Gillies flys home

SHEFFIELD,U.K- Sheffield Steelers winger Nathan Gillies has decided to return back to Canada to carry on with his career.
Gillies made the switch to Sheffield from ECHL outfit the Phoenix Roadrunners, where he has spent the last four season’s along with a stint at league rivals Charlotte Checkers. The Gritty winger established himself in the league by playing a total of 152 games, collecting 89 points along the way, which lead to Steelers Head Coach Dave Matsos, trying to capture his signature for the last three seasons.
Gillies’ was under much scrutiny amongst the Steelers fans, as he failed to live up to the hype of previous seasons. He registered his first goal ironically, in the same game he sustained his elbow ligament injury, against the Belfast Giants on October 11.
Gillies was offered the opportunity to stay with the Steelers as an assistant coach for the duration of the season, but he decided against it as he wanted to build up his profile for the 2009-10 campaign.
Gillies spoke about his future plans.
“I’m just chomping on the bit to get back playing, I’m a hockey man and I need to play, just watching the guy’s day in and day out is driving me crazy,” Gillies said 
“The offer to stay and work with the Steelers was a great one and I appreciate it, one day maybe I will be a coach but not now, I have to get back playing and prove to everyone that I have a lot to offer as a player.”
The former ECHL all-star had words of praise for the Steelers organisation, on his departure.
“I have been treated so well, this is a first class organisation and is without doubt the best one I have ever been a part of, from ownership through the GM’s office to the coaches and the players, its been amazing and I’m gutted to be leaving but for my long term it’s the right thing to do,” Gillies said
“I hope more than anything else that these guys go on and win that championship, they deserve it.”
The native of Cambridge, Ontario was not short of offers. Elite League rivals the Cardiff Devils also offered Gillies a contract but asked him to sign a waiver, which would free them from any responsibility or healthcare, if Gillies re-injured his elbow. This was an offer that Gillies turned down.
Gillies replacement, former Basingstoke Bison stalwart Brad Cruikshank has impressed during his time at Sheffield. The robust right-winger has picked up 21 points in 29 games as well as 144 penalty minutes.
Gillies left the door open for a possible return to the South Yorkshire team, as he explains,
“Sheffield were honest and upfront with me and I want the team to win the title at all costs, I certainly don’t feel hard done to and I may even be back next year and the year after that,” Gillies said
Steelers General Manager Mike O’Connor gave Gillies a glowing report
“We are all sad to see Nathan leave. As an ex player I understand his reasons, he wants to be on the ice, leading the charge not standing on the bench watching the guys,” O’Connor said
He has been nothing short of 100% professional, diligent and dedicated to this club in his time here. Nothing has been too much trouble for him and we will all miss him.”
Contact the author at Scott.antcliffe@prohockeynews.com