Thompson aims to get the balance right as Della Rovere completes Sheffield Steelers' summer overhaul

Sheffield Steelers' head coach Paul Thompson admits his new-look line-up for the 2018-19 Elite League season will need to work quickly to discover the right chemistry when it begins to come together for training camp next week.
By The Newsroom
Published 31st Jul 2018, 07:01 BST
Stefan Della Rovere completes the Sheffield Steelers' line-up for 2018-19. Picture courtesy of EIHL.Stefan Della Rovere completes the Sheffield Steelers' line-up for 2018-19. Picture courtesy of EIHL.
Stefan Della Rovere completes the Sheffield Steelers' line-up for 2018-19. Picture courtesy of EIHL.

The Steelers completed their line-up for the forthcoming campaign with today’s signing of Canadian forward Stefan Della Rovere, who spent last season with German DEL 2 side Kassel Huskies alongside fellow new arrival at Steelers, Evan McGrath.

The 28-year-old was a seventh round draft pick for the Washington Capitals in 2008, with his seven appearances in the world’s top league coming in 2010-11 after he was traded to the St Louis Blues.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The majority of his career has been spent in the AHL and ECHL, with a stints in Italy and, briefly, at EIHL rivals Braehead Clan at the back end of the 2016-17 season before his move to Germany.

FAMILIAR FACE: Stefan Della Rovere spent a short time with Braehead Clan at the tail-end of the 2016-17 campaign. Picture courtesy of EIHL.FAMILIAR FACE: Stefan Della Rovere spent a short time with Braehead Clan at the tail-end of the 2016-17 campaign. Picture courtesy of EIHL.
FAMILIAR FACE: Stefan Della Rovere spent a short time with Braehead Clan at the tail-end of the 2016-17 campaign. Picture courtesy of EIHL.

“We believe Stefan can come in and play a power forward role for us,” said Thompson. “He didn’t have the best of years in Germany last year but I understand the reasons why. He is looking to bounce back and I believe he will create and score goals for us.

“I also liked what he brought to Braehead when he joined them for the final part of the 2016-17 season mand I’m convinced he will bring a feisty edge to our play.”

Overall, Thompson is happy with his summer dealings – the biggest overhaul he has ever undertaken during his long coaching career, but one heis convinced will bring success back to the Steelers, who ended last season without silverware – the first time in his three seasons at the helm.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The aim, quite clearly, is to close the gap on the Cardiff Devils, who have now won the regular season title for the last two years.

CHEMISTRY: Sheffield Steelers ' head coach, Paul Thompson. Picture: Dean WoolleyCHEMISTRY: Sheffield Steelers ' head coach, Paul Thompson. Picture: Dean Woolley
CHEMISTRY: Sheffield Steelers ' head coach, Paul Thompson. Picture: Dean Woolley

“I think there is a good balance to our team,” added Thompson. “I like our line up and can’t wait for us all to get together on the ice.

“It is exciting to have 16 new players but we will have to find some chemistry quickly and we need to use the four pre-season games against our Swedish visitors to make sure we gel together.”

Related topics:Sheffield Steelers