Mature approach of Craig Elliott an ideal fit for Sheffield Steeldogs

AN ability to adapt and show greater maturity has led to veteran forward Craig Elliott committing to an eighth season with Sheffield Steeldogs.
BACK FOR MORE: Sheffield Steeldogs' Craig Elliott. Picture courttesy of Peter Best.BACK FOR MORE: Sheffield Steeldogs' Craig Elliott. Picture courttesy of Peter Best.
BACK FOR MORE: Sheffield Steeldogs' Craig Elliott. Picture courttesy of Peter Best.

Like the rest of the Steeldogs' roster, Doncaster-born forward Elliott is hopeful that some kind of NIHL National season will still be possible, despite there being no chance of it starting until January at the earliest as the sport continues to deal with the fallout from Covid-19, the pandemic bringing the curtain down early on last season in early March.

But whenever it is the Steeldogs do get a chance to take to the ice again - current guidelines from the English Ice Hockey Association prevent that from happening - Elliott wants to pick up where he left off last time around following his return to the club after a three-year hiatus.

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"“I had the chance to play on a few lines last season and it felt good to be trusted to go on the top line when it was required of me," said Elliott. "It was also good to get the opportunity to be on the power play.

Sheffield Steeldogs' player-coach, Ben Morgan. Picture courtesy of Cerys Molloy.Sheffield Steeldogs' player-coach, Ben Morgan. Picture courtesy of Cerys Molloy.
Sheffield Steeldogs' player-coach, Ben Morgan. Picture courtesy of Cerys Molloy.

"It is always good to get these chances and when you play with quality players you can develop a different style and learn to keep hold of the puck more. These players demand more from you so you have to raise your game and do the little bits right.

“I believe I have changed my game quite a bit recently, I have some more maturity. It was good to play hockey and enjoy it again - I had the focus that was needed to be a part of this team."

Elliott was part of the first-ever Steeldogs team back in 2010 after it succeeded the Scimitars. His gritty, physical style of play made him a fan favourite early on, right through until the end of the 2016 season when he took a year-long break from the sport.

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A return to action came in 2017 with NIHL Two outfit Sheffield Senators before he made the switch to Sutton Sting, which in turn prompted a return to ice Sheffield under player-coach Ben Morgan last summer in time for the inaugural National season.

Although that campaign was ultimately to be brought to an early end by Covid-19, Elliott had already made a noticeable impact, ending the season with 26 points, including six goals, from 38 appearances, just one aspect of his game that pleased Morgan.

"When Craig returned last year, I said that we should expect a different kind of player, not the player who just comes to get under the skin of the opponent, agitates and does the dirty work," said Morgan.

"He will always have that side to him, but we've got a different player now. We got someone who came to put points on the board and a player who really brings his line mates into the play. He had a fantastic season.

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“He has matured massively and he knows when he has to turn the other cheek. He was more of a leader when he played for Sutton and a points production guy and he continued that vein of form for us last season. He plays well when you put him with good players and he excelled when the opportunity arose."

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