Steelers today officially confirmed the re-signing of Canadian defenceman Jace Coyle until the end of the season after the paperwork had been finalised and resolved.
Coyle, 26, was a part of the Steelers team that captured the Elite League crown last year in dramatic circumstances and initially refused to re-sign for a second campaign as he was getting married in the summer despite Paul Thompson's pleas. Now he's back in orange and will be making his second debut on Wednesday night at Ice Sheffield when Steelers entertain Marc LeFebvre's Dundee Stars.
The defenceman made 70 appearances last season in all competitions after joining from Aalborg Pirates where he had worked under Thompson beforehand. In those 70 games, Coyle recorded 11 goals and 24 assists for 35 points which means he chalked up a point every other game for the stattos out there. He also picked up 32 penalty minutes in the same season.
After his wedding, Coyle joined Quad City Mallards in the ECHL for the new season but Thompson never lost contact with him. So when injuries started to bite, Coyle had no hesitation to answer his former coach's call. Mallards placed him "under suspension" whilst the formalities were sorted but tomorrow last season's number #24 returns to the Steelers team. His move will allow Mike Ratchuk to continue as a forward and Coyle should slot into the role that Ratchuk was occupying on the blue line. He knows the systems so that should enable himself to slot straight into the team.
According to Thompson, he's not been re-signed to force someone out, but apparently as a spare import. It now puts pressure on those in the defence to perform knowing there's someone ready to nab your roster spot. Welcome back to Sheffield Jace.
Thanks
for reading everybody. Remember if you want to be a part of Frozen
Steel you can get into touch with us on Twitter or find us on our
Facebook Page, remembering to like us and leave a comment. We will then
get back in touch:Coyle, 26, was a part of the Steelers team that captured the Elite League crown last year in dramatic circumstances and initially refused to re-sign for a second campaign as he was getting married in the summer despite Paul Thompson's pleas. Now he's back in orange and will be making his second debut on Wednesday night at Ice Sheffield when Steelers entertain Marc LeFebvre's Dundee Stars.
The defenceman made 70 appearances last season in all competitions after joining from Aalborg Pirates where he had worked under Thompson beforehand. In those 70 games, Coyle recorded 11 goals and 24 assists for 35 points which means he chalked up a point every other game for the stattos out there. He also picked up 32 penalty minutes in the same season.
After his wedding, Coyle joined Quad City Mallards in the ECHL for the new season but Thompson never lost contact with him. So when injuries started to bite, Coyle had no hesitation to answer his former coach's call. Mallards placed him "under suspension" whilst the formalities were sorted but tomorrow last season's number #24 returns to the Steelers team. His move will allow Mike Ratchuk to continue as a forward and Coyle should slot into the role that Ratchuk was occupying on the blue line. He knows the systems so that should enable himself to slot straight into the team.
According to Thompson, he's not been re-signed to force someone out, but apparently as a spare import. It now puts pressure on those in the defence to perform knowing there's someone ready to nab your roster spot. Welcome back to Sheffield Jace.
@FrozenSteelBlog
@FrozenSteelMNL
@hockeybhoy
@DISGU15ED
Don't forget to listen to our weekly podcast Breaking The Ice
It's available on iTunes to listen and download, also on Soundcloud
Or drop us an email to Frozen Steel Blog
