Scims All Stars - A Preview

I will fully admit to being a bit clueless when it comes to UK teams outside the EIHL, but two of the teams I'm mostly familiar with are the Sheffield Steeldogs, and their predecessors the Scimitars.

This year marks the tenth anniversary of the Scimitars completing the grand slam at their level, and to mark the occasion, an All-Star team of past Scimitars players will take on the current Steeldogs side.

We spoke to friend of the blog, ex-Steeler and current Steeldogs player Tom Squires, about what exactly is going down.


FSB: Right, as I'm not local and ashamedly don't keep myself too heads up on the Steeldogs, what's actually happening and when?
Tom Squires: I am organising a fundraising game between the Steeldogs and a Scimitars All Star Team. The match will be at iceSheffield on 2nd August with a 18:30 face off.

FSB: I see its a Scims all-stars, who's been lined up so far that our readers will recognise or know?
TS: So far we have announced 5 players:

• Ben Bowns - Cardiff Devils & GB Goalie
• Matt Haywood - Braehead Clan
• Arran Strawson - Invicta Dynamoes
• Ryan Handisides - Bracknell Hornets
• Dean Smith - ex Scimitar and Steeler.

FSB: Will it be a full strength Steeldogs side? IE will a certain Canadian ex-Steeler be on the ice?
TS: With all being well we are hoping to have a near full Steeldogs team. Some players will naturally be unavailable as it's the off season and will be on holiday.

FSB: What can you tell us about the causes that are having funds raised for them?
TS: We are raising funds for 3 different causes. The first is Isabelle's Appeal which is a charity that IceSheffield support. They do fantastic work and we wanted to do something to help them further there work. The second is the Sheffield Junior Academy any money that can be put into helping the youngsters is great. The 3rd is the Steeldogs Development Fund which is going to help any young up and coming Steeldogs with any expenses that they may have. This is something that I feel every club should have in place.

FSB: And finally, give us a last sell to get the punters in.
TS: This will likely be the last chance to not only see a Scimitars team ever again but on the day there will also be a shirt retirement to honour someone very special in Sheffield ice hockey! We want to get a good crowd and raise some money for some great causes!

Thanks to Tom for the information and his time. Tickets are £5 adults, £3 concession and £10 for 2 adults and 2 children. Tickets are available from iceSheffield.