Domish snapped up by Steelers

The 31-year-old American was one of Newcastle Vipers' outstanding performers last season but has switched to Steelers to try to help the 2009 league and play-off champions bounce back from a poor 2009-10 campaign.

Domish's decision to leave the North East in favour of South Yorkshire will see him hook up once again with Steve Munn, whose return to Steelers after a season in Japan was announced last month.

The pair played alongside each other for Norfolk Admirals in the AHL.

With fellow blue liners Rod Sarich and Kevin Bolibruck already confirmed for next season, it remains to be seen which of the 2009-10 defensive trio of Mark Thomas, Ben Morgan and Scott Basiuk will be returning.

"From when I first saw Jerramie for Newcastle, I was impressed," said Matsos, who believes Domish skates as well as influential Covebntry Blaze defenceman Neal Martin.

"He's one of the best skaters around and with us making some major changes, he was a player I definitely wanted to bring in.

"We'd all take a Neal Martin type of player if we could and in Domish I think we've got one."

Domish said leaving Newcastle was no easy decision, particularly after being made to feel so welcome by the fans.

"The club (Vipers) and my agent have been totally honest with me and said taking into account the money on offer from elsewhere and the team they're looking to put together next season, it was best I moved on," said Domish.

"It's been an extremely difficult decision to move on as Newcastle has been the best city I have played in during my career and it's somewhere I have felt very settled in.

"The Steelers are a stable club and Steve Munn going back there helped me make my mind up.

"Sheffield are coming off the back of a poor season and they'll be looking to come back with a bang – I want to be part of that."