Morgan relishing task at Steeldogs

ICE HOCKEY: Ben Morgan feels there is “unfinished business” for Sheffield Steeldogs after it was confirmed he will remain playercoach for the 2020-21 NIHL National campaign.

The 32-year-old will embark on his fourth season in charge of the South Yorkshire club whenever the puck does drop on next season, while it will be his 10th season as a player after returning from a year at Manchester Phoenix in 2011.

Last season saw the formation of a new second tier in the UK game with the NIHL National, although the season came to a premature end because of the coronavirus pandemic, leaving the Steeldogs in seventh place.

As a result of the early conclusion to the regular season, there was no opportunity for the Steeldogs to challenge for the playoffs, something which frustrated Morgan and his players.

“I feel there is unfinished business, the way the season ended wasn’t good for anybody it didn’t allow us to give a full account of ourselves,” said the former GB Under-18 and Under-20 international.

“We were looking forward to the playoffs because it’s anybody’s game and in those pressurised situations where it’s do or die, I think we would have performed well against anybody.”

As ever, there are expected to be changes to the Steeldogs’ roster during the course of the summer.

“I know from what we achieved in the past year, that if we put our minds to it, we are not just capable of turning over any team but that we can absolutely drive another team off the ice when we get it right – especially at home,” added Morgan.