Robert Dowd sticking around for the long haul with Sheffield Steelers

Robert Dowd said there was no hesitation in signing a new deal with Sheffield Steelers that will keep him at the club for another three years.
Robert Dowd, delighted with his new, long-term deal at Sheffield Steelers . Picture: Dean Woolley.Robert Dowd, delighted with his new, long-term deal at Sheffield Steelers . Picture: Dean Woolley.
Robert Dowd, delighted with his new, long-term deal at Sheffield Steelers . Picture: Dean Woolley.

The 27-year-old British forward has been blighted by injury this campaign and is in a race against time to return to help the Steelers defend their Elite League regular season title.

With five games remaining, hey are currently lying second but level on points with Cardiff Devils, who are top due to having more regulation wins.

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But regardless of the outcome of this year’s title race, Steelers’ fans will be delighted to hear that Dowd will be extending his second spell with the club.

MOVING FORWARD: Sheffield Steelers' Robert Dowd.MOVING FORWARD: Sheffield Steelers' Robert Dowd.
MOVING FORWARD: Sheffield Steelers' Robert Dowd.

“When management came to me with the offer, I pretty much accepted immediately,” said Dowd. “With the organisation moving forward the way it is I see exciting times here, Its always changing for the better at the moment which is great to see and great to be a part of.”

Dowd has twice been hit with injuries this season, first a suffering broken hand followed by a knee injury five weeks ago, which has seen him miss a total of 21 games so far, although he has still scored 13 goals and 29 points in the 33 games he has played.

For Steelers head coach, Paul Thompson, Dowd’s deal is the latest spot of good news in terms of his building a roster for next season, coming 24 hours after import forward Guillaume Desbiens agreed to return for 2016-17.

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Dowd’s Great Britain team-mate, Ben O’Connor, is already returning next season, along with talismanic forwards, Mathieu Roy and Tyler Mosienko.

Sheffield Steelers' head coach Paul Thompson. Pictures: Dean Woolley.Sheffield Steelers' head coach Paul Thompson. Pictures: Dean Woolley.
Sheffield Steelers' head coach Paul Thompson. Pictures: Dean Woolley.

“Robert has been hampered by injuries this year which is a real shame as I really like his game and his work ethic,” said Thompson.

“We’ve missed his shot, he is a shooter and we will see that shot for the next three seasons

“Sheffield wants to keep the best British players and there are no better than him. In Dowd and O’Connor I think we have the best.

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“It’s always important that you have Brits that can score and he has shown year in, year out that he can. He was on for another 20 plus goal season this year but the injuries have got in the way.

“To get 20 goals in this league now isn’t like it used to be. Scoring 20 goals now is like scoring 30-35 a few years ago.”