Steelers Squad Strengthens Before the Season Starts
The Sheffield Steelers have added further strength to their blue line just days ahead of the start of the new season with the signing of 27-year-old American defenceman Robbie Stucker.
Stucker arrives in Sheffield for his first season in European hockey following four years as a professional in North America’s ECHL, most recently with the Utah Grizzlies.
The 6’3″ defenceman adds size, mobility and further competition to Aaron Fox’s defensive group as the Steelers prepare to open their campaign this weekend.
Announcing his latest signing, Head Coach Aaron Fox said:
“Robbie is a good, solid two-way defenceman. This will be his first experience of playing in Europe, but he’s big, he skates well and he can make plays.
“I think he’ll be a really good addition to our group.
“We’d spoken previously about potentially bringing in a swing guy who could play both forward and defence, but at the end of the day there just weren’t a lot of great options out there that fitted what we wanted.
“I felt it was really important that we didn’t start the season with only six defencemen, so we’ve decided to go with seven to begin with.
“We’ve talked a lot about creating a competitive culture within our group. We know that starting the season this way gives us an extra import and that puts everyone on notice a little bit as well.
“We’re going to put the best team we can on the ice every single night and Robbie is coming here to compete for his place.
“My First Impressions Are Unreal” says Stucker
For Stucker, the move represents the beginning of an exciting new chapter after spending his professional career to date in North America.
“I was looking for the right opportunity to begin my European career after four years playing professionally back home, and I’m super excited to get things going here,” he said.
“The city, the club and the history here are all great and everything I’ve seen so far has made me feel that this is going to be a really good place to play.
“My first impressions have been unreal.
“I’ve seen the Arena and it’s a big building. Now I just can’t wait to see it filled with Steelers fans.
“I’m expecting it to be rocking.”
Stucker joins Brien Diffley, Dominic Cormier, Aatu Aarnio, Logan Roe, Macoy Erkamps and Liam Steele in Aaron Fox’s defensive group, giving the Steelers seven options on the blue line as the new campaign gets underway.
With the paperwork now being processed, the Steelers hope their newest arrival will be available for selection this weekend.
Steelers Open This Sunday at 4.00pm Vs. Cardiff Devils
Steelers Vs. Cardiff Devils
Sunday 30th August
Face Off 4.00pm
Doors Open 3.00pm
Tickets HERE
Sky’s Edge Tickets (£40) HERE
Beat Lounge Tickets (£102) HERE