Shudra moves to Lightning

This week Sheffield Steelers announced that young Brit Cole Shudra had signed an extension to his apprentice contract, but would spend the 2018-19 season out on loan to fellow Milton Keynes Lightning. Is this a good move, let's have a little discussion about it.

In my eyes, and most others too, this is an excellent move for Cole. If he had not chosen to make the move to Buckinghamshire for the new season then he would have been more than likely been the 13th forward on the Steelers roster when all the spots have been filled up. This would mean his ice time would be very neglibible to say the least. He would have been lucky to ice in double figure games for the Steelers unless there is a massive injury crisis.

Someone said on social media that this was a "strange decision". To be honest I couldn't see where he thought that, it is the best decision especially when you take the above into account and what else I am about to state.

Cole will get regular ice-time during his spell with the Lightning, and I fully expect him to come back to the Steelers a much better player and more effective afterwards. Players sometimes need a change of scenery to improve on their game, and usually reap the benefits from it. You have to look no further than two other Brits on the 2017-18 Steelers roster who moved away to enhance and improve their game; for the untrained eyes those players are GB internationalists Robert Dowd; who had spells at Belfast and Troja-Ljungby; and Ben O'Connor who has recently agreed a deal to play in the KHL with Barys Astana.

Steelers and their supporters haven't seen the last of Cole, and I am sure he took the advice from his illustrious father before agreeing on this move. He is sure to get a warm welcome back into the Steel City when he ices against the Steelers with his new club. Lightning fans will be excited to see him play, he's certainly got the tools and ability to impress them and his new head coach Doug McKay. I'm confident this move will be a smart one for all parties.

Good luck in Milton Keynes Cole; you'll be a hit for them!

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NHL Life: Edition 3

Welcome to the third edition of NHL Life, my look at hockey across the pond.

Well in October last year we started with 31, now we are down to just two combatants for the biggest prize in world hockey. And this season will see a new name engraved on "Lord Stanley" for the first time ever. The Champions of the East; the Washington Capitals; take on the best from the West; the Vegas Golden Knights.

Will Russian superstar Alexander Ovechkin finally get his hands on the big prize after 14 seasons with the Capitals? Or will the Cinderella story for the Golden Knights be capped with the ultimate fairy tale ending? One thing is for sure, it promises to be a cracking series of games which I'll be honest: could go all the way with seven games being needed to separate the teams and find the 2018 Champions.

Let's look at the teams involved then:

Washington Capitals: After numerous failed attempts, the Caps have finally made the Stanley Cup Final for only the second time in their 42 season history. That first time in 1998 was not the best of Finals if you are a Capitals fan as they were swept 4-0 by the Detroit Red Wings. Since then, they have tried numerous times to repeat this feat but for some reason or other - always fell short. They have dispatched the Columbus Blue Jackets, current Stanley Cup holders the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Tampa Bay Lightning to get this far.

Key Player: Alexander Ovechkin, who else but? The Russian is clearly the jewel in the Capitals crown and can win a game on his own.

Vegas Golden Knights: The Cinderella team who have punched their ticket and made the big ball at the end of a remarkable season. Jokingly called by media and players alike as the "Golden Misfits" because as a first season expansion team, their roster comprises of players declared "unprotected" by the other 30 sides when the expansion draft was released. The Golden Knights have on their current roster, players who know how to win and also be winners of the Stanley Cup itself. They have seen off the Los Angeles Kings, San Josè Sharks and the Winnipeg Jets to make the Finals.

Key Player: Marc-André Fleury, a former NHL number 1 draft pick hoping to pick up a third Stanley Cup ring after being unwanted by the Penguins.

So who do I think will win? As I said at the start, I would not be surprised if this goes to the full length of seven. Both sides are as good on the road as they are at home. However, I'm thinking that fairy tales do come true once in a lifetime, and the Golden Knights will be the ones celebrating. Sorry Ovi, but you'll have to try again another year.

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Around the EIHL: Edition 3

It's been a busy couple of days in the Elite League with plenty happening. So I bring you a round-up of what has happening before I jet off to Poland for a family wedding. Needs must and all that.

Let's go back to yesterday, and the announcement that the 2018-19 Elite League season will comprise of one league and no Conferences. Personally I think this is a great decision, even if the numbers are reduced by one this season. I've never been a fan of the conferences myself to be honest despite certain people championing like it is the best thing since sliced bread proverbially speaking. Under the new structure for 2018-19, each team will play the others three times home and away. A couple of gripes I have about this, is that the Conference titles apparently still remain as does the Challenge Cup. I would have binned them both.

