TRISTAN HARPER is determined to make sure Sheffield Steelers don't enjoy playing away from home when Clan come calling.

Braehead travel south tomorrow in what is possibly the most important game in the club's five-year history.

Currently five points clear of the second-placed Steelers, a victory for Ryan Finnerty's men would put them seven ahead of their title rivals who will have just 12 points left to play for.

Adding to the pressure on Sheffield's shoulders, their current home at the Motorpoint Arena - which has a capacity of 8,500 - is unavailable, meaning the Elite League tie will instead be played at the 1500-seater ICE Sheffield barn.

It is a major blow for the hosts who will be without the roar of their large home crowd, and it is something Braehead star Harper is keen to make the most of.

"It works to our advantage because I don't think they are used to playing at that rink," the Scot told SportTimes.

"It is smaller than their normal home. I think we can make the most of that, I'm sure of it.

"We've not played there since I've been here and I don't think Finner [Ryan Finnerty] has coached us there. It will be new to a lot of the guys.

"However, that will be a bigger factor for Sheffield than us.

"We have a great fan base that travels with us and I'm sure it will be loud regardless.

"Our fans will be right on top of the game and we will feel their energy."

The importance of the next five days is not lost on the Braehead squad.

Following on from tomorrow's crunch game in Sheffield, Clan then travel to Nottingham on Saturday to defeat the team they humbled 4-2 at the Braehead Arena last Friday.

It is a tough double header that, if navigated successfully, would see Ryan Finnerty's team on the brink of their first ever Elite League title.

Harper conceded: "I think those games are going to decide which way the league goes this year.

"Every game is really important and hopefully we can get the two points tomorrow. We need to stick to our systems and take it from there.

"We are playing Nottingham on Saturday and both teams will be looking ahead to that.

"They will give us a battle right to the end but we will be ready for that test."

Last weekend was a landmark moment for Scotland's leading ice hockey club.

Not only did they get presented with the Gardiner Conference trophy, but they played in front of TWO sell-out home crowds within the space of three days.

In total 7152 people flocked to Braehead Arena to see the league's top club in action.

And it is something Harper admits Clan are still getting used to.

He said: "It's getting to a point where our fan base is growing constantly. It is really overwhelming.

"They shout, and scream. In North America it's not like that but in Scotland the passion of football has carried over to hockey.

"They constantly chant in football and have songs for all the players and you can hear that here as well."