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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