Brebant joins the Steelers party

The 47-year-old played for several top-flight British clubs before finally arriving in South Yorkshire in the summer of 2000 where he stayed for the next three years, helping the Steelers clinch a grand slam under coach Mike Blaisdell in 2001.

Now he will join fellow former stars including Tim Cranston, Tommy Plommer and Ron Shudra for the much-anticipated Festival of Hockey on Saturday, August 27.

“It will be great to sit in that dressing room again, great to hear the applause from the fans once again,” said Brebant.

“It’s going to be a fun and an emotional weekend.”

Blaisdell, who first came across Brebant during his time at Durham, said: “I personally think that Rick was the best player to ever play in the league.

“He was a star in every team he dressed for. I first knew him in Durham and when taking over at the Steelers I wanted him with me again. In 2001 Brebant was a warrior. Seeing that old dog skate out again will make me smile and remember the best days.”

News of the return of Brebant - who also helped the Steelers to a league and cup double the following year - follows from announcements made earlier in the week that the club’s first GM, Ronnie Wood, was also returning for the event at his own expense.

Tickets are on sale for the Festival of Hockey from the Motorpoint Arena Box Office on 0114 256 5656.

ELITE League newcomers Fife Flyers have announced the signing of Canadian forward Matt Siddall.

The 26-year-old winger was a ninth round draft pick for the now defunct Atlanta Thrashers in 2004, but has spent the majority of his career in the East Coast League.

His first pro season saw him play at Gwinnett Gladiators, punctuated by 20 games with their AHL affiliate the Chicago Wolves.

Another season followed in Gwinnett before spending the last two with ECHL rivals the Victoria Salmon Kings where he played 104 games while registering 70 points, including 30 goals, and 232 penalty minutes.

EDINBURGH Capitals - who only just made it through until the end of last season due to financial problems - have also strengthened their squad, snapping up Slovakian defender Tomas Valecko.

The 25-year-old has spent the past two seasons playing in the Slovakian and Polish leagues.