Steelers 2016: Player By Player (Part One)

Well I've done my detailed analysis of the Championship winning season. Now it's time to analyse the players that were involved in orange that made the season what it is. I was going to add a grade between A+ (which is absolutely amazeballs) and E (which would have represented absolute pish) but I've thought I won't bother with that. These views are mine, and mine alone so if you don't agree then that's your prerogative.

Welcome to Part One: This covers the netminders and defencemen.

NETMINDERS

Tyler Plante - Came with the high grade pedigree and at the right age to become a starter between the pipes for years to come. Started off with a bang, recording a shutout in his first game in Steelers colours (pre-season against the Clan) and continued to turn in solid goaltending until unfortunately injured against Cardiff at the start of November. Recovered but found himself out in the cold as Thommo went with Pinč so left to join DEL2 side Löwen Frankfurt; thereby not letting us see him at his very best.

Brad Day - Signed with a few raised eyebrows, the Huddersfield native arrived as back up to Plante and latterly Pinč. Didn’t come with a reputation of being Geoff Woolhouse standard if people judged him on his Steeldogs statistics last season, but by golly did he prove them wrong. Whenever he was called upon, Brad became “Big Show Brad” and let nobody down at the Club. Will continue to develop given the chances, and has to be on the retained list for 2016-17.

Marek Pinč - Initially brought in as Plante’s injury cover but ended up getting the starter’s gig for the remainder of the title winning season. It has to be said his start was unauspicious to say the least, a win on his dèbut against Dundee and then conceding 14 in the next two on the road to Edinburgh and Braehead meaning a few thought we had signed a dud Czech (pardon the pun). But he grew in confidence and in the run-in was excellent. Can’t see him coming back, but he played an integral role in the back to back triumphs. 

DEFENCEMEN

Ben O’Connor - The team’s Premier Brit defenceman came back from the World Championships with a growing reputation. Partnered strangely with newcomer Jace Coyle, Ben was as offensive as ever which sometimes left Coyle exposed at the back end when the former lost possession and turned the puck over. However, Ben chipped in with a few crucial goals at the business end of the season and started the move that saw Tyler Mosienko net that all important first goal in Fife on the final day. Can only get better, but for how long before he leaves these shores again?

Jace Coyle - The former Chicago Blackhawks draft pick was picked up from Thommo’s old side Åalborg Pirates in the summer, and came with the expectation of a young and exciting defenseman who would provide an alternative to Ben O’Connor. Whilst he didn’t match O’Connor in terms of points tally, Jace scored ten goals in his first season on these shores. Had slight tendencies to make the odd mistake here and there but was a good acquisition in the end. Whether he comes back for a second season; we wait and see.

Zack Fitzgerald - Many thought what were Steelers doing when we picked up this guy from Braehead where he had spent more times in the penalty box or in the stands than actually playing the game on the ice. But what a signing he became. From his first game, he had us all adoring him and he became the ultimate fan favourite: the one that the kids wanted to be with. Brilliant on the ice, save for some daft penalties here and there, and the perfect team ambassador off it. He’s here for two more seasons and I for one, am so proud he is. Hockey needs characters, this man is one.

Cullen Eddy - Partnered with his old Adirondack buddy Zack, he was the other half of the Steelers “Bash Brothers”. Played a different role under Thompson to that what Gerad Adams gave him the previous season but still carried it out with good effect. He’s now finished his initial two year contract which he was signed under, and at the age of just 27: has probably his best years ahead of him. Will he remain here or look to a new challenge in Europe for 2017? Has served the Club well, and proved to be a popular team player with team-mates and fans alike.

Russ Moyer - Signed as the experienced new head on the recommendation of Jody Lehman no less, Russ played a role not too dissimilar to that which Darrell Hay did in 2014-15. That being quiet and very much under the radar. Not known for his scoring, the delight on his face when he broke his goalscoring duck was a sight to behold. He is probably coming to the end of a good career, and at the age of 33 is also probably not on the possible returnees for next year. Still he did us a decent job, and we are thankful for his efforts.

Rod Sarich - A few raised eyebrows were cast from some supporters when Roddy was returning, believing the veteran was past his best. However the one of the best import offensive defencemen of the EIHL has rounded his game out and become a steadying influence on the Steelers blue line. Let’s not forget he missed a whole season and had that kidney scare too. Rod quietly goes about his business and has proved to be a more useful player and versatile too. Will he continue next season, or will he hang those skates up? Either way he’s been a loyal servant to us, and who can argue with that.

Part Two to follow...

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