SHEFFIELD, U.K. – What a difference a week makes! It was only this time last week that the Sheffield Steelers were preparing for their playoff semi-final grudge match with archrivals the Nottingham Panthers. A game that they agonisingly lost in overtime, to bring to an end the rollercoaster of a season that they have had. It%27s been an interesting week in Sheffield with coaching changes and player departures Ben Simon announced his decision to quit the Steelers last week (Image courtesy of Sheffield Steelers)
The 2010/11 campaign was one that was overshadowed with the lows of ownership changes, financial insecurity and injuries to key players, and the highs of financial stability and being crowned the Elite League champions.
Only two days after the season had finished, Sheffield were rocked by the news that their highly regarded Player/Coach Ben Simon had quit the team that he led to the League’s most prestigious accolade.
The 32-year-old American felt that the bumper salary offered to him wouldn’t leave much scope for the rest of the squad after Steelers owner Paul Ragan announced a reduced wage budget for the 2011/12 campaign.
The rookie coach also showed his class once more by giving his league winners medal to former Steelers owner’s Bob and Maraini Phillips whom showed faith in Simon by hiring him in the first place.
Simon recognised the contribution of the former owners as he said, “As the players did perform on the ice and got the job done, they were not able to do this without your hard work behind the scenes. I worked alongside you in the office and was witness to the countless hours put in, the headaches and tears. Although nobody will ever truly know how tough it was at times, nobody can ever question your heart and desire to make this team successful.”
Only two days after the departure of Simon, the organisation announced that former-Steeler Ryan Finnerty would be filling the Player/coach role vacated by Ben Simon.
Finnerty, 30, has been with Elite League rivals the Cardiff Devils for the last two seasons, captaining them last year. Finnerty has been working closely with Devils Player/Coach Gerad Adams who has also been mentoring Finnerty along the way to ensure he is ready for the increased responsibilities that now lie ahead for him.
The news of Finnerty’s appointment has received mixed reviews amongst Sheffield’s fans, with many seeing it as a ‘downgrade’ on Ben Simon, and a ‘move to keep the fans happy’.
Steeler’s owner Paul Ragan shared his views on the decision, “I couldn’t be happier to see Ryan taking this position. He is a perfect fit for us. A Steelers legend during his time here winning 3 Championships but also a man I am used to working with during my time in Cardiff” Ragan commented.
”He is a leader of men and a character person, two huge attributes when coaching a side. I love his attitude, his desire to play hard and win. I know he will bring us a no nonsense style of play that will be fast, hard hitting and exciting
”Ryan has already started the team building process and we expect to confirm several signatures very shortly,” He added.
Steelers owner Paul Ragan appoints Ryan Finnerty as the new Player/Coach (Image courtesy of Sheffield Steelers)
One signature that Finnerty was unable to obtain was that of Robert Dowd, who has just announced that he has signed for fellow title rivals the Belfast Giants.
Dowd, 22, featured in 181 games for the Sheffield Steelers, playing a pivotal role in the success they’ve had over the last three years helping the team to two League titles and a Playoff’s title in 2009.
On a personal note Dowd enjoyed a career year last season with 61 points (27+34) from 62 games making him the fourth highest British point scorer in the league.
Dowd spoke of his decision to leave the team, “I love Sheffield and I want to thank Sheffield and the Steelers for treating me so well and giving me my big break. I’ve loved being a Steeler but feel that I need a new challenge, a new environment. I hope the fans understand, they have been great to me. The chance in Belfast is a big one and I want to grasp it. I’m only young and I want to experience different things, playing for the Giants is one of those” he admitted.
The loss of Dowd, coupled with the retirement of defensive lynchpin Steve Munn, and the rumoured retirement of Randy Dagenais leaves Finnerty with a recruitment headache, but it will no doubt prove to be a learning curve for the recently appointed rookie coach.
Contact the author at Scott.antcliffe@prohockeynews.com
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