DEFENCEMAN Liam Steele is set to make his Sheffield Steelers debut this weekend, with head coach Aaron Fox only wishing it had been sooner.

The 21-year-old signed last summer on a two-way with Sheffield Steeldogs, for who he has impressed hugely this season, helping Slava Koulikov’s team lift the NIHL National Cup with a two-legged victory over Leeds Knights in the final.

Now the former GB Under-18 and Under-20 international will get the chance to test himself at the higher level.

“I would have liked to get him some games earlier than now, but there were a couple times there where I felt like it just wouldn't have been fair to him,” said Fox of the 6ft 4ins right-hander who has scored 16 goals and 26 assists in 54 games for the Steeldogs. “To throw him into the fire like that with what was at stake.

STEPPING UP: Sheffield Steeldogs' defenceman Liam Steele has impressed in NIHL National this season and has been rewarded with a call-up to the Elite League with neighbouring Sheffield Steelers. Picture: Tony Johnson.

placeholder image — STEPPING UP: Sheffield Steeldogs' defenceman Liam Steele has impressed in NIHL National this season and has been rewarded with a call-up to the Elite League with neighbouring Sheffield Steelers. Picture: Tony Johnson.

“But I felt like this weekend would be a good opportunity to give him a good look.

“He's big and strong and skates well and does a lot of things that tick a lot of boxes for a defenceman, especially one that, you know, his game suits our style.

“So it'll be good to get a look at him this weekend.”

Steele has already earned praise from Steeldogs’ head coach Slava Koulikov this season for his contributions.

IMPRESSIVE: Liam Steele has made significant contributions at both ends of the ice this season for Sheffield Steeldogs. Picture: Adam Everitt/Seahawks Media.

“Liam has had a great season,” said Koulikov earlier this year of a player ho came through the youth system at Guildford before spending several years in junior hockey in North America, including two years at Cornell University.

“He’s an unbelievable player, individually he has all the tools - physique, skating ability, he’s got a great shot, he can see the ice really well and his defensive responsibilities are second to none.

"He’s still only 21 and there is such a lot of potential there – the sky is the limit for him.”