Although the 2020 AIHL season has been cancelled, the Adelaide Adrenaline are not taking a holiday. Since the reopening of the IceArena after the COVID-19 shutdown the Adrenaline players have been hard at work, with both the team and the Adrenaline development squad training weekly. Such is the commitment of the players that they have been personally funding the cost of these training sessions, taking it upon themselves to ensure that come April next year they will be the team to beat. 

A key member of the Adrenaline squad is senior player and fan favourite Steve Best. Over the past few seasons Steve has emerged as a key leader for the talented young players coming up through the ranks, setting an example both on and off the ice. Adrenaline Media spoke to coach Sami Mantere to find out more;

“Steve has been a really good mentor for our younger players. He has spent a lot of time and effort off the ice making sure everyone is feeling comfortable.

On ice, his approach has been similar. He’s been lined up with some of the young guys and really supported these guys.

But not only has he been supportive with the young guys, he has also set the tone and expectations. He pushes himself and expects others to do the same. 

He has also spent time with our development squad trainings and once again, yes he’s there to push himself, but he has also taken on a mentors role for the up and coming players.

Our main goal at the moment is to shift the old mindset that held us back for a number of years to a new one - Let’s be an honest and hard working team that’s got plenty of potential and we work every day to reach that potential. Steve as a team mate, mentor and a leader has been hugely important so far. And the best is yet to come for him personally and the team he’s helping to lead.” 

Q&A with Steve

What did you do during the March – July shutdown to stay fit and keep your skills intact? Puckhandled at home, a few body weight sessions, and a bit of running.

What are some of the highlights since returning to training with the team?
Wouldn’t really say there have been highlights, but it has been good to see everyone training hard even though there’s no season.

What area of your game are you currently focusing on improving in the lead up to 2021?
Focusing on everything to be honest, mainly speed and skating though. I feel like that’s the area that let me down the most personally last season

What are most looking forward to playing for Adrenaline in 2021?
Looking forward to seeing all the new young talent coming through the team. We’ve got a few young guys tearing up premier league right now that I feel are going to help bring the team up.

Steve is proudly sponsored by Manoel Carpentry. For more information on becoming a player or team sponsor for 2021 email sponsorship@adelaideadrenaline.com or call Jamie on 0435538242.