Sheffield Steelers snap up D-man Anders Franzon

The 6’3 American has spent the last two seasons with the Indy Fuel in the East Coast Hockey League.

“I’m very pleased with this addition,” said Thompson. “We have improved on our size on the back end whilst maintaining our mobility with Anders' signing.

“His size and mobility is what attracted us towards him. I watched a lot of video and instantly thought he would be an ideal fit.

“He sees the ice well, (has) good vision and a good first pass. I like his decision making. He is also a right hand shot, something I wanted to add to the group of six on the blue line."

Franzon has played three years professionally after leaving the University of Vermont in 2013 after four seasons there completing his education.

He joined Missouri Mavericks in the CHL before arriving in Indy for the start of the 2014-15 campaign.

Whilst it will be Franzon’s first taste professional hockey in Europe, it is a place he is no stranger to, having played his junior hockey in Sweden with Vasteras.

“I always wanted to move to Europe and experience life overseas.” he said. “I spoke with a couple of former Steelers players in Matt Stephenson and Colt King. They told me I couldn’t go wrong with Sheffield and that the club, the city and the fans were all first class.

“So when I spoke with Paul Thompson I was delighted he had shown interest in me.

“I’d like to think I’m a smart D man, and play a good passing game, I make good passes quickly to the forwards.

“The last two years in Indy I was used more of a shut down defencemen playing against teams' top lines, so I can play that role as well with, I hope, an added offensive upside.

“This is going to be a great life experience coming to England but first and foremost it’s about the hockey. I understand fully the Steelers winning tradition and I’ve been told about the chance to win three in a row. As a player you want to win and be part of a winning organisation. I’m excited to be making this move and can’t wait to get started."