Steelers to prioritise recruitment as uncertainty over new season's starting date continues

The club has announced only one new signing so far, British defenceman Sam Jones.

The arrival of new imports is largely on hold until the UK Government gives an indication when indoor sports can resume.

Steelers, despite their success in the Challenge Cup and league ranking, only had John Armstrong as a clearly recognised centreman.

That is partly because they had initially pinned their hopes on Canadian Martin St. Pierre, the former Chicago Blackhawks, Boston Bruins and Ottawa Senators forward who failed to live up to his NHL CV and lasted just five EIHL matches. He later moved to Slovakia.

Steelers never managed to replace him with an out-and-out centre, relying on wingers to come in and do the job.

That patch-up meant Sheffield didn't do as well on face offs as they'd have liked with a 46 per cent success rate.

Armstrong was the only regular face-off combatant who won more than he lost, with a 496 wins over 418 losses.

Winning the face off means puck possession and Steelers had to adapt in that situation.

Coach Aaron Fox said: "It is great to start with the puck and any team with less than a 50% win rate is not going to be happy with the situation.

"But we found a way to manage it. We will be looking to be a better face off team.

"St Pierre was supposed to be a best-in-the-league centre and we replaced him with (winger) Lucas Sandstrom so it was a question of moving guys to the middle.

"There are a few holes to be filled in our roster but a legitimate high-end centre would help us a lot. If we could grab two it would be great."

Fox is researching likely availability in defence too - and is believed to have spoken to Finnish defenceman, Mikko Kuukka, who proved a useful asset during his short time at the club.

17-year-old Jack Brammer has signed on for his second season at Sheffield Steeldogs.

He is a graduate of the Steeldogs Prospect Programme and became part of the squad at the start of last season.

It was originally expected his appearances would be limited, with him spending the majority of the time getting ice time elsewhere. However, as injuries took out a number of senior forwards in December, Brammer found himself getting regular shifts.

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