SHEFFIELD,U.K. – The Elite league Sheffield Steelers have captured the signatures of two more players from last season’s championship winning squad. The South Yorkshire side firstly announced the signing of player-coach Doug Sheppard, and then power forward Brad Cruikshank. Both players will join returnees, Jonathan Phillips, Rob Dowd, and defenseman Scott Basiuk. Sheppard, a native of Georgetown, Ontario has played the last five seasons in the UK, spending three seasons with the Basingstoke Bison, and the last two with the Steelers. In his time in the UK, Sheppard has played in 256 games, ironically tallying 256 points in these (111 goals, 145 assists). In the two seasons in Sheffield, he managed 108 points from 118 games. Sheppard is regarded as one of the best two-way forwards in the league, and is known for his outstanding work ethic, and penalty killing. Sheffield Steelers Head Coach Dave Matsos, regards Sheppard as “The most underestimated player in the league by a mile.” Matsos, spoke after securing Sheppard’s signature, “When Dougie is on the ice you always feel safe, he brings so much to our team and to our room. He is perfect as an assistant coach as well, always trying to come up with idea’s that improve the team, make us better, he is a 24 / 7 hockey man,” Matsos said “Dougie is the ideal link between me and the players, we talked last year about the Core group of players, well Shepp is right at the heart of that core, one of our key go to guys.” Sheppard also spoke about returning to Sheffield, “I’m delighted to be coming back but saying that I wasn’t going anywhere else, I love it here and I’m proud of our achievements over the past two years, there is still plenty to do here, many more challenges lie ahead. I love playing this game and to be able to combined playing and coaching has been a thrill for me,” Sheppard said “Being able to help put this incredible team together and win a league title and back-to-back play off championships is some achievement. The reality is that both Matty and I want more, we want to do it again.” Joining Sheppard, will be former Bison teammate Brad Cruikshank, who transformed the Steelers season when he came in November 2008. Cruikshank, 30, has spent the last four seasons in the UK, like Sheppard, with the first three being with the Bison, and the final season split between the Bison and the Steelers. Cruikshank has featured in a combined total of 203 games for both clubs, recording 167 points (82 goals, 85 assists), and a staggering 922 penalty minutes, showing he is no stranger to the penalty box. Sheffield Steelers Head Coach Dave Matsos spoke about the signing of fan favourite Cruikshank, “We all saw the impact Brad had on our team when he arrived, he settled in on the ice and in the room. Brad gives you ultimate toughness but from a player who can play the game, make a difference and score goals. Guys like him are hard to find, when you have one you don’t let them go,” Matsos said “It must have been hard joining a team mid way through the year but Brad fitted right in. Next August he will arrive and know exactly what is expected from him, I’m expecting a lot more, more goals, more hits, more fights and more trophies.” Cruikshank spoke about his former employers Basingstoke, and his current employers Sheffield, “I loved Basingstoke, but this was the best move of my life. Joining a club who had a chance to win every night. The club, the coach and the other players all made me feel welcome and I simply loved it in Sheffield,” Cruikshank said “I don’t think Matty and Mike O’Connor will renegotiate an easier contract this summer. I just said bring me back, they said OK and I said where do I sign, that was it deal done. Why bother dragging it out, I’m happy, my family are happy and the club seems happy.” Cruikshank, has divided opinion of UK hockey fans, he is a player ‘you love to hate.’ “I’m back for more of the same, lets win it again. I love playing for a team that everyone else just boo’s the life out of, I love that. I loved it at the play off finals having pretty much the whole Country against us, it was just us and our fans and I like it that way.” Cruickshank said The signings of Sheppard and Cruikshank comes at a turbulent time in British Ice Hockey, after the news that their former employers, the Basingstoke Bison are dropping down to play in the English Premier League. They will also be joined by fellow Elite League team, Manchester Phoenix. Contact the author at Scott.antcliffe@prohockeynews.com
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