Why Scott Allen opted for Sheffield Steelers return instead of Cardiff Devils 'reunion' with Pete Russell

THE summertime is often a nervous time for hockey coaches, as they see which of the players they want back for the following season do indeed commit to another year – or if they find themselves what they consider to be a better option.
By Phil Harrison
Published 9th Aug 2023, 06:00 BST
Updated 9th Aug 2023, 08:49 BST

The insecurity works both ways, of course, with players hoping to return to a club finding themselves discarded and in need of a new home.

Safe to say, then, that head coach Aaron Fox was relieved when forward Scott Allen opted for a second season with Sheffield Steelers, the 33-year-old having taken his time to consider his options – including a possible move to Elite League rivals Cardiff Devils – before deciding on a return to South Yorkshire.

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Allen’s healthy relationship with Great Britain head coach Pete Russell, developed during two years together at EHC Freiburg in DEL 2, almost led to a South Wales reunion for the pair, the former Glasgow Clan coach having been appointed by Cardiff back in May.

BACK FOR MORE: Forward Scott Allen considered his options before deciding that his future lay with Sheffield Steelers. Picture courtesy of Dean Woolley/Steelers MediaBACK FOR MORE: Forward Scott Allen considered his options before deciding that his future lay with Sheffield Steelers. Picture courtesy of Dean Woolley/Steelers Media
BACK FOR MORE: Forward Scott Allen considered his options before deciding that his future lay with Sheffield Steelers. Picture courtesy of Dean Woolley/Steelers Media

But Fox and the team he has put together this summer were enough to convince Edmonton-born Allen that he should remain on board, to build on an impressive first campaign at the Utilita Arena which brought him 53 points – including 28 goals – in 65 games.

“I like Pete (Russell) and enjoyed my time playing for him – we had some good chats, but for me if it was the UK it was Sheffield,” said Allen.

“I tested the water for sure – as a free agent that’s my right to do so. We had enjoyed good times in Germany and I had a couple of friends playing on teams over there, so we did take a look to see if there was any interest from those sides with the benefit of knowing that Sheffield was there as well

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“My family and I really enjoyed Sheffield, so in the end it was a no-brainer for us. I love the city and the environment that Foxy creates, so Sheffield was the only team in the UK for me.

SIGNED AND SEALED: Head coach Aaron Fox was pleased to get Scott Allen back for a second season at Sheffield Steelers Picture courtesy of Dean Woolley/Steelers Media.SIGNED AND SEALED: Head coach Aaron Fox was pleased to get Scott Allen back for a second season at Sheffield Steelers Picture courtesy of Dean Woolley/Steelers Media.
SIGNED AND SEALED: Head coach Aaron Fox was pleased to get Scott Allen back for a second season at Sheffield Steelers Picture courtesy of Dean Woolley/Steelers Media.

“I like the pieces we have returning – of course I will miss some of the guys moving on but I do like the look of what is coming in. There is a solid core coming back which is important.”

Fox was keen to bring 6ft 3ins Allen back for a variety of reasons, chief among them being his flexibility across the forward line.

“Scott skates very well for a big guy and can also play a heavy game,” said Fox. “He’s also great for the dressing room and is a guy we will count on in a leadership role.

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"Having him back gives us a big, versatile two-way forward that can play all three positions. He has an outstanding shot and release and led our team in goals last year.

“And on the penalty kill, Scott and Daniel Ciampini were outstanding – they combined for six short-handed goals.”

Related topics:Pete RussellSheffield SteelersSheffieldAaron FoxCardiff