Sheffield Steelers feeling the benefit from Brandon Whistle developing his all-round game

His team’s 11-game winning streak may have come to end at Cardiff Devils on Thursday in a 3-1 defeat, but the Steelers still have more than enough reasons to be cheerful about their Elite League title hopes.

Daniel Ciampini leads the way in scoring for the team this season, with 18 goals and 29 assists in both league and cup, but there have been meaningful contributions from across all four lines.

After switching up full-time from NIHL National’s Leeds Knights for the back-end of last season, Brandon Whistle impressed Fox enough to earn himself a two-year deal in the summer. Fox has been rewarded for his faith handsomely.

Operating primarily as a fourth line centre – with shifts higher up the line-up occasionally thrown in – Whistle has made his presence felt, making him a candidate to break into the Great Britain squad which will contest the Division 1A World Championships in Nottingham in May.

“Whis’ has been amazing,” said Fox of a player who, in 39 games, has 18 points to his name this season, including 11 goals. “He’s one of those guys who have really put the work in.

"He’s always had the skill and the offensive side to his game to be a good player, now he has the work ethic.

“A two-year deal gives him the chance to progress. I’ve moved him up already this season, he’s played up on our second line at times and he has had some power play time too.

“He’s a very, very good hockey player and we’re happy to have him.”

Whistle signed a two-way deal with the Steelers shortly after signing for the Knights in the summer of 2021.

His dad Dave – briefly Steelers’ head coach back in 2006 – was head coach for the Knights at the time, but was sacked in January 2022, a decision that ultimately worked out best for his youngest son.

Fox added: “Unfortunately with his dad being fired last year, it was probably the best thing that could have happened to him for us because it kind of created a wedge between Brandon and Leeds and it allowed us to get him full-time last year.

“It worked out great for the player and for us.”

Steelers – who remain top of the EIHL regular season standings by one point from Guildford Flames – will look to bounce back from their defeat in Cardiff when they head north of the border to face Fife Flyers on Saturday night.