Sheffield Steelers' '˜smiler' Eddy retires from ice hockey

In common with most imports who have twinned their time in South Yorkshire with a University masters course, the 27-year-old American has now moved on to a job outside the sport.

One exception to that general rule is team-mate Colton Fretter - who finished his studies at the University of Sheffield at the same time, but is staying on for another season.

Eddy was a fans’ favourite - it was his solo spin around the ice to celebrate a man of the match status that has become a routine part of the Arena experience.

Steelers’ coach Paul Thompson said of the former AHL man: “Cullen will be missed, very much, both on the ice and in the dressing room.

“He is a player who would always show up with a smile on his face and was tremendously positive. We respect his decision to try his hand going into the real world.”

Next season’s squad, which will be hoping to land its third consecutive Elite League title, will certainly have a new look about it after the loss of Fredrik Vestberg, Jeff Legue, Jason Hewitt, Rod Sarich, Russ Moyer, Conny Stromberg, Darrell Hay and goaltender Marek Pinc.