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The off-ice report

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Sheffield Steelers have boosted their attacking lines with the signing of three forwards this past week.  Brett Clouthier joins the Steelers having iced last season with the Binghamton Senators in the AHL, and at 6'5" and 225lbs his role has been made clear, with Steelers Coach Dave Matsos declaring "I needed some toughness up front and they don't come tougher than this guy.  I want him to play, contribute, be a part of the team, and of course if the bell rings then sort out any trouble."  Clouthier himself is looking forward to coming to the UK, saying "I want to play and be part of an exciting, winning team.  I don't go looking for trouble but if it comes my way then I don't step aside."

Moving to Sheffield from Basingstoke this season is ex-Manchester Storm forward Shawn Maltby, much to the delight of Coach Matsos.  "Every team in the country would have taken Maltby if they would have known he was available," says Coach Matsos.  "As well as being a top player we have recruited another top person, a player who everyone's respect."  Maltby will be moving north after two seasons with the Bison.

Completing Sheffield's signings this week is Shaun Sutter, who joins the Steelers from Elite League rivals Nottingham Panthers.  The former Panther is relishing the prospect of going up against his old club, and is looking forward to working under Coach Matsos.  "I believe that David Matsos is building a character team in Sheffield and I wanted to be a part of that," says Sutter. "As a player you want to surround yourself with quality people and we have that in this Steelers team, good players and good people."

Basingstoke Bison have added Canadian forward Blair Manning to their ranks, taking him from Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs where he clocked up 76 points and 52 PIMs from 64 games last season.  " I am very much looking forward to the challenge that Basingstoke will provide me in Europe," says Manning.  "I know Coach Sheppard really well from playing alongside him.  I hope that together we can get Basingstoke to where we want to be - the final four playoff weekend."  Bison Coach Doug Sheppard is thrilled to be bring his former team-mate to Basingstoke, saying "He is an amazing talent on the ice, and will be one of the most talented players in the league.  Blair has a tremendous work ethic both on and off the ice, and is going to provide us with excellent leadership."

Basingstoke will, however, be without the services of John Wheaton, who has been released by the Bison in compliance with the maximum import regulations.  "This was an extremely difficult decision for me to make as John had an excellent first professional season and showed a lot of promise," says Coach Sheppard.  "I've been talking to John and I am trying to do everything I can to help him find a new place to play either within the UK or in North America."

Nottingham Panthers will be without the services of forward Brandin Cote, who has been announced this past week as a new signing by Texas Wildcatters in the ECHL.

Edinburgh Capitals have continued their summer signings with the addition of defenceman Matthew Craig to the squad, taking him fresh from Yale University.  Also joining the Caps this season are Pavel Kowalczyk and Patrik Luza, both playing on defence.

Hull Stingrays have taken Justyn Schollar from Swindon Wildcats, where he was the top points scorer for the 2004-05 season.  Hull owner Mike Pack is pleased with the signing, saying "Justyn comes with a strong reputation as a good committed guy who will work hard for the team.  He has shown that he knows where the net is and became a real fans' favourite in a Wildcats jersey.  I am sure that he will grab the opportunity to step up and show that he can reproduce that form in the Elite League."

Returning to the Stingrays this season is Jeff Glowa, signing on with Hull for a third year.  "It's great that we have managed to get Jeff back because he is a great asset to the club in every department both on and off the ice," says Mike Pack.  "He has been our most consistent finisher in the last two years, topping the points tabe in both seasons.  I know that he is really looking forward to getting back in the city to see the fans, and pull the jersey on in September."

Newcastle Vipers will be without the services of defenceman Simon Leach, who has reportedly signed for Whitley Warriors.  Also leaving the Vipers is Karl Culley, whose destination is as yet unknown.

Belfast Giants have confirmed the return of netminder Mike Minard for a second season, much to the delight of Coach Ed Courtenay.  "I have been in talks with Mike for the last eight weeks," says Coach Courtenay, "and we both knew that he wanted to return to Belfast where he had a fantastic season between the pipes.  When you've had such a successful season as Mike did last year then it's inevitable that many other teams will be looking for your services.  I am delighted that Mike has agreed terms to come back to Belfast, he was a key influence in our league winning campaign last year and I expect the same from him again this season."

by Richard Allan