Tommy Steven - Feeling at home in the Nations Capital - Photo Credit: Verity GriffinThe 2024 Season is Tommy Steven’s first year with the Brave but he is no stranger to the AIHL. Previously playing for the Mustangs and the Bears, Tommy’s career in the AIHL started in 2016 and has spanned 103 games to date.
Fitting seamlessly into Brave’s culture, Tommy has racked up 7 goals, 12 assists (and a broken foot) in his 20 appearances this season, returning from injury just in time to finesse his form for finals.
BRAVE v THE WORLD
“I think the main difference is the commitment the players have, which was important for me making the move. Brave have made a good example of showing up and competing every day and it shows with how much depth we have in the line-up. The access to the facilities is something I haven’t had before either.”
Not only have the team found synergy on the ice, but their off ice antics also continue to make the boys inseparable throughout the season. “We are a team in every sense of the word. We gym together twice a week, practice twice a week, have team dinners you name it, we do it.”
SETTLING IN
Coming onto a new team can be a challenge, there are established friendships and finding your feet can be difficult. Despite that, Tommy seems to have become a natural voice in the locker room and settled in without a hitch. “Meeting a whole new team is nerve wracking, but I knew some of the boys like Brunty (Jordon Brunt) and Tets (Alex Tetreault) already which helped. The guys were all so welcoming and it’s just about going through the ups and downs together. You have so many different characters within the team – you’ve got veterans like Wombat (Matt Harvey) and Kai who’s our Capitan and leader, the guys in our core group and our imports. It wasn’t hard to find my place within the team because everyone has a role they play, everyone is somewhat of a leader and we all find it easy to help each other out and critic each other and have fun.”
Tommy Steven - From defence to attack.
CHALLENGES AND INJURIES
Despite facing challenges as a team at the start of the season and suffering an injury that had him side-lined for six weeks, Tommy manages to see the bright side in the situation. “Having a bad start was different and something a lot of us weren’t used to, but the culture we have allowed us to come together, regroup, stick with it and show what we know we are capable of.”
"Being injured isn’t fun but we have so much talent within our lines and so much depth with our players. I found a positive side to it. It’s given me more gratitude and respect for the opportunity I have to play hockey at this level. I was itching to get back out there and make every shift count; I don’t take this for granted.”
DEFENSIVE DEVELOPMENT
Not only did Tommy effortlessly find his place within the team, with 17 points and counting, he was also able to impress Brave fans with his strong offensive play. Tommy has been a valuable player this season, constantly developing his personal game is something he is always working on. "It’s been good season personally, maybe not as consistent as previous years, and then throw an injury in the mix, but it’s given me time to work on other things including my defensive side, and it’s come out a lot more this season. We have so much talent on the team and it has helped me be able to hone in on those defensive skills.”
Tommy Steven - Early season in the Brave Cave - Photo Credit: David TateFINALS FEVERMoving closer to the finals, Tommy is back in the line up and ready to go. Tensions were high with our final regular season game against Tommy’s former team, the Sydney Bears on 27 July. “Facing your old team can be tough, especially when they have the home ice advantage. They have their fans, ice they’re used to. It was a battle but it’s exciting and it was great to come away with the win."
"Finals alone is the biggest one, we all want to take home the cup. We work all season towards that goal, it’s always a fun time and I think we are ready. It’ll be interesting to see what it’s like facing all three games too if we get to that."
Tommy Steven - Defending the net - Photo Credit: Verity Griffin
ADRENALINE
MUSTANGS
BEARS
RHINOS
BRAVE
NORTHSTARS
LIGHTNING
ICE
THUNDER
ICE DOGS
