VIDEO: Old pal Goertzen helps Sestito settle in at Steelers

The 25-year-old NHL forward, who last season made 14 appearances for the Philadelphia Flyers, took part in his first practise session with his new team-mates yesterday after landing in the UK only hours earlier.

He has made the switch to South Yorkshire as a result of the current dispute between players and NHL owners in North America, which has resulted in a lockout and seen a number of top players head to Europe to gain valuable ice time.

He will make his Steelers’ debut at Fife Flyers tomorrow night, before being introduced to his new fans at the Motorpoint Arena on Sunday when Ryan Finnerty’s team welcome defending Elite League champions Belfast Giants.

One of the first people Sestito met up with yesterday will have been Goertzen, a former team-mate when the two played together in 2007-08 for the Syracuse Crunch, the American Hockey league affiliate of the Columbus Blue Jackets who both players were drafted by, albeit four years apart.

Goertzen, 28, himself went on to play 68 NHL games ahead of his switch toe the Steelers during the summer.

“There are a lot of similarities in our games,” said Sestito yesterday. “Steve taught me a lot and he was a guy I looked up to at Syracuse. It was good to see that he was already here – it definitely helps out in terms of settling in.

“He can show me the ropes with how certain things work over here – it’s certainly a lot easier when you know somebody.”

Steelers’ head coach Finnerty is fully aware he could lose his new arrival at short notice should a satisfactory deal be struck by the owners and players in the coming weeks, while Goertzen – slowly finding his feet in his first season of UK hockey – believes Sestito has a genuine chance of becoming an NHL regular when the season does resume in North America.

Click on the PLAY icon at the top of this page to see our interview with Tom Sestito

“He has worked out what will get him to the NHL and has been doing if for some years,” said Goertzen, who has three goals and six assists in 11 outings with Steelers. “At last it has been recognised and I think he has a real shot.

“I couldn’t recommend him highly enough. Firstly, he is one of the best team-mates, team players and great locker room guys I have ever been around.

“Sure he is big, powerful and very tough but I think he is so under-rated skill-wise. He has great hands around the net and he can and will score.

“He plays hard every shift – the players and the fans will love him.

“And I know he considers it a privilege to be coming over here. He knows that a lot of the NHL guys are looking for teams and he appreciates this chance to play.”

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