Former Sheffield Steelers defenceman Jordan Griffin tipped to realise potential at Leeds Chiefs

The 18-year-old was released earlier this month after serving a two-year apprenticeship at the Elite League outfit, the second season of which saw him sent out on a two-way deal to Chiefs’ NIHL rivals Sheffield Steeldogs, where he was an ever-present.

But, rather than remain in South Yorkshire for a second term, the youngster has decided his future lies back in West Yorkshire, close to where he played his junior hockey at Bradford Bulldogs.

As well as his two years with the Steelers and an impressive second-tier campaign with the Steeldogs, Griffin has also represented Great Britain over the course of the last three seasons at both Under-18 and Under-20 level.

It is that pedigree that prompted Zajac to move swiftly to acquire a youngster he believes can go far in the game.

“There’s a whole load of potential with Jordan, the sky really is the limit for him,” said Zajac. “He is still very young. On a personal level, I’m really looking forward to try to help him kick on and unlock some of that potential.

“The two years he spent with the Steelers will have done his development the world of good. And, for such a young guy he had a big impact for the Steeldogs last season.

“He’s a good mover of the puck, not flashy but he keeps it simple - he’s maybe more defence-minded than some of our other D, but you need that balance on the back end.

“He’s got a really good first pass, so he’ll be good for us on the transition. Another thing we like about him is his size, so he’ll also be good for us in our end and I’m sure he will chip in offensively too.”

While disappointed to not be offered a further deal at the Steelers, Griffin arrives in Leeds looking to continue his development.

“I would have loved to have stayed on with the Steelers, it is obviously a big club and it was a great opportunity,” said Griffin.

“But I wasn’t getting any ice time and, in the end, I was only really there for the training.

“Moving to Leeds will be a better move for me. I will hopefully get plenty of ice time and it’s looking like Sammy is putting together a great team.”

“Leeds had an okay first season, but it looks like we’re going to be having a good team that Sammy is putting together and maybe we can be challenging for something next season.”

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