Steelers SIGNINGS/Departures. Confirmed only , no rumours please

[greeny]

As expected,,, not very often brits go elswhere. Important link in the chain and been unlucky in past with injuries.

[Doom]

Delighted to see Watling return, we need a few mid twenties scorers to complete our roster, otherwise we'll fall short of Cardiff and Belfast.

Watling offers that little bit of magic that most other players can't produce. With his speed and good hands he can produce something out of nothing, which not only helps the team, but gets the fans off their seats.

One word of caution though. After a good start in the face off dot, he finished the season around 48%. It was noticeable in the 2nd half of the season how much this part of his game deteriorated.

To date we've signed Simpson who is strong at faceoffs, but Whistle and Watling less so (Whistle was 44%).

It's an important area of the game and with Conway returning, no doubt Belfast will be strong in this area.

I've not heard any rumours about Allen, but this was an area he excelled (60%). If Allen isn't coming back, we'll need a strong face off guy coming in to replace him.

Anyway, great to see Watling back.

Regards

Doom

[Jayboy]

Watling back official:
https://www.sheffieldsteelers.co.uk/the ... g-returns/

[smbmetal]

A great player who was key to our success last season. Delighted to see Watling return. Should be able to fully focus on hockey now he's got his Degree out of the way.

It really does show how much of an amazing group/squad Fox built to see at least a dozen or so players return.

Must be the most returnees we've had for a very long time, if not ever!

[Doom]

I've just listened to the interview with Watling and he comes across as such a bubbly enthusiastic character, he must be great to have in the dressing room.

I hope Balmas is another one who has already signed to complete our top line. Whilst there were rumours about Watling returning, I've not seen anything on Balmas.

Regards

Doom

[ginger]

I've just listened to the interview with Watling and he comes across as such a bubbly enthusiastic character, he must be great to have in the dressing room.

I hope Balmas is another one who has already signed to complete our top line. Whilst there were rumours about Watling returning, I've not seen anything on Balmas.

Regards

Doom

From what I've heard it's Balmas. Sounds like he had a get out clause but it's expired. If it is, we will have retained all 3 of what finished as our top line (Balmas/Watling/Ciampini) and 2/3 of our second line (Dowd/Juusola). Also the best 3C in the league last year in Simpson. Then our top 4 D and starting N/M.

After a grand slam season, that's insane. Massive testament to what Tony Smith and Aaron Fox have built.

In terms of the Watling re-signing, absolutely over the moon. Top player, seems to absolutely love being here (signed before end of the season) and really frustrated opposition fans with some of his cellys (just the cherry on top). Also scored a couple of absolutely nasty goals (the one in the league clinching game being as good a Steelers goal as I can remember)

[Doom]

Agree with everything you say Ginger, although I'm going to challenge that final sentence.

The Watling goal was superb, but I thought the Balmas goal in the same game was even better. It wasn't just the spin that left their player floundering, but also the close range finish. To roof it from so close took great skill.

Both absolute classics in their own right.....more of the same next season please.

Regards

Doom

[ginger]

Agree with everything you say Ginger, although I'm going to challenge that final sentence.

The Watling goal was superb, but I thought the Balmas goal in the same game was even better. It wasn't just the spin that left their player floundering, but also the close range finish. To roof it from so close took great skill.

Both absolute classics in their own right.....more of the same next season please.

Regards

Doom

Oh for sure both absolutely brilliant, but the move by Watling is so good because the D man is basically in the right position and Wats has no right to pull that out. Balmas I'd argue the D over commits to the centre of the ice when Balmas is going back up the boards, so for me the Watling one just pips it.

[greeny]

Repeating whats alreeady been said, great news and yes must be awhile since we had as many returnees from a previous season

[Keith Sheppard]

According to Facebook Balmas is back for another year!