Changes at Steeldogs but same ambitions

SHEFFIELD STEELDOGS’ coowner Roger Williams says the club will give player-coach Ben Morgan everything he needs to produce a competitive team in NIHL National next season.

This week has seen changes in the South Yorkshire club’s ownership make-up, with husband and wife Robin and Paula Grayson stepping down after over four years, with fellow owner Ali Cree remaining on board with Williams.

Last season saw the Steeldogs sitting seventh in the regular season standings in the UK game’s new second tier before the season was brought to an early, abrupt end because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Under Morgan, the Steeldogs have developed a solid working relationship with neighbouring Elite League side Sheffield Steelers.

It has enabled a handful of the Steelers’ younger players the chance to gain valuable ice time and develop their game at the lower level, the Steeldogs benefitting from having the likes of Kieran Brown, Jordan Griffin and Alex Graham in their line-up.

The club has always relied on promoting players through the Sheffield Academy and expects that formula to continue next season and beyond.

“We are sure there is more of honesty and application we saw last season to come and we will do everything to give the guys the environment they need to deliver on the ice,” said Williams.

“We remain committed to giving young players the chance to develop from getting quality ice time in what is a very competitive league.”

Speaking about his departure from a club he partly took over in November 2015, Robin Grayson added: “This is not a decision we have taken lightly; the Steeldogs has been a massive part of our lives. You get that involved with every aspect and the team end up being an extended part of your family.”