Sheffield Steeldogs announce netminders ahead of Streaming Series pilot games

So far, like the rest of competitive ice hockey in the UK, the Steeldogs’ NIHL National campaign remains on hold until the government deems it safe to allow games to be staged in accordance with their Covid-19 regulations.

Earlier this week, it was revealed the Steeldogs would, along with Milton Keynes Lightning and Swindon Wildcats, take part in a six-game series of behind-closed-doors games streamed live on the internet, the hope being that there will be enough demand online from fans to expand the initiative to all 10 teams who competed in NIHL National last season, including Yorkshire rivals Hull Pirates and Leeds Chiefs.

Given the three participating teams are the only second-tier organisations to currently fall into the ‘Elite Sport’ category, Steeldogs’ player-coach Ben Morgan will gather his players together for the first full team practice session of the season on Monday at ice Sheffield.

And among the players attending will be netminders Dmitri Zimozdra – back for his fourth season in South Yorkshire – and Miles Finney, who will operate as back-up having spent most of last season in the same role with Leeds.

“The netminder is the first position you look at when you are putting a team together,” said Morgan.

“Quite simply Dima was the man I wanted to have – he has been a top goalie for us for the past four years and everyone around the league knows exactly how good Dima can be.

“We have had very positive reports from people who played with and against Miles and he is someone we look at and think could be a starter in the future, so we are pleased to have him now and hope we can give him the chance to blossom.”

Swindon and Milton Keynes will play the first game on Saturday, November 14, with the Steeldogs coming on board the following night to host Swindon at Ice Sheffield. Morgan’s team will then head to Swindon a week later before ending the series ends with a double-header against the Lightning.

To buy a ticket to watch the games streamed live on the internet, log on to: https://www.nihl-national.co.uk/tickets/

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