SHEFFIELD, UK – I found out prior to the official announcement that the shirt was finally being retired, and I cannot think of a player who is deserving of such an honour. Ron ‘Rocket’ Shudra represents everything that is good about the Sheffield Steelers. He has represented the club with dignity and respect on the ice, and even off the ice he did business with the same traits.
Ron was the type of player who would respect all opposition and fans, and was renowned for ensuring that he acknowledged everyone after every game, which is why he also found a place in the hearts of opposition fans, every fan base will have their favourite imports that have graced the UK leagues throughout the years, however each and every one of them will, at some point reserve praise for Ron, and everything he has done for the game in the UK.
Ron Shudra
And what better game for his shirt to be retired, than against the Nottingham Panthers. A team that Ron was involved with so many battles over the years both at the Sheffield Arena and in Nottingham. Arguably the biggest rivalry in British ice hockey, has moments littered throughout the years that Ron himself has had a major influence – it seems fitting that the jersey goes to the rafters, before another chapter on the rivalry is created.
So what should we expect from the night? Well it might be best that it is sponsored by Kleenex – as I honestly cannot see there being a dry eye in the house. It is a night that a lot of people have been looking forward to, and one that some would say that the club have took their time in organising, but nevertheless it is upon us.
It will also be a night where memories will come flooding back, chatter about his numerous goals from the blue line, the penalty shot he took against Cardiff in the play-off semi final against Cardiff to his role in the clubs first grand slam back in 1996, either way I am sure if you walk around the arena on Saturday – all you will hear is talk about the Rocket.
One thing I do hope does not happen is that Dave Simms uses the evening to wind up the players/fans of the Nottingham Panthers should the result go in our favour, and end their faint chances of that elusive league title. Any other night then it would be fair game, but Saturday night is completely different. It would be easy to fall into the trap of using the night to stick a dagger in the heart – but save it until next time Simmsy. For all his criticism, when it comes to working the mic – in my opinion there are very few in the UK who are good at getting a crowd involved with the game – and I am sure that he will maintain this level of participation on Saturday night, in a positive way. What I do expect will happen, is that David will be at the other end of the spectrum, and be overly polite. As much as this is my hope, David is not that much of an ogre (yes I know he’s from Birmingham, but everyone’s got a cross to bear) and he will know that if he was to take the opportunity to throw in a couple of cheap jokes about the Panthers during Ron Shudra’s night in poor taste and it would take the gloss off the evening, and I don’t think that is something that David would want hanging over him.
It is likely that there is very little to play for on Saturday, for either side, but I cannot think of a better evening for the number twenty-six to rise to the rafters. I hope that not only a big crowd turns up, but they all show an appreciation for everything that Ron gave in a Sheffield shirt. Whoever you are, either someone who supports a team who Ron used to play for, a Panther or a Steelers fan, embrace the evening and enjoy the moment, as special nights like Saturday 20 th March do not come round very often, and they do not get any more special than the night we say thank you, to Ron Shudra.
Thank you for the memories Ron!
Contact the writer – dave.grant@prohockeynews.com
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