EIHL roster update

The Steelers completed their roster on Thursday 7^th July with the signing of defenceman Scott Aaarssen from Braehead Clan. A puck moving defenceman where he has been for four years, being there longest serving import and top scoring defenseman.

“Sheffield has been “the club” in the UK during my four years over here playing” Aarssen continued “they are the standard bearer, the club others look up to and aspire to be

“The deal happened quickly once Thommo made contact with me, there wasn’t much thinking to do. This is a new chapter in my career and one I’m looking forward to. This is a dream come true for me”

They brought back eleven of last season’s squad, including clutch player Mathieu Roy who signed for two more terms. Their final returnee was in the form of Andreas Valdix. He had been talking with the Steelers all summer but also received offers from Germany, Japan, Sweden and Austria, however he decided to try and help Sheffield lift another title this season.

Head coach Paul Thompson decided that more stability was needed in defence and to that end he brought in Mark Matheson, a big body who was MVP for his team Rouen Dragons last year. The second defenceman he brought in was Joonas Ronnberg from Norway. He described himself as the netminder’s best friend as he is a defensive minded type of player.

The forward line has been added to by the arrival of four players, the first was Jonas Westerling from Allsvenskan side Södertälje. Described as a crafty little player who, it is hoped will elevate the powerplay to a new level.

The next player to sign was Tim Wallace a 6’1” power forward who boasts an impressive resume with NHL experience in Pittsburgh, Carolina, New York and TampaBay. On top of that Wallace has played 439 AHL games scoring 99 goals and 200 points.

Next in was Matt Marquardt fro Coventry Blaze in the EIHL. Prior to playing with them he played 268 AHL and 244 ECHL games in North America including the 2011-12 season with the Florida Everblades, where he won the Kelly Cup alongside Mathieu Roy.

Their final addition to the forward line came in the form of centre Brady Ramsay. It will be Ramsey’s first spell overseas after completing 3 years professional hockey in the East Coast League with Ontario Reign, Tulsa Oilers and Indy Fuel.

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