Rodin snapped up by ambitious Steeldogs

After surprising many by storming to a third-place regular season finish last season, Steeldogs player-coach Andre Payette has immediately upped his import quality at the back end by persuading the 37-year-old Estonian national team captain to make the switch from Elite League play-off semi-finalists Hull Stingrays, where he had proved an influential figure under coach Sylvain Cloutier.

Rodin – who captained his national team to promotion from Division 2A in the recent world championships in Iceland – brings plenty of pedigree to the Steeldogs line-up, finishing last season with the Stingrays having posted 28 points, including seven goals.

His previous experience saw him spend several seasons in North America, where he first met Cloutier. He later returned to Europe, spending time in the Czech and Slovakian leagues before three seasons in Poland ahead of his move to Hull.

“At this stage of my career, this is a better opportunity for me and my family,” said Rodin, who said his decision was influenced by the chance to also start a new career outside of hockey under Steeldogs’ owner Shane Smith.

“I suppose it is a bit of a step into the unknown, but I’m not particularly bothered about changing leagues. As long as I’m happy playing hockey this will be a good move.

“They had a good year last year and after speaking to Andre it’s clear he’s putting together a young team with some more experienced guys like myself.

“Hopefully, that mix will lead to some more success next season. I really enjoyed my season in Hull, but this is the best thing for me and my family.”

Payette, who has already taken in one Elite League ‘refugee’ in the form of British forward Tom Squires from neighbours Sheffield Steelers, said he was excited about the obvious qualities a player like Rodin would add to his young roster.

He said: “Dmitri’s leadership qualities, as reflected in his national team’s captaincy, will be massively important on and off the ice with our young team next year.

“Together with his very physical game, he will bolster what was already the best defensive unit last year.”