SHEFFIELD, U.K. – The Sheffield Steelers tradition of an entertaining summer took another strange twist today, with the announcement that last years netminder John DeCaro had put pen to paper for next season.
Sheffield have signed all but three remaining imports
The 29-year-old American had initially inked a deal with Norwegian outfit Sparta Sarpsborg for the forthcoming 2012/13 season where he would earn 15,000 Euros more than he would have in Sheffield.
But in a dramatic U-turn DeCaro had phoned up Steelers Head Coach Ryan Finnerty to ask if he could return to South Yorkshire for his second season with the Steelers.
DeCaro has signed a new one-year deal with the Steelers, which will also see him continuing his studies with the University of Sheffield, where he was a student last season.
The move has been welcomed by the Steelers management but not so much by the fans, who have their reservations about DeCaro and his intentions of signing.
Many believe that the former CHL Champion and Goaltender of the Year, is not up to the challenge, and lacks the technical ability that a starting goaltender should have.
The move could however prove to be a shrewd move by Ryan Finnerty as he will more than likely use the fact that DeCaro needed to complete his University degree to the teams advantage, and could us that in negotiation over DeCaro’s wages. Therefore, allowing more money in the budget for the final 3 import slots.
This years defensive corps has significantly improved with the additions of Danny Meyers and James Jorgensen, and the impending signing of a ‘Big stay at home defenceman’ which is at the top of Finnerty’s wish list. So overall it could turn out to be a well-calculated move by the organisation.
Last years goaltender John DeCaro makes a dramatic return to the club he shunned (Image courtesy of Sheffield Steelers)
Steelers Coach Ryan Finnerty spoke about the signing of DeCaro “I never wanted to lose Johnny as I thought he was one of the guys we could build around. Johnny explained that he had made a rash move excepting the Norwegian offer and when he had returned home to Alaska he realised that he had just seen the $ signs and acted in haste. It took a big man to make that call to me and later to our owners. I think he felt that we would say no to him because he had walked away from us. I don’t hold grudges though, especially if I think they make our hockey club better and having DeCaro back does make us better,” Finnerty explained. “Johnny is a well respected member of the team, well liked in the room and a leader. I know some fans think he is too laid back but that’s just the image he gives out. Inside he is a fierce competitor who wants to win and will help lead this team through. I am convinced having Johnny back is the right decision and that he will back stop us to success this season,” Finnerty added.
Last season DeCaro faced 1770 shots in 55 league games for a save percentage of 92%, and a Goals Against Average ratio of 2.56 per game, placing him fourth best in the league for the latter statistic. Contact the author at Scott.antcliffe@prohockeynews.com
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