News Article | 26th May 2009 » Scimitars Strengthen from Within

The Head Coach re-signs some Sheffield Steel and gives a rookie contract to a bright prospect as the Scimitars' roster begins to take shape!

The Sheffield Scimitars are delighted to announce that three homegrown players have committed to the team for next season, Lee Haywood, Stevie Duncombe and Matt Haywood. All three have bright futures in the EPL according to Head Coach who said, "I am really happy with these latest signings as I try to piece together my playing jigsaw for the new campaign, things are coming together and I hope to be able to add to the roster over the next few days."

Both Lee Haywood and Stevie Duncombe are returning players and Matt Haywood is making the step-up from ENL where he played for the Spartans last term. Of his new players Head Coach said, "Lee was tremendous last season and I am really glad he is back on board." Haywood, who has come through the junior system, was a consistent performer last season and he is a player with a great attitude.

Head Coach believes he can help Haywood reach the heights he aspires to and has already started to mentor the player who he says "has great all round ability". Many people think that Haywood's greatest attribute is his vision on the ice, he's a player who can thread the needle from large distances with a defence splitting pass to create goal-scoring chances. Haywood recently travelled to China to compete for the GB Universities team where his performances were said to be at an Elite level. Head Coach added, "Lee's mind set is exactly what I'm looking for from all of the players and I know he will not disappoint me".

Signing on alongside side Lee is his younger brother Matt who was a major force in the ENL side last term. A top points accumulator, the younger Haywood played a big part in the success of the team with his relentless game play and great understanding of both offensive and defensive strategies. Matt iced many times in the EPL last season where he made quite an impact. Head Coach said "I thought Matty fitted-in well, not looking out of place in the EPL and I am willing to give him an opportunity this season as I think he will relish this challenge which will help his development". Such is Haywood's desire for success in hockey that he will spending 8 weeks over the summer in North America where he will be working hard on and off ice in preparation for the season ahead which should ensure that he will be at his best for the first puck drop when the season gets underway in September.

The third player announced is Stevie Duncombe who will be considered to be an old hand on the Scimitars' roster. Duncombe is a guy with a strong frame and who has earned the respect in the EPL. He has played in Sheffield for many years and has matured into a reliable defenseman who contributes in many areas of the game. Duncombe carries a powerful point shot, he has good positional sense in all zones and he reads the game well which leads to good gap control on the play. Head Coach said, "Stevie has played for many years at the Elite League level and I certainly believe he can get back there. He is a top flight player and has proved his worth competing for GB and the Scimitars". He added "I am really happy Stevie will be playing for us next season, I am sure he will be solid performer".

These latest signings by Head Coach confirm the Scimitars' commitment to local talent and this is a point made by Director Ian Johnson who said "Our supporters are craving for information about our new signings and this is something I can understand. I hope that people will see how we are building on the foundations laid by the previous regime, and with a strong bond from a junior set-up I am sure the Scimitars can reclaim former glories. It's been a busy summer already and I'd like to thank our followers for their patience as we are working hard to get the best group of players on the ice for next season."

Sheffield Scimitars will continue to announce further players over the coming weeks in readiness for the new season which starts third week of September.

Next News Article: Scimitars Sign Netminding Duo
31st May 2009
Previous News Article: 1st Signings for 2009-10 Campaign
15th May 2009

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