Manchester Storm defenceman Zach Sullivan says he and the team intend to leave everything out on the ice in Saturday’s play-off semi-final against Sheffield Steelers.

Excitement is building ahead of Storm’s debut appearance in the Elite League finals weekend, where Cam Critchlow’s men are two games away from a potential trophy.

And Sullivan is in no doubt over how big the last four contest is going to be which is why no stone will be left unturned as they plot to see off Aaron Fox’s men in the last four.

“It’s a monumental game for this club, and we will obviously be leaving everything out there on the ice,” he said.

“It starts with practice and the standard we demand of each other, the intensity to push each other each and every day on the ice. 

“I’m sure we will analyse every part of Sheffield’s game, as they will of our game, but I think the deciding factor will come down to which of us has that little bit of extra desire and will. 

“Also, the willingness to do the little things and to make the sacrifices throughout the game to help the team succeed. It’s going to be a great game of hockey.”

In an Elite League career that began in 2014, it’s seventh time’s a charm for Sullivan after never getting past the quarter final stage until Sunday against Nottingham Panthers.

He admits he’s thrilled to finally be part of the finals weekend and says he was always confident the team would get the job done in the end.

He added: “I’m really excited to compete in the final four for the first time, especially with this group. 

“We feel like we have something left to prove and want to leave it all out there this weekend for our fans, and for each other in that dressing room.

“I never lost faith, even after Panthers scored that late goal at the Storm Shelter on Saturday, and I don’t think any of the other guys lost faith either. 

“We’ve been working all season to get to where we are now and that goes from the owners to the coaches to every single guy in the dressing room. 

“We relish the challenge, and we relish any opportunity to prove the doubters wrong. We’ve all got full faith in each other and in our coaches, and that’s always a great recipe for success.”

By: Craig Anderson