This is Nottingham --ELITE League All Star Eric Werner is a man on a mission . . . a gradual mission.
The defenceman, rated the best in the UK by many as he helped Nottingham Panthers to the grand slam in 2012-13, restarts his season today – in Italy.
But after being out since the second weekend of the current campaign after breaking his leg at Fife Flyers, the American says he will not rush things when the Continental Cup faces-off in Asiago this afternoon, as desperate as he is to get games under his belt.
After almost ten weeks on the sidelines, Werner is relieved to be back and part of Panthers' 22-man squad facing three games in three days, bidding to reach the Super Final in France in January.
They face Russian side Toros Neftekamsk today (4pm), Pavlodar from Kazakhstan tomorrow afternoon and hosts Asiago on Sunday evening (7.30pm).
Werner, 30, is certainly no stranger to European competition, having played in Finland, Germany, Norway, Austria, Slovenia and, only two years ago, in Italy.
But he is being realistic about his hopes of making an impact.
"Every day I am getting better and the process is slow but I am coming along really well," said Werner.
"I've been keeping Poundie (physio Scott Poundall) busy, that's for sure. And there is still work to be done.
"My target, though, has always been the Continental Cup and it's great flying out with the boys, looking forward to playing instead of watching from the stands.
"Three games in three days is going to be tough and tiring, I know that, especially when the opposition is so good.
"But the boys will be ready to go.
"And the atmosphere is going to be great in the small rink.
"I know our fans will make themselves heard. There really are no supporters like them.
"I've played in a few places and they are the best in Europe, no doubt.
"And if we play like we did in the third period against Sheffield, which was really impressive and exciting on top of the work ethic, we'll be OK."
But while Werner has made a career out of playing this side of the Atlantic after impressing in the USA, for some Panthers imports it is their first time out of North America.
One of them, Chris Murray, is grateful to be playing at all after taking a puck in the mouth in the 6-1 victory over Sheffield.
The wounds just below his bottom lip took 12 stitches to repair during the second period.
But in typical hockey fashion, he was back out to help the depleted defence – and wearing a full face mask.
"The last time I played in a mask was back in college and it was a bit strange," said Murray.
"It was just an unlucky bounce and as I blocked the puck with my stick, it rolled up my blade and got me in the mouth.
"I've got a few stitches in there and it's been OK. It certainly won't stop me playing in Italy.
"Yes, it's been an eventful for season over here for me.
"It's a whole new experience with the different schedules and how they set up the league with the cup competitions.
"And I'm looking forward to Italy. It will be fun to play these new teams in the Continental Cup.
"With that in mind, it was important for us to get a big win before we flew out and we got that against Sheffield.
"We've lost a few recently but I think everyone came together and it was nice to see how we fought hard to get the win.
"Brent Henley was a big presence and we'd missed guys like him and Killer (goalie Craig Kowalski) these last few weeks.
"But Conway played great in goal. He deserved his man of the match award and we were all very happy for him.
"It will be interesting to experience the different styles of hockey in Europe and to see how we do
"It will be a big test but I think it will bring out the best in us." Reported by This is 16 hours ago.