News Article | 27th April 2010 » Bowns is Back at the Scimitars

First signing for the 2010-11 season!

The EPL ice hockey season might be well and truly over but work has been ongoing for the 2010/11 campaign for past few weeks as the Sheffield Scimitars' recruitment process is in full swing for the 2010/11 roster.

Even before last season had concluded, the Scims Head Coach, Head Coach, was hard at work planning his strategy for the next stage in the Scimitars transformation.

Over the last week or so Head Coach and Scims Director Ian Johnson held talks with existing players to review performance and establish who has the appetite for re-signing for the Club or discover those players who would move-on to pastures new.

"It's been a tough couple of weeks…" said Head Coach. He added, "The head coach's role is a never ending job, consisting of many challenges, which I really enjoy. There are many positives in this job, but also areas which require the utmost attention to solve problems".

Ian Johnson echoed Head Coach's comments about the work required "We have been very busy and with Jon's long list of players we need to be sure we get the right attractions in place in order to be competitive and keep within a very modest budget, it's a difficult balancing act."

As many people know, Head Coach likes to build his teams from the back and at the top of Head Coach's long list is a top quality netminder. Head Coach did not need to look any further than last season's team and Ben Bowns. Bowns was magnificent in his first season in the EPL, so much so that he attracted plenty of interest from other EPL Club's who were very keen to have the Rotherham youngster on their books. Head Coach knew this as he has a long history of coaching and supporting Bowns who has considered his options carefully. Eventually after many discussions and much negotiation Bowns accepted a deal to stay with the Scimitars, the Club he has played at since U10's and the Club that his family have supported and help manage.

Last season Bowns was the backbone of the Scimitars and he played hockey at a level well above his experience. He was given an opportunity to be part of an EPL team and has never looked back. With consistent performances he generated a 90.37 save percentage which brought him many accolades and a high profile in the league.

Ben is a big guy, which lends itself well to shot blocking, but also he has tremendous agility and coupled to his natural ability he was the stand-out goalie in many people's eyes last season, none the least of which was Tony Hand, MBE.
Throughout his young hockey career Ben has achieved many accolades, league titles, national championship titles, cup winner, conference and international player. Last season was rather different with the Scimitars finishing 7th in the EPL but Bowns still managed to add to his trophy cabinet with Coach's Player of the Year and a host of other Club Awards.

Bowns' re-signing has given the Scimitars a great start for 2010/11. Net minding is a key position for every team and in Bowns the Scimitars have the best British prospect currently available. Head Coach added, "I believe in Bowns. This is a massive signing for the Scimitars organisation. Bowns is focussed, passionate about winning and will always give 100%. I am absolutely thrilled he agreed to stay with us even though he had much better offers from other Clubs."

Off the ice Bowns is a quiet chap, he simply gets on with those around him which is why he is so popular. He said "I was flattered by one or two of the offers I received but I didn't really want to leave Sheffield. I think my development needs as a player are going to be best met in Sheffield. Sheffield has been good to me and I know we have a job to do. With Jon Row. in charge of the team I know we will be one of the teams to beat and that's good enough for me right now."

- ends -

Next News Article: Head Coach signs Matt.
29th April 2010
Previous News Article: End of Season 2009-10 - Player Awards
8th April 2010

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