STEEL FINDING STRIDE IN PROS
Former Pats’ star aims for NHL return
Sam Steel isn’t necessarily surprised that the first few weeks of his rookie season have featured some ups and downs.
Fresh out of the junior ranks, Steel climbed straight to the apex of professional hockey this fall when he earned a spot on the season-opening roster of the Anaheim Ducks.
The former Regina Pats star played 13 NHL games — recording one goal and two assists — before he was sent down to the AHL’S San Diego Gulls in early November.
Despite the roller-coaster ride, Steel’s feet are still planted firmly on the ground.
“It has been a good experience,” he said from San Diego. “Being able to start in the NHL was really cool. It definitely leaves you hungry for more once you come down to the American League, but it has been great here as well.”
Steel didn’t leave Anaheim empty-handed, departing with the puck from his first NHL goal. It came off a deflection in his team’s 4-2 loss to the visiting Buffalo Sabres on Oct. 21.
“Everybody dreams about that growing up,” said the 20-year-old centre. “To be able to get one was really special — something you’ll never forget. It’s definitely a big accomplishment but you have to put it behind you and carry on with the season.”
Steel got off to a slow start with the Gulls — by his standards, anyway — but quickly found his stride. After recording one assist in his first three AHL games, he responded with four goals and three helpers in his next six contests.
“The hockey is obviously faster (than the WHL),” he said. “It’s just a more mature game. It takes most guys a little bit of time to adjust, but I’ve really found the last few games that my game is growing and everything is feeling more comfortable. It’s a learning process, but it’s a great spot to be in.”
Speaking of great spots, Steel can’t lose, whether he’s playing in Anaheim or San Diego. After four seasons of plowing through snow drifts in Regina, the native of Sherwood Park, Alta., doesn’t anticipate a problem riding out this winter in the California sun.
“It has definitely been an adjustment,” he said with a laugh. “You’re not used to weather like this, but there’s nothing to complain about, that’s for sure.”
Steel didn’t complain about his demotion, either.
While he would have loved to stay in Anaheim, it’s rare for a young player to jump directly into the NHL and remain there. Steel is prepared to pay his dues, leaning on the same all-business attitude that helped him thrive in the WHL.
“No matter where you are, you need to have the same mindset,” said Steel, a first-round pick (30th overall) in the 2016 NHL draft. “You obviously want to play in the NHL, but when you’re in the American league, you’re trying to work every day to become a better player and a better pro. They decide where you’re playing. All I can do is keep working and ultimately try to get back up there.”
It could happen at any time. Another ex-pat, Josh Mahura, began the season in San Diego, but eventually got the call to Anaheim, making his NHL debut on Nov. 18. The 20-year-old defenceman dressed for three games — recording one assist — before he was sent back down.
Due to the proximity between cities, roster moves are easily executed.
“It’s a pretty short drive,” said Steel, who lives with Mahura and fellow top prospect Max Jones in San Diego. “You never know when you’re going to get called up or down, like what happened to Josh last week. You always have to be ready.”
Steel was ready for pro hockey after a decorated junior career that included winning the WHL’S player-of-the-year award and a gold medal with the Canadian world junior
Everybody dreams about that growing up. To be able to get one was really special — something you’ll never forget.
It’s definitely a big accomplishment but you have to put it behind you and carry on with the season.
team. He added MVP honours with the runner-up Pats at the 2018 Memorial Cup, putting an exclamation mark on his time in Regina.
“Being there for four years was unbelievable,” he said.
“I was really lucky to be drafted by Regina. It definitely helped build me into the player and person I am today.”