Lucas Sandstrom not ruling out return to Sheffield Steelers

The Swede's name didn't appear on the list of returnees recently announced by coach Aaron Fox.

But the high-energy player hasn't been ruled out, as the club waits to hear if or when the Government allows EIHL hockey to resume.

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Sandstrom has no back-up plan if the season does not start, but is "very optimistic" it will in the UK and his home country.

"I had a really great time in Sheffield and would never close the door about coming back, (it was) probably my best season both hockeywise and outside the rink," the 30 year old winger told The Star.

"The market is very slow right now, of course I have been talking to some teams but nothing is close right now."

The forward came in as an early-season replacement for Martin St. Pierre.

"The team took me in with open arms right away and I adapted fast to the style, I think," said Sandstrom.

"I had left Sweden for the first time in my career so I really didn't know what to expect but I'm really glad I did - what a fun season it was!

"I maybe had a little slow start, then after a few weeks I found out what to do to help the team in a better way.

"The hockey itself is more back-and-forward in the EIHL than back home. Sweden is more defensive and a 'staying-back' league so for me it was superfun to play more offensive matches, that's what hockey's all about.

"My favorite memory was when we won the cup in Cardiff, it was the first time in my career that I won something so it was special.

"I had my 'funnest' season in my career so my plan is to stay outside Sweden next season as well."

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The one-time Swedish U20 international scored 15 points in 13 games in the final stretch of Steelers' season.

"I adapted to the hockey over time and figured out what helped the team and myself to bring out my best in me, I'm really happy with the last few months of the season."

While Sandstrom is unsure where he will play next season, he is sure about the Sheffield fans that supported the side to a successful, if early, conclusion to last season.

He has this message for them: "They are the best fans out there. I had a blast every time I put on the Steelers' jersey. I have nothing but good things to say: keep doing what you guys are doing and maybe we see each other next season; Stay safe!"