Sheffield Steeldogs sign two new goaltenders

Siberia-born Dmitri Zimozdra, 32, will return for his fourth season as starting netminder along with Miles Finney, 27, formerly of Leeds Chiefs.

Finney has also backstopped for Nottingham Lions and Sutton Sting.

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Both should be available when Steeldogs take part in the recently-announced 'Streaming Series' games in November, the first action of its kind in the UK since the coronavirus lockdown.

Player coach Ben Morgan said: “The netminder is the first position you look at when you are putting a team together and this year was no exception.

"Dima was the man I wanted to have - he has been a top goalie for us for the past four years. If you want to be a successful team you have to have solid netminding and everyone around the league knows exactly how good Dima can be.

"If you have a solid net minder and a solid defensive core, you have the basis of a successful team. We expect to get a lot out of Dima this season, he has had to deal with work commitments over the past couple of years, but he wants to play in as many games as he possibly can this season.

“Dima is a match winner for us, he is able to put an extra 10 points on the board each year for us, he rarely has an off night.

"If we have had a heavy defeat, it has more to do with the players in front of him, than Dima himself, it is us that have left him out to dry. He is another fantastic character to have in the room.

"We are lucky to have a group of guys who I can call leaders and Dima very much fits in that group. He is a player who many look up to, he has a thoroughly professional attitude to the game. His preparation for games is second to none. There is nothing that can distract him once he is in the zone.”

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Finney put himself in the shop window when he played for Nottingham Lions.

Morgan said: "We had to sit up and notice when he put in a superb performance against us. We have had very positive reports from people who played with and against him.

"Miles is someone we look at and think could be a starter in the future, so we are pleased to have him now and hope we can give him the chance to blossom.

“He has a lot of talent and we are excited to see what he can do and showcase his talents. He is coming to us with the intention of getting some games under his belt, he knows he will have to work his socks off and he comes fully committed ready to work and compete with Dima.

"The pairing gives us a good mix of energy and experience - they will work well together and they will learn from each other. They are here to drive up each other’s standards and give us some real quality," said Morgan.

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