Sheffield Steelers: GB ace Brendan Brooks signs on

Like last season, Sheffield have struggled to find the net this year, axing the Rupert brothers as part of the fix.

As one of the twins' replacements, coach Paul Thompson today signed GB player Brendan Brooks, who played the last three seasons with Braehead Clan and Fife Flyers, scoring 75 goals and 163 points in 182 games. He could play tonight at Manchester Storm.

Brooks is keen to tie down a place on the GB roster at the end of the season, after helping them get to the top flight, so he will be looking to turn on the style in the EIHL.

'We are delighted to capture Brendan,' said Thompson.

'He is a proven goal scorer at the Elite League level and is coming here with a point to prove. 

'I think he is the kind of player who thinks he should have always been playing at a club like this and he is excited to get over here and score us some goals.

'Also, I know how desperate he is to play in the Pool A World Championships at the end of the year. Only a good year with us will secure that position.

'Brendan knows he is coming into a difficult weekend with games in Manchester and against Cardiff but will immediately jump into the line-up all being well.'

Steelers had initially been hoping to bring down the age of the squad this season.

But, under the circumstances, the availability of a proven scorer, whatever the age, is a bonus considering the season is underway.

Ontario-born Brooks, who has also played for Team Canada,  played an influential role in GB's ascent to 'Pool A' at last year's World Championships playing alongside Jonathan Phillips, Robert Dowd and Davey Phillips.

He has played 284 AHL games before heading to Europe in 2007.

Since then he has played in Norway, Switzerland, Germany and Austria before heading to Braehead and the UK in 2015.