Former Sheffield Steelers skater happy to be with Fife Flyers - Elite League secures new TV deal

Scott Aarssen is relieved to be swapping cheers for jeers at his new club.
Scott aims to fly high with FifeScott aims to fly high with Fife
Scott aims to fly high with Fife

The 30-year-old former Sheffield Steeler d-man is now on Fife Flyers' books.

“Having been in the league for a while now, I know all about the fans and the incredible atmosphere in Fife,” Aarssen said. “I look forward to playing in front of them and receiving cheers instead of jeers" he said.

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“My family and I are extremely happy to be heading to Kirkcaldy to play for the Flyers this upcoming season.

“After doing some research, everyone I spoke to had nothing but great things to say about the organisation and the town.

“I couldn’t be more excited to get over there and meet my new teammates and coaches and I think Todd and Jeff have done a great job in assembling a team that’ll work hard and be successful.

“My goal is for our team to win every trophy and do whatever it takes to help the team win and I can’t wait to hit the ice and get started.”

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Aarssen is heading into his sixth season in the UK, spending four at Braehead Clan between 2013 and 2017 prior to his move to Sheffield Arena last year.

He posted on twitter: "I want to say thank you to @steelershockey from my family & I. We really enjoyed our time there & were fortunate to meet so many great people on & off the ice. A first class organization from top to bottom.

Meanwhile, the Elite League has been given a significant boost, in terms of profile and commercial potential.

They have secured a television deal that will see matches broadcast on free-to-air television on Free Sports.

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The contract, signed for the next two seasons, will see a live game shown every two weeks which will also feature highlights, starting with the forthcoming 2018/19 campaign.

Further to that, there will be a bi-weekly highlights show on Wednesdays, during the weeks there isn’t a live game and fans can also look forward to a pre-season preview show to air before the campaign.

Elite League chairman Tony Smith, owner of Steelers, says it’s a step in the right direction with the league enjoying some great coverage recently.

“I’m delighted we’ve been able to agree a deal with Free Sports to show free ice hockey to fans on television,” he said.

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“With the success of the Great Britain national team, one of our young players, Liam Kirk, drafted to the NHL and the standard increasing every year, it’s something we were keen to tie up.

“Free Sports’ relationship with the sport, particularly in this country, is a healthy one and I’m pleased to see the Elite League join that stable in helping promote top level ice hockey from the UK.

“I want to thank Free Sports for their professionalism in these negotiations and on behalf of the league, we’re very much looking forward to working with them.”