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Steelers find the solution close to home
SHEFFIELD Steelers' cosmopolitan line-up added a new member today - a 21-year-old from Shiregreen.
Ben Morgan was awarded his first professional contract with the north American dominated line up after completing four years with the Scimitars as well as a degree at Hallam University.
"I have been waiting for this moment for ages" said Morgan, whose progress has been watched for two years by the Elite League club.
"I have always dreamed of playing for Steelers, they are my club. I have had chances before but had to complete my education. Now it's my turn to make my mark and show people I deserve this chance.
"I spoke to (coach) Dave Matsos at the end of last season, then he texted me a few weeks ago and asked if I was interested, of course I was interested and we quickly agreed a deal. I'm ready for this, I have served my apprenticeship. I have seen Matt Towe and Robert Dowd play for Scimitars and then leave for the Elite League and do well.
"Dowdy did a brilliant job last year for Steelers. In my mind I'm just as good a player in my position as he is in his position."
As The Star hinted last night, Matsos needed an extra British defenceman as he has to replace homegrown Ashley Tait up front with an import forward - one more than he had in attack last year.
Matsos said: "With Ash moving to Italy we had to shuffle our pack. By bringing Ben in, it gives us options up front.
"Next year's Steelers' team will be different" added Matsos. "We still have signings to make who will produce a lot of goals for us, I hope.
"We will only able to make those moves because we have someone of the quality of Ben Morgan joining our blue line."
*This weekend will see 13 of Sheffield's junior coaches head to Warwickshire to participate in the biggest coaching clinic in Europe this year.
Paul Thompson, coach of Coventry Blaze and GB has organised the event which features the man rated as the best hockey coach in the world, Mike Babcock (Detroit Red Wings) address almost 100 coaches over two days.
"Sheffield's commitment to their junior programme has been amazing" said Thompson. "And for the club to invest in their coaches to this level just shows how serious they are about development of youngsters.
"We have another 10 coaches attending from Sutton Sting, (Sutton in Ashfield) which also has ties with Sheffield junior club.
The Sheffield 13 are: Jon Rowbotham, Tom Squires, Sean Walsh, Andy Ellis, Tom Humphries, Ron Shudra, Jeff Cotton, Matt Darlow, John Knell, Paul Britton, Paul Harding, Pasi Raitanen and Mark Herron .
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Weather for Sheffield
Saturday 26 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 9 C to 21 C
Wind Speed: 17 mph
Wind direction: East
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 11 C to 21 C
Wind Speed: 14 mph
Wind direction: East
