Sheffield Steelers' summer signing Sam Jones struggling to find spot abroad while UK play is suspended

After playing half a season with Fife Flyers, the 23-year-old had been hoping to increase his profile in the EIHL with the Challenge Cup winners.

The spread of coronavirus has stopped that from happening - and with a CV limited by his age, he has not been able to tie down a job away from Sheffield.

Steelers' coach Aaron Fox has spent hours trying to find a spot for the British born skater, who now lives in Canada with his family.

Fox's veterans have had more luck in signing for teams that are still playing during the covid lockdown, Marek Troncinsky, 32, has found a berth at Gyergyói HK in Transylvania and Lucas Sandstrom, 30, has signed on at Fagersta AIK in his home country of Sweden, for example.

Sheffield Steelers coach Aaron Fox still working on finding places for younger players at club

But for Jones, who attracted Fox's attention with his impressive displays at Fife in 2019-20, it has been hard to find a new club.

"Earlier on I was speaking with a team in Norway, it would've been nice to have gone but Norway's cost of living is very high, and the offer just didn't make sense for me," Jones told The Star.

"I have spoken to other teams in France but the jobs there end up getting taken by overqualified players just looking to play.

"Aaron has been trying to help me out with places in Sweden as well."

Jones, whose development was helped by spells at Milton Keynes Lightning and Swindon Wildcats, will keep as positive as he can if future opportunities loom on the horizon.

"I am open to playing anywhere at this point," he said.

"I'm young, so finances aren't as big of an issue for me as the older guys.

"I just want to be somewhere that is a decent level of hockey, and a situation that makes sense financially.

"Like Aaron said that's hard to find at the moment.

"With only half a year in the EIHL I don't have a resume that catches too many eyes," he admitted.

"Although I know I'm good enough to play in these leagues, with so many experienced players out there it's tough to find a place."

Fox intrigued to see how Steelers duo fare in Germany

Would Jones consider moving to a team in the UK's second flight - like Ben O'Connor, who has gone to Sheffield Steeldogs?

"If a new year league does start in the NIHL I would be happy to play there, if I haven't found somewhere by then," said the defenceman, who played along former Steeler Scott

Aarssen in Scotland last season and has set up an online personal training business called Sam Jones Sports Performance.

*Former Steelers' forward Eric Neiley, 28, has signed for Florida's Jacksonville Icemen, in the ECHL.

The American right winger iced a season with Atlanta Gladiators after leaving Sheffield.

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