MATHESON RE-SIGNS WITH STEELERS
Veteran blue liner Mark Matheson has re-signed with Sheffield Steelers for 2018/19.
The 34-year-old joined Sheffield from French side Rouen last summer and went on to score 49 points in 56 Elite League games for the South Yorkshire side, placing him second in team scoring.
“It took me two years to sign Mark,” Steelers Head Coach Paul Thompson said “and once I had him I wasn’t about to let him go!”
“Mark was a priority. I think everyone saw that he was one of the premium players in our league last season. On and off the ice he brought us quality and professionalism. That’s why we did the deal with Mark a while ago, he, along with a few others, were signed early.
“He was our own Mo Farah, with the amount of minutes he was able to log.
“Mark has a great skill set and can play in every situation. Also the way he thinks the game, he has a great hockey IQ and hockey mind and that too is a vital ingredient.
“Even though Mark is a veteran player he comes to the rink every day with a positive attitude wanting to be better”
After stints in Austria, Sweden, Norway and France, Matheson was equally delighted to be able to return to Sheffield next season and lay down some roots:
“I’m excited to be coming back. I’m a well travelled hockey player but soon after arriving in Sheffield my wife and I knew this is a place we could settle, we were comfortable here from day one.”
The Alberta native also believes the Steelers are well set to compete again next season, adding:
“We weren’t that far away last year and we have a great returning core of British players who know what it takes to win.
“I enjoy working with Paul Thompson, he is a very experienced coach who leads us well. I know he is working hard making the changes needed to bring the trophies back to Sheffield.”
