Drew Fata Signs for the Steelers

The Sheffield Steelers have confirmed the signing of 29 year old D man Drew Fata

Fata played against the Steelers last season in the Continental Cup for Italian side "Asiago" and impressed head coach Ryan Finnerty

"I think he was the best D man in the competition" said Finnerty "That’s why we moved so quickly when he became available. He ticks all the boxes for us, big, strong, very tough, very experienced and just a very good all around D man. I think he compliments the other players we have on the blue line and I really think he is a perfect fit for us

"We had lots of options in the end but Fata stood out from the rest, we have again signed real quality. I could have gone for a knuckle dragging D man who perhaps fought a little more but what's the point. This whole team has team toughness, there isn't one player that will play scared. This Steelers team has size, strength and character and Fata fits the bill on all of those points as well"

Fata joins the clubs other defence men Rod Sarich, Matt Stephenson, James Jorgenson, Mark Thomas and Danny Meyers on a new look back end for the Arena club "Tell me where we are short" continued Finnerty "We have size and strength as well as offensive talent and quarterbacks for the power-play. Having 6 men means we can have D pairings playing together and match them against other teams as we see best. I look around other teams signings and I wouldn't swap these guys for any other teams blue liners"

Fata had a short spell in Norway with Sparta Sarpsborg before joining Asiago, prior to that he completed 321 American League games predominantly with the Bridgeport Sound Tigers

"He has a great resume with great experience" said Finnerty "we have signed him for two years as he will be also taking further education with our good friends at the University of Sheffield. He has been a leader wherever he has played. I thought playing against him last year when were all in Denmark was very difficult, he was all over you, gave you no time and was so strong. He is just what we need for our final spot on the team"

The Sheffield Steelers play their first exhibition game at the Motorpoint (Sheffield) Arena on Saturday 1st September – Face Off 7.00pm
Tickets available from the Arena Box Office: 0114 256 5656