SHEFFIELD, England – The Sheffield Steelers Player/Coach Ryan Finnerty wasted no time in his new role by acquiring the signature of promising stay at home defenceman Chad Huttel.
New signing Huttel looking to make a big impact (picture courtesy of Hemantown Star)
The 22-year-old native of Hermantown, Minnesota has spent the last four seasons with the UMD Bulldogs of the WCHA, where Huttel has recently helped the team to win the prestigious NCAA Frozen Four title. Huttel is regarded as a no nonsense stay at home defenceman, who plays well on the penalty kill. Steelers will need someone to fill the vacant role left by fan favourite Steve Munn who looks set to retire, and it looks as though Huttel may be the man to fill those shoes. Before Huttel played with the Bulldogs, he captained his high school team the Hermantown Hawks, and led them to State Class A title in 2007. Huttel will be continuing his University career with a course at the University of Sheffield for the 2011-2012 campaign.
Steelers to announce more signings next week
The Steelers have also announced the re-signings of the Sheffield-born duo of Tom Squires and backup goaltender Geoff Woolhouse. Sheffield Steelers Player/Coach Ryan Finnerty spoke about his decision to re-sign the 26-year-old shot stopper. “Woolhouse came big for the Steelers last year. He is the best of the British backups, a guy you know can play when called upon. Last season when I was in Cardiff I was hoping he would pull the shoot in those big games against Hull and Nottingham but he was solid, took the points that ended up helping the Steelers to cross the line and win,” Finnerty admitted. It will be Tom Squires second season in Sheffield after joining midway through the last campaign from the neighbouring EPL outfit the Sheffield Steeldogs. The 20-year-old speedster, managed a respectable 14 points in 45 games last year with most of them coming when he saw an increase in ice time when Jonathan Phillips was injured. “He is a kid with much upside and a big future. Right now the 9th position on the forwards is his to lose. We need him to kick on and not rest on his laurels. When we start he has to be ready, bigger, stronger, faster and hungrier than ever. I like that though, I like hungry kids who want it badly and will do anything to make the team and play their part,” Finnerty said. The reigning Elite League Champions are expected to announce more signings next week with one being rumoured to be a former Elite League goaltender, and a hard-hitting power forward. Contact the author at
Scott.antcliffe@prohockeynews.com Related
You must be logged in to post a comment.