The Sheffield Steelers and Sheffield Hallam University have joined forces to help bring one of the most exciting hockey players available to the club.
As part of the deal that brings Patrick Watling to Sheffield, he will also study and complete his MBA degree.
Head coach Aaron Fox explains “Well, quite simply we don’t sign a player like Patrick without the help and support of Sheffield Hallam University.
“Their assistance and support in the whole process has been outstanding and I think they are as excited to have Patrick joining them as a student as we are as a player”.
Professor Conor Moss is the Dean of Sheffield Business School
“We’re delighted to be starting this partnership with the Sheffield Steelers and becoming an education provider.
“Playing professional sport and studying for a Postgraduate degree is a huge personal and professional commitment. Our outstanding staff at Sheffield Business School at Sheffield Hallam University have significant expertise of supporting professionals from all backgrounds to succeed. We’re very much looking forward to being part of this adventure.
“Our applied learning offer, connected so heavily with employers makes the Business School an outstanding choice for study”.
Steelers owner Tony Smith welcomed the partnership saying “We believe that today is the first day of a long lasting partnership with Sheffield Hallam University.
“We are delighted to be working with the Business School and University as a whole, the opportunity for Patrick to come to the UK play top level ice hockey with the Steelers whilst receiving an incredible education makes this joint venture so worth while”