Sponsored by
Punch power makes Brad strong contender for enforcement role
SHEFFIELD Steelers' decision to drop Andrew Sharp from the 2009-10 roster doesn't mean the side will lack a strong-arm enforcer.
That's the view of skipper Jonathan Phillips, who believes bruising winger Brad Cruikshank can fill the role.
Cruikshank spent 186 minutes in the penalty box last season for the Double-winners; only Sharp received more (232, and a hefty ban.)
Phillips regards Cruikshank as a legitimate heavyweight whether or not the club brings in any extra muscle in Sharp's absence.
"Andrew was an intimidating factor who would fight anybody at any time" said the Welsh winger.
"But can Shanker play the enforcer role? Oh God, yes.
"I knew he was tough when he was at Basingstoke Bison, but when he came to Sheffield we soon realised what he was capable of.
"He is so big and strong and when he is in a fight he really wants to hurt his opponent!
"He throws the type of bombs that make it very, very painful to be on the other end.
"Shanker is so wide and thick-set and his strength marks him out as a top-class fighter."
While Steelers fans would always be happy to see Cruikshank fight, coach Dave Matsos will have to balance that spectacle against the needs to keep him on the ice. He scored 37 points (20 goals and 17 assists) in 50 games last season.
The 30-year-old Canadian scored four points in the last four matches which helped ensure Steelers won the Play-offs.
Meanwhile, power forward James Archer has re-signed for Sheffield Scimitars after a spell at Milton Keynes.
The 20-year-old will be given the role of battling up and down the wing with strong solid play, say the club.
Coach Jon Rowbotham said: "I need players with both physical and mental strength so that we can turn the 50/50 battles into 75/25 battles in our favour."
Got a view? Add your comment below.
FREE E-MAG: Click here to read our Twenty20 Cup 2009 e-mag for FREE on line.
BUY ONLINE: Buy The Star - Monday to Saturday - for local news, sport, features and ads. Sign up on line by clicking here.
READ MORE
Football headlines.
Football gossip.
Blades news
Owls news
Reds news.
Millers news.
More rugby.
More boxing.
Sports columnists.
All sport categories
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Sheffield
Friday 10 February 2012
Today
Fog
Temperature: -6 C to 0 C
Wind Speed: 14 mph
Wind direction: South east
Tomorrow
Sunny spells
Temperature: -2 C to -1 C
Wind Speed: 9 mph
Wind direction: South west