Also happening yesterday; was an announcement by the Manchester Storm and what a great gesture it was. Yesterday, as you sadly remember, was the first anniversary of the tragic bomb incident at the Manchester Arena (G-Mex in the olden days): a place that I have visited many times for concerts. Storm deserve great kudos for the decision to retire the shirt number 22, the number of lives sadly lost. Whoever came up with this idea, deserves a massive pat on the proverbial back. 

Today saw one of Team GB's stars from Budapest leave for pastures new. That player is Sheffield Steelers defenceman Ben O'Connor, and he has joined KHL side Barys Astana after three and half seasons at the club he calls "home" but has stated that he doesn't "..think he has played his last game for the Steelers..." It's a huge blow for the Steelers for sure as regards their team building for 2018-19, but on the flip side another sign that British hockey is going in the right direction when one of their best players is set to showcase his talents in the second best league in the world. Good luck with it Ben, you leave Sheffield (for now) with my best wishes and I'm sure most Steelers fans will echo it.

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Slovakia 2019: Team GB Opponents Known

Today Pete Russell and Team GB learned who they would face in the 2019 World Championships which are to be hosted in Slovakia. It was the reward for the incredible performance in Budapest last month when the Brits surprised everyone; probably themselves included in this, by topping Division 1A only one year after gaining promotion from Division 1B.

The Brits were drawn in Group A which will be based in the city of Košice, Group B being in the Slovakian capital of Bratislava which is where most Brits expected them to be based.

The group is a tough one, but would you expect it to be anything less than that? This is the first time that GB have been in the top flight of hockey since 1994. Their opponents are as follows:

• Canada - Probably the most successful nation in world hockey aside Russia, and are bound to feature a number of NHL stars in their 2019 team. The Canadians finished fourth in Copenhagen/Herning 2018 and are sure to try and amends in Slovakia.
• United States - Another powerhouse of world hockey, having won a couple of World Championships. However, the last of these was in 1960 so you could say that they are overdue a title. They finished third in Copenhagen/Herning 2018.
• Finland - The third member of the so called "Big Six" when it comes to hockey, and like the United States they have a couple of World Championships to their name. The last Finnish world title was in 2011, they were quarter-finalists in Denmark.
• Germany - Surprise silver medallists in the Winter Olympics earlier this year, Germany couldn't repeat that feat in Denmark. They finished 6th in Group B and have a best performance of silver; a feat they achieved twice in 1930 and 1953.
• Denmark - Hosts of the 2018 tournament and an ever improving hockey nation. The Danes finished 10th in their hosted tournament and their best performance came in both 2010 and 2016 when they made the quarter-final stage.
• Slovakia - The hosts of the 2019 tournament and a team who will probably be keen to impress in their home staging. A one time winner of the World Championship in 2002 when Peter Bondra's late goal defeated Russia 4-3 in Stockholm. Finished 9th in Denmark.
• France - One of the teams that GB will be keen to get the better off if they are avoid an immediate return to Division 1A. Their best performance in a World Championship is 7th in 1937, but finished in 12th place in Denmark.

Obviously work schedules permitting, I will be covering the tournament out there but I might be like a few: watching it online back home in Blighty. Are you excited already?

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Around the EIHL: Edition 2

Welcome to the second edition of "Around The EIHL", the regular piece covering the Elite League itself as opposed to any member club in it. Like the first edition we are going to see who signed where and who has also left where. Another transfer round-up so to say.

All transfer activity is up to and including Monday 21 May 2018. Read on then...

We will start of course with the Belfast Giants, and they have been busy in their team building with six players announced on one day to take their 2018-19 roster up to eight. Five of the six are familiar faces though. Long time servants Mark Garside, Colin Shields and Stephen Murphy are all back in teal with Murphy being awarded a testimonial for ten years service to the Giants. Back for a second year are Jonathan Ferland and Dustin Johner, Johner hoping for a better season than last after an injury plagued dèbut one. There's also a new face in the shape of promising British forward Lewis Hook who joins from Milton Keynes. One departure has been confirmed though, netminder Jackson Whistle leaves for EIHL rivals Sheffield.

