Two Sheffield Steelers stars sign for Italian club

Steelers' attacking stars Robert Dowd and Marco Vallerand have signed for an Italian club - and, bizarrely, that is great news for Sheffield.
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With the Elite League suspended from action by the coronavirus pandemic, the wing duo have signed for the same club, HC Eppan Pirates in South Tyrol.

It means two things:

*The forwards will play, draw a much-needed wage and keep fit during the EIHL lockdown.

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*The pair will return to Sheffield whenever elite ice hockey is allowed to open its doors again.

On their return, Dowd will sign deals for two further seasons at Sheffield and Vallerand one.

The Teessider and Great Britain international may also receive permission for a testimonial, The Star understands.

Robert Dowd and Marco VallerandRobert Dowd and Marco Vallerand
Robert Dowd and Marco Vallerand

While some Steeler fans will wince about two highly-offensive and popular players fleeing the Arena nest, there will also be some satisfaction that the pair will be playing the game they love.

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Vallerand has played for Eppan before and HC Bolzano, so will know what to expect.

GB international Dowd has iced a season abroad too, for IF Troja-Ljungby of Sweden seven years ago.

Their arrival in northern Italy will be a boost for Eppan - they were trounced 6-0 by Alleghe in the opening day of the domestic second flight competition, last weekend.

Eppan are coached by newcomer Italian-Canadian Patrice Lefebvre, who has played for Washington Capitals on the NHL.

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Back in 1992-3, he played in the same Billingham Bombers team as ex Steeler Andre Malo.

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