Tuesday 7th May 2013
Pics courtesy www.sheffieldsteelersihc.co.uk



The signing all Steelers fans have been waiting for was confirmed today with the news that this Country's best homegrown talent, Robert Dowd, had signed a two year contract.



Dowd (above) returns to the UK following a season with Troja Lungby in Sweden. The Great Britain international left the Steelers after winning the league title in 2011, ironically to join Doug Christiansen in Belfast where he also won the championship the following season.

"I'm so happy to be back home" said Dowd, "and I consider Sheffield to be my home. I enjoyed my time away, I learnt a lot and played some great hockey in Belfast and Troja but this move back feels right."

Dowdy says that new Head Coach Christiansen was a major reason behind the move back to Sheffield, "Doug will make a huge difference in Sheffield. I loved playing for him in Belfast. He was hard on me and all the guys. I loved that, he had us totally prepared and ready. Doug wants to win as badly as I do, you could see that in every training session. He pushes you hard, all of the time. Some guys don't like it but I did and can't wait to get back working with him again.

"When I heard he was coaching in Sheffield, it made my decision all the easier. I know Doug will put a great side into Sheffield, I also know he won't let up on us all year, not until that title comes back. He is here to win, I am here to win."

Head coach Doug Christiansen (below) was equally praising about Dowd's return, "Rob is an exceptional talent." he said "more importantly, he has an inner drive to succeed that all young players can learn from.



"Having coached him on a daily basis, I know how hard he works and that he doesn't want to be good, he wants to be great.

"I expect Dowdy to be a premier player for us and one that plays in every situation. He is a winner and a player that cares more about the team winning than his own personal statistics.

"I believe that by adding Dowd and the rest of our 'Brit pack', we are not just looking to rebuild, we are looking to reload. We know where our sights are set."

And the Head Coach believes his new 'Brit pack' just got younger and hungrier after the new additions to his squad saying, "We certainly got younger and I guess newer.

"I certainly expect both Dowdy and Aaron (Nell) to play a big role on our club next season. It's not just about them though, our whole Brit pack excites me.

"Speaking with Danny Meyers, I know how motivated he is after last season, it was tough for him and I know he will give me everything he has trying to win a championship.

"Thomas, Hewitt and Phillips all are a huge part of why there are so many banners in the arena. They have all helped win league and play off championships. I'm looking forward to working with them and helping bring the best out of them once again."

The Sheffield Steelers have already signed for next season GB Internationals Danny Meyers and Mark Thomas on defence and forwards GB skipper Jonathan Phillips, Jason Hewitt as well as new signings Aaron Nell and Robert Dowd.

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