SHEFFIELD, U.K. – After a fairly quiet off season, it has been a busy fortnight in Sheffield with the club announcing the re-signings of fan favourite, Jeff Legue and power forward Neil Clark, but were also rocked by the news that the hugely popular American defenceman Jerramie Domish will be joining Elite League rivals the Coventry Blaze.
Key signings in Sheffield with still more to come
Clark was first to sign on the dotted line for the reigning league champions, signing a contract, which will also see him studying his MBA with the University of Sheffield, which he did last year. The hard-hitting 29-year-old was the surprise package for the Steelers last year in his debut year with his solid all-round play and he contributed with 69 points (37+32) in 60 games. Sheffield Steelers Player/Coach Ryan Finnerty spoke about the importance of re-signing Clark, “Goals are key and this guy has the habit of finding the back of the net. It’s important that we have a core group of guys back next year and Neil Clark is right at the core of our team. He is well liked in the room, a team guy and a winner. He showed last year that as well as scoring goals he was prepared to stand up for his team and his team mates and dropped the gloves when needed. Before joining Sheffield, Clark had spent the last two seasons in the CHL with Bossier-Shreveport and more recently Wichita. Clark’s impressive performances in the CHL and IHL earned him 22 AHL games with Grand Rapids and Rochester. The native of British Columbia is also happy to be returning for his second season with the Steelers and the prospect of his University course, “The studying is important but winning hockey games is key to me. I loved being a part of a winning team last season and I fully expect to be coming back to another winning side in September. I love this club, the dressing room and guys within it.” “Maybe next year’s side will have some new fresh faces, if so we all trust Ryan and the club to bring in some great talent and winning hockey players. My role will be pretty much the same, to work hard and try and contribute in any and every way possible. I’m only just returning home now after the season and my studies but already I can’t wait to come back and get on the ice again,” Clark added.
Fan favourite Jeff Legue returning for his fifth season (Picture Courtesy of Sheffield Steelers)
Legue was the next player to sign for the 2011-2012 campaign, which will make it his fifth consecutive season for the South Yorkshire side. Ontario-born Legue formed a formidable partnership with Joey Talbot (rumoured to be retiring) for the last four seasons. Last year Legue finished the season on 80 points (40+40) from 56 games, demonstrating not only scoring prowess but his playmaking abilities as well. In his time with Sheffield, Legue has two league and playoff titles to his name. Sheffield Steelers Player/Coach Ryan Finnerty spoke about regaining his former team mates signature. “I was always confident that Jeff would sign back. He needed a little time and we gave him that. He was good to his word though and negotiating the contract took little if no time at all. Jeff is a key player to us. In fact he is one of the league’s best and most dynamic stars. Jeff brings you a bit of everything. There is no finer skater in our league, he has great vision, and an incredible shot and he controls your power play. The pieces of the jigsaw are coming together nicely,” Finnerty added. Legue who recently turned 30 also spoke of his delight to be returning to his adopted home. “I’m happy to be back again, I don’t need to move anywhere, the Steelers are my team, Sheffield is my town and together we can continue this great winning streak we have going. Knowing Ryan (Finnerty) was a help, I guess if you don’t know your coach that can be an issue but I know what Finner is like and the demands he will put on us all.” One player who will not be returning for a second season in Sheffield is lightening quick defenceman Jerramie Domish. The American-born speedster will be making a return to the ‘House of Steel’ but donning the colours of Elite League rivals the Coventry Blaze instead. Domish joined the Steelers from the Newcastle Vipers where he was a great success and a fan favourite. He carried on those traits to Sheffield where he helped the team to the Elite League Championship, and was known to be a real character on the team. Before coming to the UK, Domish had a successful career in the ECHL and AHL, with a brief spell in Denmark. Steelers Player/Coach Ryan Finnerty spoke about the loss of Domish, “We wish Domer all the very best and thank him for his time here in Sheffield and the great contribution he made to the Championship winning season last year.” “We had hoped to retain his services and we had spoken and all but agreed a deal. Jerramie though advised me yesterday that he wishes to move to Coventry and I wish him all the very best with his decision. He is a good man and a good hockey player and leaves many friends in Sheffield.”
Domish Leaving for rivals the Coventry Blaze (Picture Courtesy of Sheffield Steelers)
Sheffield have five vacant playing positions to fill, they are the starting netminder, one forward and three defenceman. Fans are eagerly awaiting news to come out of the Sheffield camp regarding signings, but Coach Ryan Finnerty is not prepared to rush. “We could sign five guys this weekend if we had to. They would all be good players as well. The thing is we want better than that and we want to be 100% confident that we have the best available. I’m happy with our lot so far and I know we will get better as the other guys are confirmed,” Finnerty said. Contact the author at
Scott.antcliffe@prohockeynews.com Related
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