HEWITT’S S OGS LIFELINE

HULL player- boss Jason Hewitt admits that rivals Sheffield have probably saved his career.

The ex- Great Britain star made his debut for the National League Steeldogs on an initial short- term deal to play in the pilot Covid- 19- beating series on Sunday night.

He said: “I was eager to get back on the ice to make sure everything was okay and I was really not wanting to stay out for a year at my age – a year is a big difference when you’re 37.”

Hewitt, voted the NIHL’S Player of the Year last season, has not played since suffering a serious knee injury last

February and jumped at the chance of returning.

He said: “The knee injury ended my season and lockdown gave me a chance to look after my body and do things my way and get myself healthy again.

“I feel great on the ice and I believe I’ve got a good couple of years in me.”

Hewitt will stay with the Steeldogs for their remaining five games in the pilot series but is hoping that Hull will be able to join the party if the experiment of live streaming games is successful.

Their council- owned rink has been closed for eight months and there is uncertainty over its future, although the team’s owners are investigating possible alternative venues.

Hewitt said: “If Hull didn’t come back this season and Sheffield continued to want me, it would be a no- brainer.

“But I know if Hull are back, that’s where I’m contracted and I’ve always been a loyal person. I have always kept my integrity.”