News Article | 12th June 2009 » Scimitars look to New Blood from the Academy

Strawson and Squires step-up to full-time Premier League hockey……

Speaking today Coach Rowbotham said, "I am happy to announce that Tom Squires and Arran Strawson have committed to the 2009/2010 season campaign with the Sheffield Scimitars".

Tom Squires is a natural centre man who can also play on the wing. Although only 18 years of age Tom has been around the sport for many years and has contributed extensively for every team he has been involved with. Last season Squires played full time with the Academy U18's and ENL team, where he was an outstanding point accumulator and enabled both teams to be highly successful. Coach Rowbotham believes Squires has a great nose for the net, but also possess sound defensive systems and principled awareness. Rowbotham said "Tom a highly skilled player with great speed and creativity which will enable him to contribute all over the ice. He recently travelled to Estonia to compete in the U18 World Championships for Team GB where his performances were consistent and he played a big part in that teams Gold Medal winning success." Squires will be no stranger to the EPL as he dressed for Scimitars last season and although his chances were limited he produced every time he was given an opportunity.

Rowbotham is happy to give Squires a full-time opportunity with the Scimitars next season and is convinced that Squires won't let anyone down with his contributions. After a recent meeting between Coach and Player the Coaches aims and objectives for the summer months have been agreed which the player took fully on board well and will give 100% commitment to meeting, this is another great sign of the determination that the new signings are echoing about this Pre-Season. Other clubs and coaches from around the country have also made offers to Squires, they have obviously assessed his talent and like what they see, hence the offers.

Coach Rowbotham admires Squires as a player and said "I am really happy he has decided to stay with the club he has been with from 4 years old. Tom, I know is Sheffield through and through and will do anything within his power to promote success for the Scimitars next season."
Arran Strawson is an offensive defenseman who played last season for the ENL team. Like Squires he too has been around the sport for many years and has progressed through the ranks of the Sheffield Academy. There have been many highs during his career and he has played for many National championship winning teams. Strawson has developed into a well rounded player and with his experiences should be a great addition to the Scimitars organisation.

Coach Rowbotham says of Strawson, "He has great vision which enables him to make pin point passes, thus creating many offensive opportunities. He carries good size and strength which will be welcomed in stamping authority down in the defensive zone and even though he is a natural defensive player he has a bullet of a shot from the blue line creating goal scoring opportunities."

Strawson was voted best defenseman in the ENL team by John Ross and Rowbotham team last season. It was thought that Strawson was one of the major factors why that team did so well. Rowbotham believes he deserves a chance in the EPL due to his continuous progression and development, he said "I am a coach who believes in defence first and when offensive opportunities develop we should take them with open arms. Strawson thoroughly understands the defensive system I use and executes it to a high level each time he is on the ice. There are many players in Sheffield that I believe can go all the way in the sport and Strawson is no exception."

Rowbotham knows Strawson will give all he can to the team's cause which will help the Scimitars to reach their full potential. Although only a youngster in EPL terms Strawson is a player with a mature outlook, he understands conditioning is vital and will be working hard over the break to develop his body.

With Rowbotham's team taking on a true Sheffield flavour, it is becoming clear that the Scimitars for 2009/10 will have a sold foundation for local players aspiring to top-flight hockey. This is one of the key objectives for the new owners and Ian Johnson said today "I am delighted to have both young players on board and I am sure they will become major assets to the Club who will provide fans with many hours of enjoyment with their skills and dedication, I can't wait for the season to start"

Next News Article: Scimitars Re-Sign Two Key Forwards
17th June 2009
Previous News Article: 2009-2010 English Premier League Format Confirmed
10th June 2009

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