The Durham born 19-year-old started last season with the Basingstoke Bison before moving to Edinburgh Capitals.

During previous years, with his family's blessing, he played and studied in the North American college hockey system.

O'Connor has also represented Great Britain at under 18 and under 20 levels and recently won his first two senior caps at the Mont Blanc Euro Challenge tournament earlier this year.

"Who wouldn't be delighted with a move like this ?" said

O'Connor. "Every young player in the league wants an opportunity like this and I'm really excited about it. I was a little surprised when it happened, as it's not every day a young player gets the chance to move from a eighth placed club to one at the top of the table. But now it's happened, I can't wait. I really am very happy about it.

"I also hope it will give me the opportunity to break into the GB senior team. I had my first taste of that when we went to France for the Euro Challenge tournament in February and it's something I really want to be part of. Everyone wants to represent their country. All the British players want to pull on that GB jersey. Hopefully with Thommo helping me, I'm going to be able to make that jump soon."

Meanwhile, in Saturday's Green Un, Steelers' spokesman Dave Simms suggested the club were looking at a "big strong tough" new import, fuelling speculation that a new defenceman or winger is on the way.

What do you think? Post your comments below.

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