New Steelers' import is 'Hungary' for success

Balint Pakozdi was the final addition to coach Aaron Fox's list when it came to drafting a Sheffield Steelers' squad for next month's mini series.
By Steve Jones
Published 16th Mar 2021, 10:33 BST
Updated 16th Mar 2021, 13:28 BST
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

It wasn't a name familiar to every fan of EIHL ice hockey.

But Pakozdi isn't fazed at the prospect of coming out of the comparative shadows and into the top flight limelight.

He intends to do everything he can to get noticed in the tournament shop window.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The 21-year-old Hungarian forward is currently icing for Swindon Wildcats in the NIHL Spring Cup and has bagged six goals and an assist in eight outings.

He has 24 penalty minutes to his name too, more than anybody else on the roster.

After the Spring Cup is completed - Sheffield Steeldogs are now runaway favourites for that trophy - Pakozdi will be heading north to South Yorkshire.

Asked how he felt about Fox drafting him at the last minute, he said: "I didn't think anyone was going to take me but when he called, I was very excited and I'm happy to be playing in Sheffield for this series.

Balint Pakozdi: picture by Kat MedcroftBalint Pakozdi: picture by Kat Medcroft
Balint Pakozdi: picture by Kat Medcroft
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"I am excited to be part of the team and I'm looking forward to getting a chance to prove myself."

Pakozdi is aware of the pedigree of the club he is joining.

"I know about the history and their continuous winning record, year in year out," he said.

"Right now I'm playing with Matthew Myers and Adam Jones (also Sheffield-bound) in the Spring Cup.

Ben O'Connor in the top five NIHL scorers. Pic by Podium PrintsBen O'Connor in the top five NIHL scorers. Pic by Podium Prints
Ben O'Connor in the top five NIHL scorers. Pic by Podium Prints

"Matthew and Adam are great players and I've enjoyed playing with them for this short amount of time here in Swindon.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"I've heard of some of the other Sheffield players but I haven't had the chance to play with any of them yet so that's another thing I'm looking forward to."

Pakozdi was born in Budapest and arrived in England when he was 14 to play for Okanagan Hockey Academy in Swindon.

He is now studying mechanical engineering at Cardiff University.

The top five spots in the Spring Cup scoring race are occupied by Steeldogs players: Liam Kirk, Jason Hewitt, Alex Graham, Ben O'Connor and Jonathan Phillips.

Former Steelers' defenceman Mark Matheson is returning to another of his former clubs, Nottingham Panthers, for the April series and is expected to line up against Sheffield on April 3.

Related topics:Sheffield SteelersAaron Fox