Steelers signings and departures

[Doom]

The problem is there are only a limited number of places in the team for Brits.

With Steele taking up a place on defence, there are only 3 places available for British forwards and two of those are pencilled in for Dowd and Whistle.

That leaves one place available and I guess that was a straight shoot out between Watson or IBN.

I doubt either wanted another season in the NIHL with the Dogs, so Fox had to pick one and went with IBN.

Watson has done well this season, but i think Fox has made the correct call because IBN brings various elements to the table, including size.

Also worth remembering that when Brine plays we'll probably have 15 import out skaters, which means only space for 3 Brits, meaning one of Steele or IBN will probably have to sit out.

Good luck to Watson, but for me this is the correct call by Fox.

Regards

Doom

[ginger]

It also will happen again, until other teams begin to really invest in Brit development and import numbers can be lowered.

Ultimately, there will be 3 players full time in the EIHL, who've passed through the Dogs/Steelers pathway. That's after essentially 2 years of it being up and running. Hopefully it's the sign of things to come and more will make their way through.

Is there risk? Of course, you can't always predict development correctly, but as Doom says, Fox looks to have made the correct calls based on current ability and potential ceiling.

[Clear The Zone]

In many ways it might be a genius move by Fox; Watson goes to Fife for a couple of years, gets loads of icetime, develops further, then comes back for 2028-29 just as Dowdy retires and comes in as Dowd 2.0 and plays for us as a living legend for the next 15 years. Yes please, sign me up.

[MLL79]

Good points definitely.

I was kind of thinking why limit things to the minimum number of Brits when Watson and IBN flanking a Tremblay-esque centre would make a perfectly serviceable 4th line. Bit of a moot point now anyway lol

[ginger]

Good points definitely.

I was kind of thinking why limit things to the minimum number of Brits when Watson and IBN flanking a Tremblay-esque centre would make a perfectly serviceable 4th line. Bit of a moot point now anyway lol

Because Brandon Whistle was always coming back, and with trophies needed, he was the best shot at giving proven depth with scoring.

Brits don't want to be sat, and Watson put up strong NIHL numbers and he clearly wants to be a full time professional so I think was always likely he'd look for another team in the league if there wasn't a full time guaranteed roster spot. Believe he's also now too old to be on a two way contract

[Al Murrays Hairbrush]

Diffley has signed on for 26 - 27. Good news in my view. He one of the most consistent D men in recent years, seldom making mistakes. His active stickwork, poke checks etc is about the best we've had since Gord Baldwin.
Him, Cormier as imports & Steela as a Brit were my wishlist for the rebuild of the D to be built on.

[Doom]

Arguably our most consistent performer in defence last season, so pleased to see him re-sign.

I think that's all my definites re-signed now.

I wouldn't be disappointed to see either Tait or Dougherty re-sign either, but for me they're less essential than the likes of Bamas and Diffley.

Regards

Doom

[KCHC]

Arguably our most consistent performer in defence last season, so pleased to see him re-sign.

I think that's all my definites re-signed now.

I wouldn't be disappointed to see either Tait or Dougherty re-sign either, but for me they're less essential than the likes of Bamas and Diffley.

Regards

Doom

100% agree!

[Clear The Zone]

Good to see Diff-lock back.

Less excited for another season of Simmsey's "worth it" gags.

[Brian]

Very Happy with Diffley. A bit of an unsung hero sometimes. Apart from Tait though I'm not too bothered if there are no more returners import-wise