Major signings in EIHL

The two top teams from last season made big forward signings this week. John Armstrong joined Sheffield Steelers earlier in the week. The 28 Canadian centre was a third round draft pick for Calgary Flames in the 2006 draft pick.

Armstrong credited former Steeler Gord Baldwin for his recommendation of Sheffield “Gord is a good friend of mine and when I had the approach from Sheffield he was my first port of reference” he said  “After a 10 minute conversation with him I was sold and wanted to sign. Gord loved the City, the club and the people and I think given half a chance he would have been on a plane sat next to me”

Joining a contender was also important to Armstrong “I know I’m joining a good team. You look at the roster and its deep with talent. I want to win a championship, want to contribute to a league title.

“As a player I take great pride in both ends of the ice, offensively and defensively. I’m strong in the corners, I hold on to the puck and try and create for my team mates. I can shoot as well, I have a good shot but through most of my career I have more assists than goals. I believe I am good in face offs have a great deal of versatility and have been used in many different roles over the years.”

Armstrong turned professional in 2008 when signing for Quad City Flames in the AHL. Before that he captained Peterborough Petes in the OHL scoring 57 points in 65 games in his final season there.

He spent four seasons in the AHL with Abbotsford Heat. In all he has played 177 AHL games and a further 140 when he moved to the ECHL before trying his hand in Europe two years ago with Lillehammer of Denmark. He joined Sheffield from Odense Bulldogs where he scored fifty points.

Left wing forward Patrick Asselin then signed for Cardiff Devils.

The 28 year old Canadian hails from Peterborough, Ontario and most recently won three straight Danish Championships in 2013, 2014 and 2015 as a member of the Danish powerhouse SonderjyskE Ice Hockey Club.  Asselin did not play last season, but spent the season in Switzerland with his wife and child and has been training all year planning to get back with a team this season. 

In his final season with SonderjyskE he scored 19 goals and 40 assists in 47 games.  He also scored an impressive 7 goals in 6 games in the Champions Hockey League that year. 

Tweets by @eurohockey