Nottingham Panthers coach Tim Wallace revealed heâs used the last year to find a way to improve as he gets ready for the Elite Series.
His Panthers team will meet Sheffield Steelers in their opening game on Saturday for their first competitive game on the ice in just over a year.
Wallace has been pleasantly surprised by his team since they got together earlier in the week and, naturally, wants to win.
âItâs hockey and thereâs a trophy on the line,â he said. âIf itâs there, weâre hunting it and pressure is always part of this job. Itâs what all of us are born and bred to do.
âThe guys are more sharper than I expected so I want us to play fast. Some guys will have something to prove and itâs going to be fun to be part of.
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âWeâll play Sheffield on Saturday then the game on Sunday, but the first three weeks, the focus has to be on us and what we do. If we spend too much time looking at the other teams, it could blow their brains.
âThe last year or so has been tough and Iâve been in Sweden, spending some time with my daughter while my partner worked so it was a good learning experience. Iâm certainly not taking anything for granted again.
âIâve been watching our games from last year to pick up on what we can improve on and Iâve had the time to watch, learn and try to get better.
âIâve also spoken to all the coaches Iâve had and taken some information from them. Itâs been a fresher to be able to do that and Iâm good to go for this competition.â
Of course, the backdrop and build-up to the Elite Series is much different to watch anyone has ever faced in the Elite League through the years.
Picking players in a draft created a lot of excitement and drama, while the players taking part are undergoing constant testing and dealing with the safety protocols at the Motorpoint Arena.
Wallace has enjoyed the experience so far and admits to feeling very reassured about the health and safety aspect.
âPutting the team together was a lot of fun, but the draft was something Iâd never been part of,â he added.Â
âTo figure out what we need, having backup plans, making the trade to get Bownsy in then putting the roster together in turbo mode, Gui Doucet and I worked really well together and weâve got a good team.
âEverythingâs going to be well organised and it has been so far. The safety protocols have given such reassurance in having this going on.
âFirst thing in the morning, you fill out a form on the app then you get your temperature checked followed by a test so it shows theyâve made sure theyâve done everything to keep us safe.â