What Aaron Fox made of Sheffield Steelers owner's view on imports

The EIHL allows only 14 overseas players on a match night, but like a couple of Sheffield's league rivals, Smith said he could be persuaded to sit out two players on any night when the roster is healthy.

"I loved seeing that article you put out the other day" beamed the coach, adding his owner's generosity was an example of the support he has received since being recruited in April 2019.

"From day one they have given me all the tools," he said.

"I couldn't ask for anything more from that side of the business.

"Sometimes there are some hard conversations there when you are talking about players in and out, how to get better and how to create some depth.

"I think in this year Belfast are running with 16, Nottingham are running with 16 right now, it is not like we are the only ones that are doing it, it makes it a little easier."

Meanwhile, Sheffield v Manchester Storm games are about to get a whole lot more interesting.

The North West club has announced the signing of one-time Steelers' fan favourite Anthony DeLuca, whose time in South Yorkshire ended after he tested positive on a drugs' test.

Storm, who host Sheffield on Saturday, said: "The talented winger will arrive in Manchester this week with the view of introducing DeLuca into the line-up as soon as possible.

"DeLuca made quite the impression during his 94 EIHL games for Sheffield Steelers amassing 79 points (47G 32A), including an extremely impressive 26-goal campaign in 2019-20."

Storm have good reason to highly rate the bustling forward.

On Boxing Day, 2019, DeLuca scored four goals and had a hand in three in a 7-0 hiding of Storm.

Now it looks likely he will start off his Manchester career against the club he's previously said he loves.

For now, though, Steelers' own attention is on Thursday night's game against Guildford Flames.

A win in regulation time will see Sheffield go top of the EIHL table.

*Glasgow Clan are replacing their chief executive following an investigation into the signing of a player who has rape accusations against him in America.

Gareth Chalmers lost his position after the club announced it was adding Finnish defender Lasse Uusivirta to the squad.

Clan did a U-turn on the signing after fans expressed their concern.