Sheffield Steeldogs add Hull Pirates player-coach Jason Hewitt for NIHL Streaming Series
But, over the next three weeks, those same fans will be cheering on Hull Pirates’ player-coach Jason Hewitt - albeit remotely.
Next weekend sees the Steeldogs take part in the ‘Streaming Series’ tournament along with fellow NIHL National teams Milton Keynes Lightning and Swindon Wildcats.
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Hide AdBecause of government Covid restrictions preventing fans attending games, all matches between the three teams will be played behind-closed-doors but will be made available to watch online.
The ultimate hope is that the games spark enough interest in terms of paying fans to prove there is a way forward for teams in the second tier to stage competitive hockey, with the rest of the teams coming on board to start a truncated regular season as early as January - assuming government officials give it the green light.
To buy tickets to watch the forthcoming Streaming Series online - costing £12 per game - go HERE
Given the regular season has not been allowed to start as normal, all three teams have had to make adjustments to their rosters in recent weeks, drafting in players - temporarily or otherwise - from elsewhere to help make up the numbers.
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Hide AdLightning and Wildcats made a number of notable additions last week, but it is the Steeldogs’ first such move to baulk up their numbers that will probably gain most attention.
And while bringing in the coach of the team they have built up such a fierce rivalry with over the last few years may not go down well with some Steeldogs’ fans, both player and club are looking beyond traditional loyalties in the hope their coming together can, in some way, help bring back hockey on a wider scale.
“We moved to bring Hewy in because we have a few guys who, for work or family reasons, are unable to play in these games,” said Steeldogs’ player-coach Ben Morgan.
“But we want to make sure we have a competitive team who can provide a level of hockey which will attract viewers. Jason absolutely delivers that and, hopefully, we might have another guy coming in to help strengthen for these games.”
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Hide AdTo buy tickets to watch the forthcoming Streaming Series online - costing £12 per game - go HERE
And while his heart and long-term future remains in East Yorkshire, Hewitt jumped at the chance to get some competitive hockey back in his legs for the first time since March, while also keen to play some part in trying to bring the sport back on a wider scale.
“It’s important to be playing for all of us,” said the 37-year-old former Sheffield Steelers and GB international forward. “The key thing about playing is trying to be a part of something to get ice hockey back.
“I’m glad I can be a part of it and help it grow and make a path to get back to playing properly.
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Hide Ad“I hope people buy into the streaming series, as hockey fans we have been starved of the sport, and I think it’s going to be a good product with good games.”
Hewitt is aware his temporary switch to the Steeldogs may raise a few eyebrows in both South and East Yorkshire.
“”There have been a lot of strange things recently, but I think this is one of the stranger things right now!” he admitted.
“But this was a hockey decision, an opportunity to keep skating and get back playing. At my age it’s not wise to take over a year off.
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Hide Ad“It’s strange right now but I daresay that once we get out there on the ice it will be just like any other day. I know all these guys, I’ve been in Sheffield for the best part of 15 years. I’ve known and skated with most of these guys during that time - it’s not as strange as it may appear to a lot of people.”
Hewitt will line up as part of the Steeldogs on Sunday, November 15, at ice Sheffield (face-off 5.30pm). The Wildcats and Lightning will get the series underway the previous evening in Swindon.
To buy tickets to watch the forthcoming Streaming Series online - costing £12 per game - go HERE
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