Despite our loss on Saturday to Nottingham, the atmosphere in the locker room after the game was very different from the previous week. Then I remember sitting slumped against the wall in silence. This time, we were happier with our effort, although disappointed to have lost.

The score line in no way reflected the game. We gave up a couple of goals in the first period but I think we put that behind us and battled well. In the second period we created chances but did not convert them. Their third goal came, ironically, after good pressure by us. They broke out quickly from defence and took the goal well. Even then we felt we were still in the game. For me, the turning point was the fourth goal just before the end of the second period. To go in knowing that we had to pull that deficit back was difficult.

When we were turning over top teams before Christmas, I wrote then that often these wins were explained away, as if, as a "small team", we hadn't deserved them. We were beaten by a better team on Saturday night, and as sportsmen we have to acknowledge that. They are the highest scoring team in the league, with good offensive units and a goaltender who has played well since moving to Nottingham.

We were pleased to be able to roll three lines - when did that last happen?- and it was good to see Andre picking up an assist in his first game in a Bison shirt. We also appreciated the effort Euan put in after a busy week representing his country.

Kevin hopes to have a few skating sessions this week to see how his ankle reacts. If all goes well, he can then move on to test his ankle more rigorously the following week. I know he would have liked to face Steve Thornton's team in the double-header this weekend but he's also got his eye on the semi-final match-up against Manchester.

It's always good to play in a full building. Obviously we don't expect a large travelling support from Belfast on Sunday, but that's a game that will be well worth watching. Steve has put together an offensively minded roster and just brought in Jason Rushton to add some muscle.

Thanks, as always, for your support. See you Sunday.