IAN Manzano may have been edged out of Sheffield Steelers' line-up next season.
But that doesn't stop the loyal defenceman getting excited about the South Yorkshire side for 2008-09.
The smart defenceman is happy to give a positive recommendation for new signing Nathan Gillies, who he played alongside in Bridgeport Sound Tigers' 2004-05 roster.
Manzano says: "I played a few weeks with Gillies in the AHL and against him on College.
"He is a great, stand-up guy. He hustles a ton and goes full speed into the areas other players would shy away from."
That is the sort of gritty all-action style that coach Dave Matsos was presumably talking about when he swapped Dan Tessier for 27-year-old right-shot Gillies.
And the newcomer will be a perfect blend in the dressing room too, says Manzano.
"He will get along with everyone and there shouldn't be a difficult transition into the team's locker-room character," he said.
Gillies will be helped to settle in by another ex-teammate, Randy Dagenais, who appeared alongside him at at Union College.
What do you think? Post your comments below. READ MORE Football headlinesMore BladesMore OwlsMore SpireitesMore RoversMore RedsMore MillersMore Ice HockeyMore rugby leagueMore rugby unionMore boxingSports columnistsAll sport categoriesThe full article contains 231 words and appears in Sheffield Star newspaper.
