New signings will get to represent Sheffield Steelers at some point, Aaron Fox says

They were the two new signings that coach Aaron Fox made before it became obvious there was no longer any point filling slots the rest of the slots on the roster.

Jones, a 22-year-old defensive capture from Fife Flyers, and goaltender Churchfield, two years older and a product of the University of New England system, were both excited about the prospect of making their debut at Sheffield Arena for the 2020-21 season.

Aaron Fox: 'We can build a Sheffield Steelers squad in three weeks'

The regular programme, however, was suspended this week, because of the ongoing coronavirus situation.

Fox promises both men will get to represent Steelers - it is just a matter of when.

Hopefully they will get the call for a slimmed-down tournament early in the new year, government-restrictions allowing.

"They are going to get their orange jersey on at some point, whether it is January or February or next August," he said.

"The deal with Churchfield is that it rolls over to his first year of his contract next year, if there is no (2020-21) season.

"He'll be here at some point.

"Sam Jones is looking to maybe go somewhere on loan until January or February - if we don't have a season he will be ready to go next year.

"The situation is hard on everyone, everyone wants to play hockey.

"Until we have a place for them to play we have to take responsibility and look for other options.

"I think Sam prefers to go and play in the Finnish third league or Sweden third league or Norway - you are looking for alternatives everywhere."

Fox said both players had EU passports, so that would make it easier to play in Europe. "But everyone is looking for the same job!"

Hull Pirates - coached by Sheffield Arena legend Jason Hewitt - may temporarily recruit Steelers' veterans

As things stand at the moment, it seems likely that veteran skaters Aaron Brocklehurst and Michael Davies will be exploring other avenues, or even retiring.

Fox said Marco Vallerand had received a couple of offers, but they had not met with his complete approval.

Marek Troncinsky could nail down a job in his native Czech Republic.

Meanwhile, Steelers' winger Lucas Sandstrom has said he is "saddened" by the decision to suspend the EIHL.

But the Swede tweeted that it was a logical step, given the pandemic.

"I've only spent a year in British hockey, but (the) quality of play, fans and staff impressed me a lot," he said.

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