On-loan Steeler's run of bad luck continues in Italy

After a season blighted with injury at Sheffield Steelers, he was hoping for a fresh start with his 'loan' club Eppan Pirates in Italy.

But after three games with the team, he suffered another wound, courtesy of an opponent's stick.

But the good news is it is nowhere near as serious as previous issues which kept him out of Sheffield for the season run-in.

"Did I break a mirror or something?" Dowd asked.

"I got sticked in the ribs as I was going around a guy. There are no breakages though and I should only be out a week or so, it's just a precaution."

Dowd told The Star he is more than happy with his experiences, generally, in South Tyrol.

"I am really enjoying myself out here. They are a great group of guys."

He is delighted that Steelers' team-mate Marco Vallerand has arrived to join the Pirates and the Canadian made a successful start to his time there with a goal and assist on his season debut.

Dowd, however, has had to leave his family behind in Sheffield.

"We didn't want to take the little one out of school and my wife Em from work, for a short term contract (at Eppan)" he said.

Meanwhile, back in South Yorkshire, Steeldogs have announced that Sheffield-born James Spurr will be back at iceSheffield for his fourth season.

Spurr made more than 200 appearances with the Peterborough Phantoms, and five seasons with the Sutton Sting before becoming a Steeldog in 2017.

The club says his three seasons in his home city "Have seen him playing an important role in the league and North Cup wins and amassing over 100 points including some vital game winning goals. James will no doubt be a key part of our line-up again."

Dogs player/coach Ben Morgan said: "James is a pleasure to coach and an absolute pleasure to work with. He is someone who comes to work every game but keeps the room light-hearted with his humour.

"He is one of our role-model players. He enjoys the game as much as our younger players and this is truly refreshing to see. He is one of the leaders in the group, he shares his experience.

“He’s versatile and no matter who is on his line, he compliments each player.

"He moulds his game around the line itself which is a testament to his versatility. This is something that comes into your game as you get a little older and is such an asset in a team with so many younger guys.”Spurr added: “I have been missing the hockey and can’t wait to get started. I want the routine back of the road trips, the dark, winter nights at the rink and being back with the boys."I have played hockey for many years now and it’s a passion for me, I want to get back out there, be competitive, bond with the team and get back to business. Bring back those gritty games!

“Throughout the whole lockdown I have kept myself fit, I am back at the gym but you can’t replicate the on ice fitness.”