NIHL National - Alex Graham proving star turn for Sheffield Steeldogs

LEADING MAN: Sheffield Steeldogs' Alex Graham.
Picture: Bruce Rollinson — LEADING MAN: Sheffield Steeldogs' Alex Graham. Picture: Bruce Rollinson

The teenage forward is in his second season with the NIHL National outfit having made his senior debut for them on his 16th birthday last January.

He made a significant impact for the Steeldogs, scoring 21 points – including 12 goals – in just 23 appearances.

This season – after signing an apprenticeship deal with Elite League Sheffield Steelers and then heading back to the second tier on a two-way deal – he has blossomed further, so far amassing 37 points, with 17 of them goals, from just 31 appearances.

Add to that the fact Graham was one of Great Britain Under-20s leading lights at the recent world championships in Lithuania – scoring four goals and three assists in the five group games – and it is easy to see why Morgan is excited about the teenager.

“He’s proving a big talent,” said Morgan, whose team face-off against top two Swindon Wildcats and leaders Telford Tigers.

“I don’t even see him as a young prospect any more, he is one of the key forwards for us and he knows that and he relishes that.

“He proved it out in Lithuania for the Under-20s and he’ll probably prove it anywhere because he just loves playing hockey.

THE TIME IS NOW: Leeds Chiefs' player-coach, Sam Zajac, battles with Telford's Brandon Whistle last Sunday. Picture courtesy of Steve Brodie.

“From two-and-a-half years ago when he first started training with us, he has been nothing but a hard-working individual, a breath of fresh air.”

Elsewhere, Hull Pirates will head to Telford tonight before hosting second-bottom Bracknell Bees tomorrow, Jason Hewitt’s team looking to build on the four-point weekend enjoyed from last weekend’s wins over the same two teams.

Bottom-of-the-table Leeds Chiefs hope to build on last week’s win at Telford when they host Milton Keynes Lightning and Swindon.

Player-coach Sam Zajac admitted wins were needed now in order to stand a chance of bridging the 11-point gap between themselves and Raiders, who occupy the eighth and final playoff spot.

“We need to be pretty much perfect for the rest of the season to stand a chance of making the playoffs,” admitted Zajac.

“The guys are aware of that and we know how much of an uphill task we have left ourselves.”