New Talent Boosts Steelers / Steeldogs Partnership Confirms Smith
When the Sheffield Steelers acquired the Sheffield Steeldogs just a couple of months ago, one of its aims was to bring new, exciting and young talent back to Sheffield with a pathway of making the Steelers squad at the Elite Level.
Already the Steeldogs have become younger as that development progression began with the two way contract signings of Tate Shudra and Ben Cutts just prior to the start of the season.
Now the Steelers can confirm that it has signed two further youngsters to two-way contracts between Steelers and the Steeldogs in the National Ice Hockey League
Goalie Dan Crowe has been with the Dogs since the start of the season and he has now extended his contract until the end of 2025 with an option for a further season after that.
Sam Cooper spent last season in North America after a spell the Guildford Flames organisation as well as representing Great Britain at U18 and U20 level. The 6’3 D man will be a permanent part of the Steelers training squad whilst having valuable game time with the Steeldogs.
Owner, Tony Smith says …
Club owner Tony Smith said “I’m thrilled we have been able to add so much young potential so soon. We want the best youngsters in the Country playing here and seeing that the pathway to the Steelers is real
“These two young men are the blueprint of what we are trying to achieve”
Head Coach Aaron Fox says …
Steelers head coach Aaron Fox said “Dan has practiced very well with us the last few weeks and has played great down with the dogs.
“He’s at a great age and is a big goalie who competes hard and wants to get better. We wanted to make sure he’s able to continue his development here with us for the foreseeable future.
“So we have extended his contract through the 24-25 season with a club option for the 25-26 season. It’s a great opportunity to solidify both our clubs with a great young prospect that can give him the right opportunity to practice with us and an opportunity to play the games needed for goalie development.“We have also agreed to terms with Sam Cooper on a two way agreement.
“Sam spent last week training with us and we see a ton of potential in his game.
“He’s a big strong kid who skates well and really wants to learn and develop. Sam has a great shot and competed real hard all week. We will have him train with us during the week and he will play games with the Steeldogs and if we have injuries he could be a guy that”
Both Guys Introduced On Ice Tonight
Both Dan and Sam will be introduced onto the Ice tonight (Wednesday) before the start of Steelers home game against Manchester Storm.