Braehead are up next. Back for another season are defenceman Zach Sullivan and forwards Craig Peacock and Matthew Haywood; Haywood being the sole player who has been with the Clan since its inception in 2010. There's a new face too in former Hull Academy player Jack Musil; Jack joins the Clan after spending eight years in North America. Leaving Clan Towers for pastures new, but not known at the moment, is Bari McKenzie. Since we last updated there has been no transfer movement for the Cardiff Devils but we expect the Devils are actively working behind the scenes as always.

Two additions for the Coventry Blaze roster of 2018-19; with Kevin Nastiuk re-joining for a second season and British defenceman Alex Forbes making the short journey to the Sky Dome from Milton Keynes. One new face signed at Dundee Stars as defenceman Connor Cox arrives on Tayside from the University of Saskatchewan where he has played for the last five seasons. No arrivals reported at Fife Flyers but netminder Jordan Marr has departed Kirkcaldy; he's joined NIHL South 1 club Peterborough Phantoms. Three re-signings for Guildford Flames with Jesse Craige, Kruise Reddick and Brett Ferguson returning to last season's surprise packet.

Like Cardiff there has been no further additions to the Manchester Storm roster yet. One in and three out though at Milton Keynes Lightning, with former Coventry Blaze netminder Adam Goss arriving from Mercyhurst University yet Lewis Hook, Alex Forbes and Matt Nickerson are moving onto Belfast, Coventry and TUTO Hockey respectively. No further movements in and out at the Nottingham Panthers as new head coach Rich Chernomaz gets ready for his opening season as Corey Neilson's replacement. Two arrivals to finish with at Sheffield Steelers, netminder and GB internationalist Jackson Whistle arrives from Belfast and he is joined by his younger brother Brandon who joins from Salmon Arm Silverbacks of the British Columbia Hockey League.

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Steelers Whistle The Brothers

This morning the worst kept secret in hockey was revealed. Sheffield Steelers confirmed the capture of netminder Jackson Whistle and in a double swoop, also announced the signing of his younger brother Brandon.

This signing had been leaked literally by the Belfast Telegraph at the weekend just gone, had been on the lips of many a fan before that, but today it was all made official by the 2016 Elite League Champions.

Obviously we won't be seeing him in teal this season, it is the 22 year old GB internationalist that succeeds Latvian Ervins Mustukovs who departed the House Of Steel at the end of the season. Mustukovs has subsequently signed for Nice in the Ligue Magnus, but Steelers knew they needed a high calibre replacement and Whistle certainly fits that bill. In his two seasons in the Northern Irish capital, the elder son of former Steelers and Giants Head Coach Dave has emerged to become one of the country's hottest prospects and backstopped the Giants to their Challenge Cup victory in the season just finished.

In his first interview with Steelers TV the GB internationalist has confirmed that the initial target is to win back the League. He has also admitted candidly that he spoke with his now new team-mates in the GB squad to get a feel of the team unity, and his father who apparently had so many good words about taking the next step in his hockey career over here in Sheffield. What was also interesting from that same interview was that Jackson alluded to the fact that the Club are bringing in a temporary goaltending coach to help him (and probably Brad Day too) be prepared for the new campaign and that person is to come from Sweden. Is this part of the new direction too?

Also joining the Steelers on the same day, is Jackson's 20 year old Brandon who was also mentioned in that same Belfast Telegraph article. Brandon is more like his father in a playing sense, a centre with good points production in his junior career and a good size too: standing over 6ft  and powerfully built at a shade of over 200lbs. This will be the younger Whistle's first venture into the professional ranks and represents another lean to the younger generation. Like his brother, he has penned a two year deal.

Personally I am happy with both the signings, and it's certainly a good step. The younger Whistle might be an unknown quantity at the moment but he has the potential to make good strides if he is given the ice time and opportunities to showcase his abilities. A very good start indeed.

Welcome to Sheffield Jackson and Brandon.

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Champions Hockey League 2019 - The Draw

Yesterday saw the draw for the initial group stages of the 2018-19 Champions Hockey League. Last year saw the Finnish side JYP Jyvaskyla triumph with a 2-0 win over Swedes Växjö Lakers in the fifth running of this tournament, succeeding Frölunda who had won the last two and Luleå who won the first two.

The Elite League only had one representative at the draw in København, league champions Cardiff Devils. This is who they drew and my analysis of each opponent.

