Steelers look ahead to a successful season

SHEFFIELD,U.K-The Elite league Sheffield Steelers enjoyed a fairly successful campaign last season capturing the Yorkshire Cup and the highly regarded playoff title. To add to that they finished runners up in the league, the British Knockout and Challenge Cups. Steelers are looking forward to a more successful campaign for the 2008-09 season, and many believe they are capable of challenging previous league winners, the Coventry Blaze. Head coach Dave Matsos believes his side are capable contenders also.   “I have my squad it’s taken all summer to get the team I want and I’m happy with it, I wouldn’t change one of them,” Matsos said The squad has a lot of familiar faces in the locker room, with 12 of last years roster returning. Those not returning include backup netminder Davey Lawrence who is pursuing a starting role in the English Premier league with

the Telford Tigers. To replace Davey Lawrence, the Steelers have recruited Dan Green who played last season with the Basingstoke Bison, featuring in 15 games. Another player not returning is Ian Manzano, who was released by the Steelers. The release of Manzano paved the way for ex-Manchester phoenix captain Scott Basiuk to patrol the Hallam FM arena blueline. Basiuk had a great season in 2007-08 registering 12 goals, 33 assists for 45 points in 58 games. Dave Matsos believes the Prince Albert native will be a big hit in the teal and orange.   “Scott helps us in so many areas, firstly he shores up our back end, he is big, strong and plays hard,” Matsos said “I think he is dirty and I like that, I know from speaking to many of our forwards that Scott was a player they didn’t enjoy playing against.” Another player not returning to the House of Steel is Dan Tessier. The gifted forward was released by the club and left on fairly negative terms. Head coach Dave Matsos moved quick to replace Tessier by bringing in gritty forward Nathan Gillies. Gillies has a wealth of experience in the ECHL, and UHL, also featuring in 17 AHL games with Binghampton Senators and Bridgeport Sound Tigers. The ex-Charlotte Checker has previously played with current Steeler Randy Dagenais at Union College, who was full of praise for the new addition. “Gills is a stand-up guy who will do anything to win hockey games, he has a fearless take no prisoners approach to the game and will never back down from anyone,” Dagenais said “He is capable of scoring 20 goals or more in this league while still paying attention to his defensive responsibilities,” The squad also see’s the full time addition of Robert Dowd, who was previously on a two-way contract with the EPL Sheffield Scimitars. With Dowd a permanent addition to the team, it leaves a question mark over penalty kill specialist Warren Tait. Tait has played three seasons for the Steelers, and it looks almost certain that he won’t be returning for a fourth. The only doubt amongst the Steelers faithful is the lack of an enforcer. Coventry Blaze have Carlyle Lewis, Nottingham Panthers have Rumun Ndur, and Cardiff Devils have the big hitting Brad Voth. The only real question left unanswered is, will the Steelers lack of physical presence affect their chances of winning silverware. Contact the author at Scott.antcliffe@prohockeynews.com