SHEFFIELD, U.K. – The Sheffield Steelers are looking to set the benchmark and show their hand early on by signing two players with AHL experience. A familiar face in last year’s rugged defenceman Matt Stephenson put pen to paper for a second term with the South Yorkshire side.
Steelers strengthening with some big names
The 28-year-old Canadian blueliner managed 32 points (7+25) in 52 games last season endearing him to the Sheffield fans.
Stephenson had an instant impact, but some feel that his performances declined after Christmas, which coincided with the birth of his first child.
Stephenson became a hit with the Steelers faithful due to his brash, no-nonsense style, something the Steelers have lacked at the back end since fan favourite Steve Munn graced the Arena ice.
Stephenson had several offers from European teams but turned them down in favour of a second campaign with the Steelers, and to also carry on his studies at the University of Sheffield.
Stephenson spoke abut his decision to return to Sheffield, “It’s flattering when clubs show an interest in you and as a professional I had to examine what was out there. Ryan Finnerty (Steelers Coach) and the club were brilliant and let me see what was about. Ryan has been in that position before and I thank him for that. The problem was that every time I turned my laptop on I saw that we had made another great signing and I was just thinking I can’t leave the Steelers I want to be a part of that winning team,” Stephenson explained.
D-man Matt Stephenson returns for a second term (image courtesy of Sheffield Steelers)
Sheffield Steelers Coach Ryan Finnerty also shared Stephenson’s optimism regarding the capture of his signature, “Matt is an American league D man, he knows the league, knows he can be a force in our league and sees that this team can fulfil his ambition to win a championship. He brings a nastiness at the back, he isn’t afraid to get dirty and drop the gloves whilst he showed with his numbers last season that he can add important goals and points as the year goes on. I felt it was imperative he returned, having him back just makes us better,” Finnerty said.
Sheffield have not only strengthened the defensive corps with the addition of Stephenson and previous new signing Danny Meyers, but they have bolstered their offensive unit with the recent signing of the highly experienced but also unfortunately named, Cory Pecker.
The 31-year-old Montreal native had a standout junior career in the OHL leading to him being drafted in the sixth round by the Calgary Flames in the 1999 NHL entry draft.
Pecker never made it to the show but he did carve himself a pretty prolific career out in the AHL with Cincinnati, Binghamton and Manitoba.
Pecker has recently spent the last five years playing in Switzerland where he amassed a staggering 316 points (129+187) in 174 games.
Ryan Finnerty was trying to capture Pecker’s signature last summer, but was unsuccessful in doing so.
The Steelers Coach spoke about the signing of the powerhouse forward “The Steelers need to be more offensive and more exciting, Cory Pecker helps us on both accounts. As a team we knew that we had to create more and score more and also that we couldn’t rely on Jeff Legue to put up big numbers. It’s why we signed Colin Shields and it’s why we signed Cory Pecker. Cory has always scored well but always contributed in other ways as well. He scores and he creates. He brings others into the game. We will find the right players to get the best out of him,” Finnerty explained.
New boy Corey Pecker is hoping to become a big hit (image courtesy of Sheffield Steelers)
Pecker also spoke about his move to the South Yorkshire side “I feel I am a good all around player, sure I put up good numbers and of course I like to score goals but I also contribute elsewhere. Special teams are important and in the past I have played both powerplay and penalty kill. I am sure it will take a little time to adjust to the British game but I’m looking forward to it and can’t wait to get going,” Pecker said.
Contact the author at Scott.antcliffe@prohockeynews.com
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