Sheffield Steelers add two more ahead of EIHL mini series as popular goalie replaced

Aaron Fox has been forced to make the hardest decision of his coaching career in choosing new goaltender John Muse over last year's hero custodian Tomas Duba.
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The Sheffield Steelers' boss opted for a "warmed up" goalie who has been in action with his Danish side Rødovre Mighty Bulls already this season, icing in 12 regular season games and then four play-off matches.

Fox scouted all of his outings.

He has also recruited Muse's defenceman team mate Jérémy Beaudry.

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The fact Muse had been playing regularly edged him ahead of Duba in Fox's thinking.

Muse is 32, while Duba will be 40 by the time the full season starts in September. So it seems Duba's memorable reign at Sheffield Arena is over.

"I had a talk with Duba yesterday," said the coach.

"This was probably the hardest decision I have made because of how much I loved Dubes as a person," said Fox.

John Muse - new goalie. Photo: Patrick Jacoby.John Muse - new goalie. Photo: Patrick Jacoby.
John Muse - new goalie. Photo: Patrick Jacoby.

"He is arguably one of the best, most coachable, character players that I have been associated with, as a player or as a coach-manager.

"That is how highly I think of that guy.

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"I told him with his age and not playing for a full year, playing 15-17 (EIHL mini series) games in 30 days, I just felt I needed somebody who is match-fit.

He replied: 'You know what Foxy? As much as I want to play I don't think I would be quite ready for that type of commitment. There are things going with my coaching here (Finland) that are pretty positive now it was better you made the decision for me. Obviously I loved my time there.'

Tomas Duba, a class act for Steelers last year.Tomas Duba, a class act for Steelers last year.
Tomas Duba, a class act for Steelers last year.

"It was a really nice conversation, I have a lot of respect for him. It is never an easy call to make, but you have to make it."

Muse and Beaudry are available as the Bulls have just exited from the play offs.

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The double-swoop brings the number of Steeler imports to six, with two more to unveil.

Well-travelled Muse, from Massachusetts in the United States, has played 184 American Hockey League games as well as spells in Russia, China, Norway and Denmark.

Jackson Whistle: talks fizzled out.Jackson Whistle: talks fizzled out.
Jackson Whistle: talks fizzled out.

Fox, who would have signed GB goalie Ben Bowns in the EIHL draft had he been able to, is more than happy with the situation, ahead of the April 3 tournament.

He'd had conversations with Nottingham Panthers about taking on Jackson Whistle, but those talks fizzled out.

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Beaudry is a French canadian from Quebec, and started the year off with Amiens (France) before his move to Denmark.

Fox commented: “Jeremy is a two way defencemen, who plays in all situations. He spent earlier this season between France and Denmark and averaged a point per game as a defenceman.

“Jeremy is a key power play contributor and not afraid to mix it up. I’m pleased that he is excited to come in and finish off the year with an opportunity to win something."

Meanwhile, Steelers' signing Adam Jones, has been injured during his time in the Spring Cup with Swindon Wildcats, but Fox said: "Hopefully it is nothing to concern ourselves about."