The Devils were placed in Group G of the first stage where the top two sides qualify for the first knockout stage which the Panthers got to last season; the first Elite League side to achieve it. In Group G with Andrew Lord's team are the following:

EC Red Bull Salzburg: Eight times winner of the Erste Bank Eishockey Liga (EBEL), not a bad haul considering the club wasn't formed until 2000. Steelers fans will remember them as well since they were grouped with the Austrian side in the group stage of the 2016-17 competition. Steelers lost the first game in Salzburg 8-1, just a couple of days after losing 5-3 in Sweden to HV71 Jönköping, but recorded a stupendous 5-2 win in the House Of Steel in the return with Jesse Schultz scoring a hat-trick.

SC Bern: The second most successful side in Swiss Ice Hockey behind Davos, and one with a rich history behind them. They were formed as far back as 1931 which makes them even older than Britain's oldest team, Fife. Last season they were in the same group stage as the Panthers, sharing the spoils with them. Bern had won the game in Switzerland 5-2 but Panthers produced one of their best performances in the return when they recovered from 2-0 first period deficit to triumph 4-2 with Alexander Mokshantsev scoring twice.

Växjö Lakers: There's nothing that the Devils need to know about last year's runners-up; particularly as they met in this stage 12 months ago. As Andrew Lord said after the draw: "I think we have lost the element of surprise." and to be honest he's in a sense, right. Both sides know how the other plays so it will be interesting to see if either Lord or Lakers Head Coach Sam Hallam comes up with something new to try to out fox the other one. These could be two very interesting games to say the least.

Opinion: Devils home form will have to be the building block if they want to progress into the first knockout stage of 16. If they can get wins in each and ideally in regulation time then this will definitely give them a massive chance of making it. They have to also look to try and get some points in their away trips, a couple of points here or there will be fantastic. Put the two together and they could emulate what Nottingham did last season. It's certainly not beyond them. After GB's success in Budapest, a decent run by Cardiff in the CHL will only enhance the feel good factor about hockey in this country. They can do it and I personally wish them best of luck. Do the EIHL proud Devils!

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NHL Life: Edition 2

Welcome to the second edition of NHL Life, my look at hockey over the pond.

The Conference Finals are now in full swing with two games played in each, but how are they panning out so far?

We will start with a look at the Eastern Conference first of all. In this one, the Washington Capitals have certainly come out of the proverbial blocks flying as they won the opening games in this series against the Tampa Bay Lightning. A 4-2 win in game one was followed by more comprehensive 6-2 win in the second, and for Capitals fans out there these were even better when you consider that they were both on the road. Alex Ovechkin surely has the best possible chance of making his first ever Stanley Cup Final following on from this. Tampa need a massive turnaround in fortunes on the flip side of the coin if they are to make the Final.

Over to the Western Conference now. This is not as clear cut as the teams shared the honours in the first two games in Winnipeg. The Jets took the first game 4-2 but the Golden Knights took the second one last night (Monday) by a 3-1 margin. By sharing the opening spoils it becomes evenly poised as the games switch over to Vegas in the next few days. Both sides are capable of stealing on the other but I personally would not be surprised one little bit if this series went the full duration of seven games. It's certainly got the makings of a classic series. Neither side wants to give the other one an advantage that is plainly clear already.

Eastern Conference Game 3 is Wednesday, and Game 4 is Friday. Could this be when the Caps bring out the broom?

Western Conference Game 3 is Thursday, and Game 4 is Saturday. Will we see someone break the tie and edge ahead?

More updates on the Stanley Cup will follow in a few days, stay tuned...

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Steelers to whistle a new tune?

Are the Sheffield Steelers about to whistle a brand new tune?

Well if Saturday's Belfast Telegraph is to be believed then they are probably on course to do so. The Northern Irish newspaper reported that Belfast Giants are set to lose GB internationalist and netminder Jackson Whistle to the Steelers. However, nothing has been officially confirmed by any of the parties concerned.

22 year old Whistle, in case you didn't know, is the eldest son of former Giants and Steelers Head Coach Dave and has spent the last two seasons in the Northern Irish capital since joining from Kelowna Rockets in the summer of 2016. After spending his first season predominantly as back up to fellow GB internationalist Stephen Murphy, Jackson established himself as the Giants number one choice even despite Murphy suffering an season ending injury in the opening months of the 2017-18 campaign.

