Nathan Ripley seizes chance to prove his future worth to Sheffield Steeldogs

The ambitious product of the Steeldogs Prospect Programme was thrust into the fray back in December in order to help Ben Morgan’s team through an injury crisis among the forwards.

By the end of the season, the 18-year-old had done more than enough to be offered a full-time position with the team for the 2020-21 NIHL National campaign.

Morgan said Ripley had impressed after not being phased by thrown in at the deep end when making his debut against Basingstoke aged 17, finishing the 2019-20 season with two goals and an assist from 29 appearances.

“He did really well when he got his chance with the team,” said Morgan. “He set his stall out from the first game in Basingstoke when he was kind of thrown into the deep end a little bit, possibly getting a few more shifts than he thought he would have expected.

“He got the chance to play with some of the more experienced guys and indeed was played on numerous lines through the course of the season.”

After Morgan himself and forwards Nathan Salem and new arrival Martins Susters, Ripley is the team's fourth confirmed signing for next season. He follows in the footsteps of Steeldogs’ team-mates Alex Graham - on a two-way deal from Elite League Sheffield Steelers - Curtis Warburton and Jack Brammer in working his way through the club’s prospect scheme.

“Prospects lets us give an opportunity to players to showcase their talent, and otherwise we might never hear about them or get to see them in real life,” added Morgan.,

“It can be difficult to see players play at different levels because we are a full-time team ourselves. Ripley did a good job last season taking his opportunity and is showing that he is one for the future, the near future. He has a fantastic attitude and a good work ethic.”

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