Thompson keeps Armstrong close at hand for Sheffield Steelers

WITH a tally of 37 points from 40 games this season, centre John Armstrong's long-term absence through an ill-timed hand injury certainly leaves a big hole for Sheffield Steelers to fill.
By The Newsroom
Published 5th Jan 2018, 23:13 BST
Updated 5th Jan 2018, 23:15 BST
SIDELINED: Centre John Armstrong could be missing in action for Sheffield Steelers for up to three months. Picture: Dean Woolley.SIDELINED: Centre John Armstrong could be missing in action for Sheffield Steelers for up to three months. Picture: Dean Woolley.
SIDELINED: Centre John Armstrong could be missing in action for Sheffield Steelers for up to three months. Picture: Dean Woolley.

The arrival of American forward Eric Neiley will go some way to bridging the gap left by Armstrong, but – with the Steelers unlikely to bring in further reinforcements – others are going to have to step up.

Early indications have the 29-year-old Canadian out for up to three months, a nightmare scenario which could see him miss the rest of the regular season. Steelers’ head coach Paul Thompson, however, is hopeful of reducing that timeframe considerably, believing Armstrong to be one of his key performers.

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Armstrong picked up the injury during a fight in the 5-0 win at Nottingham Panthers over Christmas and underwent surgery on Wednesday, with early signs seemingly positive.

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

“His surgery has gone well and he’ll start the rehab as soon as everything has healed,” said Thompson.

“The timing of it is a shame because I felt John was getting his form back for us. He had a fantastic two games against Nottingham over Christmas, but injuries are part of this sport and we have to move on.

“We feel we can cut down the time that he is out. We’re waiting for the surgeon’s report and our medical guys to get back to us, but we’re hopeful that we can speed the process up and get him back before the end of the regular season because we desperately want him with us.”

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While Armstrong will be unable to play any part on the ice for some time yet, his head coach is keen to keep him closely involved, something evidenced by his presence at SSE Arena this weekend for Steelers’ crucial double-header against Belfast Giants, one of their biggest Elite League title rivals.

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

“We’ll certainly keep him close to the group as he goes through his rehab,” added Thompson.

“There’s nothing worse than being out injured and left on the outside, so we’ll make sure he remains a big part of the group and that he’s at all the team meetings like he normally would be. And, of course, we’ve got to keep him in shape so he’ll still be working out so that when he does get back in the frame, he’ll be ready to go.”

Related topics:Sheffield SteelersAmericanNottingham Panthers