With a new name and a fresh start, the Sault Steelers will look to start building a new football tradition.
The organization looked to tradition in the off season by dropping the Storm and bringing back the Steelers nickname that is synonymous with Northern Football Conference success.
The Steelers were an NFC force from 1972 to 1987, where they won four Plaunt Trophies, symbolic of an NFC championship, in 1972, 75, 76 and 80.
This year's Steelers will look to make an impact with a number of positive factors accompanying the team into the new season. The team is returning key veterans, introducing new talent, playing a favourable schedule and performing under a revamped coaching staff.
Veteran head coach Barry Rushon returns and has added a pair of quality coaches to the sidelines. Paul Caldbick, a veteran coach at the college, junior and high school levels, and Francis Hennessey, a former Steeler, will help guide the team.
Undisputed team leader Brandon Lewis will return to lead a traditionally strong defense. Other returnees include linebackers Jamie Kennedy and Russ Moyle, quarterback Seth Cond, defensive back Troy Boyer, offensive lineman Cody Boissoneau, Tim Higgins, James Albidone, Kyle Lansdell and Darrick Giosa.
The Steelers key addition is running back Josh Gauthier, who played for the Steelers two years ago before staring with the Sault Sabercats last year. Rushon is also excited with the additions of Bawating graduates Joel Oldham and Bob Minard.
"I definitely think we can make improvements. I believe we were 3-6 last year but our coaching staff is stronger this year, we have some keys back and the schedule favours us a bit. I think we can get it back on track," said Rushon.
With the introduction of Tri-City, a team formed from the cities of Waterloo, Guelph and Cambridge, the 11-team NFC introduced an unbalanced schedule for the season.
The Steelers will face what has been a poor Sudbury Spartans squad twice and play North Bay twice, a team the Steelers have played very competitively in recent years. In addition, the Steelers escape the task of playing league giants Oakville and Mississauga.
Rushon is also happy with drawing a bye the first week of the season in order to gain the extra pre-season practise time that Southern Ontario teams enjoy.
"We had a harsh winter and we usually target the first of May but we didn't get onto the field until the fifth this year. The bye is to our advantage because of our environment. I know that teams down south have been practising for a couple of weeks already," said Rushon.
The Steelers will begin the season on the road with a pair of games in Belleville and Sudbury. Their home opener is June 21 against Tri-City.