Sheffield Steelers center gives damning assessment of contribution to EIHL 2021 series

It seems a blunt assessment of the British center’s association with Sheffield in the EIHL 2021 series.
But it was only made of the man himself – a player who is clearly his worst critic.
Myers competed on Sheffield’s partially complete fourth row, for most of the tournament, as well as on special teams.
It took him a while to get started and the majority of his screens didn’t accurately represent his abilities, he says.
âI thought I was massively underperforming if I’m being honest the first three quarters of the regular season,â he said.
âI had a lot more to offer and I didn’t.
âMe and Alex (Graham) were playing on the fourth row without another (regular) winger and that makes it very difficult.
“When Bally (Bálint Pákozdi) entered our line, we started to improve, but it was such a short streak that before we started to improve, it was over.”
Myers’ form improved in the play-off portion of the series.
âPlayoff games suit my style of hockey,â he said. âI’m not good at 6-1, 8-1, I want intense games where it’s 2-1 3-2, where every mistake counts.
âThat’s where I play my best and in the semi-finals and the final, that’s where I played my best hockey.
âOverall, was I happy? Not really.
“I just wish the season was longer because I was just getting better and better.”
Myers pointed out that not being on a stable line has a negative effect on any player’s performance.
âAlex is a younger guy with all the skills in the world, but the two of us together – with someone coming in and out – meant we could never really be on the same page.
âYou play fewer minutes like that. And the point is, the more minutes you play, the more you find your groove. Rather than fewer minutes with a mix-match with lines all the time. It doesn’t help the chemistry. .
“When we had a stable line, me Bally and Alex, it was a lot better.”
Myers, 36, added: âWhen I came in I didn’t intend to be the top scorer.
âIt’s not just about the points – it was about doing performances from night to night. And in the first three quarters, when I was in goal against it all the time, it was hard work to get there. But at the back end, I think I played my best hockey. “
Myers won 106 clashes for Sheffield, lost 65 and finished the tournament with a -1 on plus-minus stats.
He scored one goal (against Coventry Blaze) and three assists.
The assists came in the last five games as his form improved.
âOne hundred percent the fans haven’t seen the real me,â he said.
âWe haven’t seen what I can offer Sheffield and I can offer who I play for next season.
“I’m in good shape and can’t wait to play next season. Whatever the goal, I’m going to bring a lot more to what I’ve done in this series.”
Myers, who no longer has a contract with his previous team, Cardiff Devils, said: âTo be fair to Foxy (Steelers coach Aaron Fox) I have played on special teams regularly. one of the most important parts of my game where I think I am good at.
âWinning face-offs and on the power play or the penalty kick is one of my strengths.
I had said to Foxy, ‘I don’t expect to be the number one center, but I have a skill set that can compliment all of your best guys and on special teams. “
“I really wanted to show this and I don’t think I showed this as much as I could.”
On a positive note, Myers said he quickly connected with members of the Sheffield team and enjoyed his time living at Gleadless.
âIt was easy to integrate. I know I played Cardiff but I’m not an outcast!
“It’s professional sport at the end of the day, everyone is moving. It was like joining a new team and I really enjoyed it.”
Myers said he had a lasting affection for the Cardiff and Nottingham Panthers, where he played for years.
But if offered a deal for 2021-2022 in Sheffield: “I certainly wouldn’t rule it out. During my exit meeting with Aaron, I said I would like to stay in touch and see how things go . to be something that works for them and me and my wife and if so I will consider the option 100%.