Arrival of Fata completes the jigsaw for Steelers coach Finnerty

SHEFFIELD Steelers coach Ryan Finnerty has declared himself delighted with his blue line options after completing his 2012-13 line-up.

Canadian-born Drew Fata is the sixth and final member of Steelers’ defensive core, joining returnees Rod Sarich, Mark Thomas and Matt Stephenson, along with fellow close-season signings James Jorgenson and Danny Meyers.

It was in last year’s Continental Cup in Denmark that the 29-year-old former Bridgeport Sound Tigers regular first came to the attention of Finnerty, who admitted he didn’t think twice about moving for 6ft 1ins D-man when he heard he was available.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“We had lots of options in the end, but Fata stood out from the rest – we have again signed real quality,” said Finnerty.

“We have size and strength as well as offensive talent and quarter-backs for the powerplay. Having six men means we can have D-pairings playing together and match them against other teams as we see best.

“I look around other teams’ signings and I wouldn’t swap our guys for any others.”

Fata’s last port of call was in Italy, scoring 14 points, including three goals, in 42 appearances for Asiago, who the Steelers faced as part of their European adventure last November.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

A short spell with Sparta Sarpsborg preceded his move to Italy, but the baulk of his career has been in the AHL, chiefly with Bridgeport but also notable spells with Binghamton Senators and Wilkes-Barre Scranton Penguins. His time at Bridgeport also yielded eight NHL appearances for the New York Islanders.

Part of the two-year deal which has brought him to South Yorkshire sees him make use of the Steelers’ close working relationship with the University of Sheffield by enrolling on a degree course there.

“He has a great resume with great experience,” added Finnerty. “He is just what we need for our final spot on the team.

“I think Drew compliments the other players we have on the blue line and I really think he is a perfect fit for us.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

HULL Stingrays have further proved their willingness to invest in locally-born talent by signing Beverley-born youngster Scott Robson on a two-way deal.

After impressing newly-installed owner Bobby McEwan and player-coach Sylvain Cloutier during the close season, the 17-year-old defenceman has agreed to step up to Elite League hockey for the first time.

Robson regularly iced for the junior development programme at Hull Arena before playing for junior teams at Blackburn and Bradford.

He then spent last season with Trafford Metros in the ENL as well as Manchester Phoenix Juniors, training with Tony Hand’s senior side in the process.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“Clouts was really impressed with Scott and he is a player we are looking to develop this season,” said McEwan.

“He is a young kid who used to be in the junior system, but then had to move away and it is great we have managed to bring him back.”