Jackson has appeared 71 times for the Giants, but he seems to become the first new signing for the Steelers if Paul Thompson does indeed get his man. Steelers decided to not offer last season's starter Ervins Mustukovs a new deal at the end of the last campaign, and Thompson had hinted that he was looking to head in a new direction. Should Whistle sign, he would form a goaltending tandem with Brad Day who agreed a new one-year deal last week. Whether it means that the Steelers will bring in a third goalie as well is open to conjecture. This might be the new direction that Thompson was on about, copying Cardiff in signing two British goalies or is it something else?

As part of the same story, it has also stated that Jackson's younger brother Brandon will also be joining the Steelers as well. Unlike Jackson, 20 year old Brandon is a centre with the Salmon Arm Silverbacks of the British Columbia Hockey League and could be one for the future. This is an interesting rumoured double swoop and the Steelers might have a decent couple of signings if they do indeed come off. One can only see what happens next?

Personally, I would be happy with this. What do you think?

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NHL Life: Edition 1

As stated in the introductory post, this blog is not all about my club Sheffield Steelers, this is a general hockey blog. So we bring you the first edition of a feature about "The Show"; or to those who didn't know what that is - the NHL. Welcome to NHL Life.

Well it's all hotting up over the pond with the race for the 2018 Stanley Cup well underway. We're at the final four stage at present. Let's look at each.

First up, the Western Conference. 

Well the fairytale is far from over, since Vegas Golden Knights are still on course to create history. That being the first ever team to win the Cup in their inaugural season. They dispatched two-time winners Los Angeles Kings with a clean sweep in the first stage and now are in the Western Conference final after seeing off San Josè Sharks in six games. Cody Eakin's goal with 1:51 left securing a 3-0 win on the night. They will face the Winnipeg Jets next after the Jets saw off last year's losing finalists Nashville Predators in seven pulsating games. Winnipeg had beaten the Minnesota Wild in the opening round in five games and are aiming to be the first Canadian winner of Lord Stanley since the Montreal Canadiens won the last of their 24 Cups in 1993.

Now the Eastern Conference.

2004 Stanley Cup winners Tampa Bay Lightning were the first qualified team after seeing off the Boston Bruins in five games. They had done the same to the New Jersey Devils (my team) in the opening round, so are looking good to land the big prize in addition to the President's Trophy which they accured in the 82-game regular season. Their opponents in the Eastern Conference final are the Washington Capitals. Alex Ovechkin and team denied current two-time champions Pittsburgh Penguins a shot at a historic three-peat thanks to Evgeni Kuznetsov's overtime winner in game six; having beaten the Columbus Blue Jackets in six games as well. Could this actually be the season that Ovechkin gets his first ever Stanley Cup ring? I'm sure Tampa will have a huge say in it.

That's all for now, NHL Life will be back for a review of the opening games in the respective Finals in the next few days once they are up and running.

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Around the EIHL: Edition 1

Welcome to the first edition of the articles about the Elite League, the league which my team play in and probably a lot of you readers see your hockey in. In this first edition, we're going to look at the recruitment so far made by the 11 EIHL teams. A full preview of each will happen nearer the start of the new season but that's a long way off at the moment.

Transfer dealings as of 10th May 2018.

We will start off at the Belfast Giants, and Adam Keefe's second year at the helm has begun with the re-signing of two of last season's roster in Darcy Murphy and Jim Vandermeer. Murphy joined the Giants last season from ECHL side Tulsa Oilers and proved to be a very good recruit; scoring 27 goals and 50 points in 57 games. Vandermeer is of course, the veteran former NHL defenceman who now starts his fourth season in the Northern Irish capital. Leaving the Giants though is Brandon Benedict, who has hung up the skates to become the new head coach of the Under 18 team at Newbridge Academy in his native North America.

Next up are Braehead Clan, and it's already been a busy time up there. They have a new head coach in Pete Russell, the GB national head coach who returns "home" after spending the majority of his coaching career south of the border. Clan have retained the services of Czech defenceman Michal Gutwald who impressed after joining mid-season last season but brought in three new faces for the new season ahead. Two of these will be familiar faces to the Purple Army, defenceman Zack Fitzgerald and forward Scott Pitt. Fitzgerald returns to the Clan, and as captain, after spending the last three seasons at Sheffield whilst Pitt, who was at Manchester Storm last season, returns to the Clan for whom he is the franchise points and goals leader. The third newcomer is Swedish forward Gerard Hanson who played alongside Pitt in Manchester Storm, and picked up 26 points in 52 games there. He'll be a decent depth player for the Clan. Tyler Scofield, who had an injury hit 2017-18 campaign, has decided to retire.

