BRETT RITCHIE feels like he had the ideal introduction of what to expect in a Sheffield Steelers jersey when he got to see his new team-mates in action across three nights last weekend.

Results may not have exactly gone as head coach Aaron Fox and his players would have liked, but they were able to salvage a weekend that started with defeats at Glasgow Clan and Fife Flyers with a 6-0 win at Dundee Stars on Sunday night.

The 32-year-old power forward has spent the majority of his career in the NHL, but only needed to make a short trip to join up with his new team last week when he made the switch from Austria’s Villacher SV in the International Central European Hockey League (ICEHL), who he had joined only in the summer.

Last season saw him split his time between Slovakia and Germany’s top-flight DEL, where he ended the campaign with Schwenninger Wild Wings.

It had been hoped Ritchie would feature in all or part of the weekend in Scotland but clearance didn’t come through until Monday morning, meaning he is in line to make his Steelers’ debut in this weekend’s pivotal double-header on the road against Elite League title rivals, Belfast Giants.

Ritchie, whose last stint in the NHL came in the 2022-23 season with Calgary Flames before being traded to the Arizona Coyotes, is confident he can quickly fit into the EIHL playing style.

“It was good to see the boys in action at the weekend,” said the right-handed power forward. “I found the three games I watched to be more North American style, but I guess that’s because so many of the players are from back home.

“The ice is a little bigger but that won’t be an issue.”

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - APRIL 06: Brett Ritchie #24 of the Arizona Coyotes controls the puck against Ryan Donato #9 of the Seattle Kraken during the first period at Climate Pledge Arena on April 06, 2023 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)

placeholder image — SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - APRIL 06: Brett Ritchie #24 of the Arizona Coyotes controls the puck against Ryan Donato #9 of the Seattle Kraken during the first period at Climate Pledge Arena on April 06, 2023 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)

On making the switch from Austria and the Steelers’ chances of success this season, he added: “I was playing in Austria and pretty new to the European ways and then the opportunity came about to move to the UK.

“I know a lot of people who have played over here and always heard good things. I took references about the clubs I should be looking at and the Steelers were top of that list.

“We are fourth right now but right in the mix. Sure last weekend perhaps didn’t go to plan but there is still lots of hockey to be played.

“I’m a power forward, I perhaps had a different role in the NHL than I will have here, but I play a well-rounded game, try and be hard to play against.”