Sheffield Steelers announce new international arrivals - as well as some domestic departures

The big positive news was the return of the explosive trio Marco Vallerand, Brendan Connolly and Anthony DeLuca.

The downer came with the loss of GB mainstay Ben O'Connor and Yorkshire terrier Kieran Brown, possibly to Leeds Chiefs.

A surprise package was the arrival of d-man Sam Jones, 22, from Fife Flyers.

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Sheffield's roster has remaining vacancies, as you'd expect in July. It will be interesting to see what happens with Tomas Duba, Aaron Brockleurst, Michael Davies and Lucas Sandstrom.

A stand-out re-signing is that of Brendan Connolly, who played for six different clubs in as many seasons.

He's ended his travel lust, inking a second term.

Coach Aaron Fox said: “Conns is that guy you love to have on your team and hate to play against. He plays with heart, passion and intensity.

“You love guys who play on the edge; Conns lives there."

Vallerand - a Hollywood hockey player the fans adore - will aim to improve on an explosive first Steeler season (62 points; 52 games.)

“His straight-line speed is next level and he thrives in the spotlight. What I didn’t expect is how reliable defensively he is.”

Fox hinted at greater things ahead for Anthony DeLuca.

“Anthony is one of the league's most gifted offensive players,” he said.

“He took positive strides last year in his two-way game and needs to continue improving his consistency in that aspect.

"If he can figure that out, with his age, he could see himself playing at a higher level."

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As expected, Tanner 'Mr Reliable' Eberle will return.

With O'Connor leaving, the return of offensive d-man Marek Troncinsk is a blessing.

He was the highest-scoring blueliner, (12 goals, 34 assists; 52 games.)

Fox said: “When he wants to he can play a physical game as well. His defensive game got better as the season went on."

After one EIHL season, ex Flyer Jones now has a bigger stage to play on and a two year deal.

Fox said: “He played in all situations for Fife; he stood out against us."

The return of imports Aaron Johnson and John Armstrong gives the team a familiar feel.

“I wasn’t sure if this (player/asst Coach Johnson) was a deal we'd get done" admitted the coach.

"He was our best two way D-man before getting injured.

“He plays every shift the same way, physically, up-tempo and the right way. His professionalism, and attitude are infectious."

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Armstrong was the club's only "true centremen."

"He played a key role. He's responsible defensively and puts up solid offensive numbers.

"He plays his best against the other top teams. He was a big reason we won the Cup Final."