have only lost 5 times in 60 minutes this season, which is very impressive through their first 25 games of the year, and Tuesday could be a tough one!

The Morley Glass Leeds Knights ones to watch this week is… Mac Howlett.

Head Coach Ryan Aldridge has been busy over the festive period and has brought in reinforcement for the rest of the season in the form of Mac Howlett – who joins us from the Dundee Stars in the Elite League.

Mac will be icing for the Leeds Knights in his debut game on Tuesday the 27^th December! At just 22 years of age, Mac has more than 200 Elite League games under his belt, from his time with Dundee Stars, Guildford Flames, Coventry Blaze and Glasgow Clan. In his 200 plus games in the Elite League he’s logged 17 points and we can’t wait to see him in action for the very first time! – Read the full press release here.

POST-GAME PLAYER SIGNINGS:

It’s a double whammy as both of our imports make their way to the signing table at the post-game signing session on Tuesday! #9 Grant Cooper and #25 Zach Brooks will be in the Planet Ice Bar, following the final whistle of Tuesday’s game. You can come along to meet the players, if Santa brings you some Knights merchandise you can get your merch signed by them and even grab a quick picture!

MATCH NIGHT COMPETITIONS:

Shirt Off the Back –  For just £2 you could win your favourite player’s game worn jersey! With tonight’s shirt on offer being captain, #12 Kieran Brown!

We also have our 50:50 raffle and Chuck-A-Puck. In our 50:50 you could be going home with a wallet, purse, or pocket full of cash! The winner of our 50:50 receives exactly half of the proceeds, and at just £1 a ticket why not try your luck? If a game of chance isn’t up your alley, buy a chuck-a-puck for just £1 and if you’re the closest puck to Leo’s feet then you will win a family ticket for 4 to a game of your choice! Learn more about match night competitions.