2012

MAY

STEELERS believe they have signed one of the most exciting wingers they have had at the club in years. Cory Pecker, a former AHL regular who has been playing for four years in Switzerland, is regarded as a guaranteed goal scorer and set-up man. Coach Ryan Finnerty said: “This is the guy we tried to sign last summer and then again at Christmas. He is an offensive forward that can score and excite and he is just the kind of player we needed to bring in to help take some of the workload off Jeff Legue.” Pecker, a sixth Round NHL pick of the Calgary Flamers, has been playing in Switzerland where in 174 games he scored 129 goals and 316 points. Prior to that Pecker had notched up 60 goals and 142 points in 311 American league games. Finnerty said: “We need to be more offensive and more exciting; Cory helps us on both accounts. As a team we knew that we had to create more and score more and also that we couldn’t rely on Jeff to put up big numbers. It’s why we signed Colin Shields and Cory. Cory has always scored well but always creates too. He brings others into the game. “Cory will make those players who play with him better. His experience as well as his ability is a perfect fit for what we are trying to deliver here. He knows about the Steelers, he has done his homework on us as we have about him.

JUNE

John DeCaro the goalie who walked out on Steelers for a bigger pay packet in Norway has had second thoughts, and told his prospective employers that he will be staying in Sheffield after all.

JULY

SHEFFIELD Steelers skipper Jonathan Phillips reckons a goal-rush is on its way to the Arena. The recruitment of Colin Shields, Cory Pecker alongside slick points-man Jeff Legue signals a potent attacking force. “I think as a team we will be a lot more offensive next season,” said the Welsh winger, who turned 30 years of age last Saturday. “Legue, Shields and Pecker are three 30 goal-plus merchants. Tylor Michel will be another 20-25, Ash Tait the same and we still have two import forwards to sign. “We will score goals from the back end (defence) as well. Roddy Sarich and the new guy James Jorgenson both are offensive.” And that won’t be the only feature that fans can look forward to. “I see a change in the way Steelers teams play,” said Phillips, who will be starting his seventh season in South Yorkshire. “I think we will go from a solid defensive organisation to an in-your-face, hard fore-checking offensive team.

Sheffield Steelers top close season target. Jade Galbralth has ended speciation about his future by re-signing for Braehead Clan as player coach.

Coach Ryan Finnerty has bagged ex NHL game veteran Steven Goertzen on a two year contract, the player lured partly by a free educational package at Sheffield University.

At the shirt launch for the upcoming season fans were surprised by the news that the colour teal was to be dropped as the overall colour, the shirts were now to be predominantly orange.

Entrance video:

It must be the shortest contract in the history of Ice hockey. Steelers have had to release Adam Huxley from his deal after he was in for less than 48 hours. Finnerty revealed Adam has had a change of (personal/family) circumstances which means that he has to remain in North America.

SEPTEMBER

STEELERS believe Coventry Blaze’s ex NHLer Brad Leeb should be banned for six matches after breaking Jason Hewitt’s nose with a sucker-punch in Saturday’s pre-season ‘friendly.’  Hewitt had earlier stirred up trouble by checking an opponent from behind – and then shoved Leeb after he confronted him. An enraged Leeb stormed behind Hewitt, punching him to the head. Hewitt dropped to the ice, covering up as Leeb bombarded him with shots. If that wasn’t ugly enough, Hewitt seemed on the verge of swinging his stick at Leeb once he’d recovered and wrestled with an official. Both players were ejected; Leeb given a match penalty, which meant he didn’t play in the second exhibition against Steelers last night.

Sheffield coach Ryan Finnerty slammed Leeb as “gutless.” Personally, I thought we’d witnessed the actions of a man who had graced Vancouver Canucks and Toronto Maple Leafs but had now heaped disgrace on himself. Finnerty said: “I hate sucker punching. It has to be stamped out. This is a good opportunity for the League to set a precedent. There is no room for it - that’s for bush (unprofessional) leagues.” Finnerty expects a three game ban, but recalled that Tyler Michel was once banned for six games for an incident – and that might be ‘an indication’ for the League. “I’m all for hard-nosed hockey but when a guy is down you stop (punching.) Leeb’s been around and should know better. Hewy may need surgery. It was absolutely gutless, they have a tough team and don’t need to do that.”

OCTOBER

Cory Pecker paid the price for Sheffield Steelers mini form dip with his job yesterday. The coach is sending a message to the others that nothing other than 100 per cent will suffice. Certainly the 31 year old Canadian form has not been eye catching. Right from the beginning Pecker looked out of shape.

Steelers coach Ryan Finnerty has had to accept defeat in a sensational attempt to unite the Sarich brothers (Rod and Corey). The NHL lockout has presented an opportunity for Elite League teams to take players from the worlds top division on short term deal. But Steelers had to settle for Philadelphia Flyers enforcer Tom Sestito It was a tempting thought in Finnerty's mind before he secured Sestito.

NOVEMBER

Sheffield Steelers are drafting in another import forward in Simon Ferguson which may be a relief to fans considering the form of their temporary NHL winger Tom Sestito.

Tony Smith delivered an extraordinary rant on "scumbags" fans who falsely tried to get into the Sheffield rink on concessional rates. Smith said 'low life scroungers' were trying to get in on the cheap something that made him 'feel sick'.

DECEMBER

Colin Shields consumed with misery during some stages of his 30 games career at Sheffield Steelers, quit the club to avoid being a distraction to his team mates the player said. I was very surprised said coach Ryan Finnerty it happened so quickly.

 2013

MARCH: Sheffield Steelers will be talking to Jessica Ennis' coach Toni Minichiello about an off ice role at the club for next season. Owner Tony Smith is adamant he doesn't want his team left in the blocks in the 2013/14 campaign.

APRIL:

Ryan Finnerty was sacked as Steelers' coach.

The search is underway for Ryan Finnerty's replacement after the Sheffield Steelers coach was axed. Owner Tony Smith talked of having a "heavy heart" after being left with no alternative" but to let Finnerty go.

Sheffield Steelers will unveil Doug Christiansen as their new coach today. They offered the 6ft 5ins American a two year contract only hours after his current team Belfast Giants lost in the Play off final to Nottingham Panthers. Tony Smith said "Doug Christiansen has been left in no doubt that he will be given the same amount of time as his predecessor to prove his worth at Sheffield Steelers."

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