SHEFFIELD, U.K. – The Sheffield Steelers summer recruitment drive gathered momentum today with the addition of 27-year-old blueliner Anders Franzon.
Steelers summer recruitment in full flow.
Franzon joins the South Yorkshire side from ECHL side Indy Fuel where he has spent the last two seasons patrolling the blueline. Playing a shutdown defensive role against the oppositions top lines, Franzon recorded 32 points from 126 games with the Fuel and played alongside former Steeler Mike Duco.
After four years with the University of Vermont, Franzon turned professional in 2013 when he put pen to paper with CHL side the Missouri Mavericks. Franzon registered 31 points in 66 games and played alongside the former Steelers trio of Mike Ramsay, Matt Stephenson and Colt King.
Both King and Stephenson played a major part in Franzon signing for the Steelers, after glowing recommendations about the club and fans.
At 6’3 inch Franzon brings some extra size to an already impressive blueline where he will join Zack Fitzgerald, Ben O’Connor, and Davey Phillips, with all three players being over 6 feet tall.
Steelers bolster their blueline with the addition of Anders Franzon (Image courtesy of Indy Fuel)
Sheffield Steelers Head Coach Paul Thompson spoke about the acquisition of Franzon, “I’m very pleased with this addition. We have improved on our size at the back end whilst maintaining our mobility with Anders signing,” Thompson said.
“His size and mobility is what attracted us towards him. I watched a lot of video and instantly thought he would be an ideal fit. He sees the ice well, has good vision and a good first pass. I like his decision making. He is also a right hand shot, something I wanted to add to the group of six on the blue line,” Thompson added.
The New York native spoke about his style of play, “I’d like to think I’m a smart D man, and play a good passing game, and I make good passes quickly to the forwards. The last two years in Indy I was used as more of a shutdown defenceman playing against teams top lines so I can play that role as well, with I hope an added offensive upside,” Franzon stated.
“This is going to be a great life experience coming to England but first and foremost it’s about the hockey. I understand fully the Steelers winning tradition and I’ve been told about the chance to win 3 championships in a row. As a player you want to win and be part of a winning organisation. I’m excited to be making this move and can’t wait to get started,” Franzon concluded.
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