Why captain Lewis Bell believes the future is bright for Sheffield Steeldogs

Last season proved a frustrating ending for all concerned with the South Yorkshire club, with the coronavirus pandemic bringing an early conclusion to the inaugural NIHL National campaign, with the Steeldogs finishing seventh in the standings.

With key players having returned from injury, confidence was high within Ben Morgan’s team ahead of the play-offs, only for them to be denied what team captain Bell felt was a strong claim to lift the post-season trophy.

Due to the lengthy injury absences of forwards Nathan Salem and Kieran Brown, the Steeldogs relied on the long production line of young talent coming through at ice Sheffield, in particular teenagers Jack Brammer and Nathan Ripley.

“They went way above what anybody expected of them,” said defenceman Bell, who holds the club record for the number of appearances with 473. “When they came in, I was just hoping they could settle in, not make any mistakes and get by, but they went far beyond that.

“There were times where Brammer and Ripley were our best players by going out and changing the momentum of games. If they can build on that it will be good for them and for the club.”

Bell, who finished last season with 26 points from 47 appearances, including six goals, said there was every reason to believe the Steeldogs could be serious contenders whenever the 2020-21 campaign does get underway.

“We were looking forward to going into the playoffs last season with a full team,” he added. “And I thought we had a bit of an outside chance but the early end to the season denied us that opportunity.”

Bell agreed to return for another season at Ice sheffield - his fourth as captain - last week and joins Nathan Salem, Martins Susters, Ben Morgan and Nathan Ripley as part of the 2020-21 roster.

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