Foxy concludes our import signings!
Steelers head coach Aaron Fox has concluded his initial batch of import signings after agreeing a contract with experienced power forward Stephen Harper.
It means the Steelers will start the season with one additional import on the roster as well as two import goalies allowing for rotation.
Harper split his time last season between Slovakia and Austria but also has experience in Czechia and Germany, in fact when in the DEL with Düsseldorfer in 2023 he scored 13 goals and 31 points in 54 regular season games plus another 6 points in 7 play off appearances.
Prior to heading to Europe, Stephen played for Acadia University in USports before then playing two years professional in the AHL (40 games) and ECHL (58 games) for Fort Wayne Comets, Chicago Wolves and Tucson Roadrunners
“Stephen is a big power forward who skates well for his size and should bring us a quality 200 Foot game” said Aaron. “He’s played really well and put up some good numbers in some premium leagues and can play all 3 F positions.
“I think Stephen will be great on draws so will start him out as a C and already have some line combos that I think will be effective.
“Watching him play, I think he will really be hard to handle around the net and should be able to play in all situations.
“I’m sure we have another great addition to our group”.
Speaking from his home in Canada, Stephen said “I think this is a great fit for both me and the club, I had good conversations with Aaron and in the end, it didn’t take too much persuasion.
“I started getting interested in the Steelers and the UK at the time of the Champions Hockey League, like many others I was surprised at just how well Sheffield did in the company they were drawn against.
“This summer I was skating with Mitch Balmas and from there the interest became more serious, it was good to get an insight from Mitch from the inside and the information he provided went a long way”.
Asked what fans could expect of him in Sheffield, Stephen replied “I guess I am a modern day power forward, I’ve made my living in front of the net in the past and I think I’ll be spending a lot more time there this coming season”.
Watch Stephen Harper make his debut in less than 2 weeks time Vs Cardiff Devils on the 30th August
Saturday 30th August
Utilita Arena, Sheffield
Vs Cardiff Devils at 7pm
Buy Tickets “HERE”