Third team to look at are the defending champions, the Cardiff Devils. They have made a solid start to their team building, retaining the services of four players. Remaining in the principality are long serving defenceman Mark Richardson, whilst imports Joey Haddad and Joey Martin return for a fifth season in South Wales and Matt Pope rejoins for a second. No departures at the moment.

One of the busiest teams so far are the Coventry Blaze who have re-signed six members of last season's roster and brought in one. Brits David Clements and Ross Venus are given new two-year deals, Venus will be starting his ninth season overall. Former NHL draft pick Kevin Noble signs for a fourth season whilst there are returns to the SkyDome for Luke Ferrara, Ben Lake and Danick Paquette. Highly rated young British netminder Jordan Hedley joins from Milton Keynes Lightning to make seven names on Danny Stewart's 2018-19 team. There have five departures though, Ryan Dingle has retired, Brett Robinson is heading back home whilst last season's top scorer Marc-Olivier Vallerand leaves for Alps HL side EHC Lustenau and Swedish defenceman Gustav Ahlenöv joins Swedish Allsvenskan side HC Vita Hästen. Last season's back-up netminder Brython Preece has also moved on but to unknown new pastures.

Another team busy with their recruitment are Dundee Stars, who have six names signed for the new campaign already. There are returns for British forward Jordan Cownie as well as imports Brian Hart, Johan Andersson and Lukas Lundvald. Joining the Stars are defenceman Drydn Dow who spent the last five years playing for the University of Calgary, and promising Brit Craig Garrigan who returns to his home town after four years playing junior hockey in North America. Leaving Tayside though, is Adam Harding who has joined Milton Keynes Lightning. Meanwhile at Fife Flyers there has been no transfer activity whatsoever.

Five players have inked their names for the 2018-19 Guildford Flames. Four of these are re-signings in the shape of Brits Ben Davies and Kevin Phillips, whilst impressive imports Ian Watters and John Dunbar also come back for a second campaign. There's one new face, defenceman Jordan Abt, who joins from the Norfolk Admirals of the ECHL. Ryan Finnerty has had four re-signings so far at the Manchester Storm with Dallas Erdhardt, Ciaran Long and top goalscorer Luke Moffatt all having new one-year deals under their respective belts whilst defenceman Linden Springer begins the first year of the new two-year deal he signed towards the back end of last season.

A number of changes at Milton Keynes Lightning already. Canadian Doug McKay takes over as General Manager/Head Coach following the decision to release Pete Russell. Just two signings, one which is a new face. Defenceman James Griffin returns for a fourth season in Buckinghamshire whilst former Cardiff and Manchester winger Adam Harding arrives from Dundee. Leaving MK are Jordan Hedley who has joined Coventry whilst Matt Nickerson, Jonathan Boxill and Lewis Hook will all be in new teams next season. The Nottingham Panthers also will have a new face behind the bench next season, Rich Chernomaz replacing Corey Neilson. He has five Brits re-signed already in the shape of netminder Sam Gospel, defenceman and captain Stephen Lee as well as forwards Robert Farmer, Robert Lachowicz and Ollie Betteridge. Club legend David Clarke has called time on his playing career whilst Yann Sauvè and Patrick Galbraith have moved onto Medvescak Zagreb of the EBEL and SønderjyskE of the Metal-Ligaen respectively.

Last but not least, the Sheffield Steelers. Eight names are already confirmed for 2018-19 in the House of Steel. There are new one-year extensions for captain Jonathan Phillips, defenceman David Phillips and netminder Brad Day. They join the already under contract Ben O'Connor, Robert Dowd, Cole Shudra, Kieran Brown and Mathieu Roy. There has been a large number of exits as Paul Thompson hopes to bring silverware back to the Steel City after drawing a blank in 2017-18. Cult defenceman Zack Fitzgerald has headed north to rejoin Braehead after three years in Sheffield, netminder Ervins Mustukovs has joined Ligue Magnus side Nice whilst both Colton Fretter and surprisingly Eric Neiley have hung up the skates. Also not returning, but yet to find new teams, are Swedish forwards Andreas Jämtin, Andreas Valdix and Jonas Westerling plus Finnish defenceman Joonas Rönnberg and North American forwards Tim Wallace and Matt Marquardt.

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