SLOUGH, UK – EPL Playoff champions pull off the signing of the summer as former Sheffield Steelers forward Doug Sheppard signs up for 10-11
The 33 year old Georgetown, Ontario native enters his seventh season in British hockey, his six Elite League seasons have included two playoff championships and a league championships, both as Player-Assistant Coach of the Sheffield Steelers.
Sheppard, who has also iced for Roanoke Express in the ECHL and the Oklahoma City Blazers of the CHL also spent three years with South England rivals Basingstoke Bison, then in the Elite League.
Those three years included one as Player-Head Coach of the Bison, a place he is fondly remembered as an outstanding two way forward who is a complete player who works at both ends of the ice.
A point-a-game player in the Elite League, Italian Serie A as well as the ECHL and CHL the Canadian is sure to be an impact player in the English Premier League.
One such player to make the step down to the English Premier League is former Pittsburgh Penguins forward Ed Courtenay who spent last season on the forward lines of Manchester Phoenix, scoring 95 points in 41 outings. Courtenay is 9 years Sheppard’s senior and spent his stellar career as a sniper.
Imports in the EPL, numbering just four per side in each game, are expected to provide a more all round game, logging large minutes and really developing the British talen something that plays into Sheppard’s game as a renowned two-way forward who works hard at both ends of the ice.
Sheppard joins David Longstaff (Guildford Flames) and Jason Stone (Swindon Wildcats) as the third high profile player to leave the Elite League for the EPL in the twilight of their careers. Both Longstaff and Sheppard will be looking to beat the 100 point marker this coming season.
Evidence is on their side too, former Cardiff Devils forward Nathan Rempel tallied 103 points two seasons ago as part of the Peterborough Phantoms, British legend Tony Hand notched up 120 points last season, and former Nottingham Panthers and Edinburgh capitals defenceman Jan Krajieck also bothering the scorers at over a point a game.
Elsewhere the Elite League is striking back, with Nottingham Panthers securing the hometown signature of Robert Lachowicz from Manchester Phoenix, and the Phoenix confiming Scottish 23 year old Adam Walker will be playing Elite League hockey next season. Walker tallied 102 points on the attacking Phoenix team.
Contact the Writer: phil.andrews@prohockeynews.com
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