The Sheffield Steelers are determined to keep their Elite League title defence alive, announcing a pair of roster moves on transfer deadline day, headlined by the acquisition of defenceman Reece Kelly from the Glasgow Clan.
The Steelers, 5-2 winners over the league-leading Belfast Giants on Sunday [16 February], released netminder Jere Huhtamma to facilitate Kelly’s arrival, with the Finnish shot-stopper deemed surplus to requirements with first-choice Matt Greenfield back to full health and Sam Tremblay recalled from the NIHL Sheffield Steeldogs.
Why did the Sheffield Steelers acquire defenceman Reece Kelly?
It’s all to play for at Elite League’s summit, with the Giants, Steelers, and Nottingham Panthers separated by seven points as the season enters its final stretch.
Following the release of Huhtamma (whose last appearance came on 21 December), Sheffield the roster flexibility to make a move to strengthen their squad and struck a deal with the Clan and Kelly to make it happen.
Reece Kelly, Glasgow Clan (Image: Al Goold)
“When we heard Reece was available, we felt like it was definitely worth bringing him in,” said head coach Aaron Fox of the 23-year-old.
“He’s a big body, young, and physical defensemen who moves well for his size. We think there’s a lot of upside and are excited about his potential. When you look at that next crop of young British defenceman, he’s one of those guys who stands out with the potential to make that jump [to an important Elite League role].”
While Kelly projects as a third-pair defenceman for the Steelers, he adds further depth to one of the league’s stingiest defences, with Sheffield ranking second in goals against (92) and third in shots allowed (31.6).
Why did the Glasgow Clan allow Reece Kelly to join the Sheffield Steelers?
Kelly was never part of Corey Neilson’s core, with the 2001-born blueliner averaging just 11 minutes of ice time per appearance in league play.
Kelly played four times for the Clan in February and barely touched the ice –
- Glasgow Clan 2-5 Sheffield Steelers | 9:38 TOI
- Glasgow Clan 2-3 Manchester Storm | 6:43 TOI
- Glasgow Clan 9-4 Fife Flyers | 6:30 TOI
- Nottingham Panthers 2-3 Glasgow Clan | 8:33 TOI
“It’s a move that will disappoint some fans due to his popularity among the fan base, but with interest from a number of clubs, Reece felt the time was right to move on in a deal beneficial to all parties involved,” a spokesperson for the Clan wrote.
With multiple teams interested in acquiring Kelly and his ice time depressed in Glasgow, it became clear in recent weeks that he was heading for the departure longue.
“Reece is a good, young player who has developed well in his time here and it’s been a pleasure to work with him,” added Neilson. “I’m looking forward to seeing him develop his game over time.
“Mike Sirant and I would spend time with him with extra video and help him in his defensive game so it was a pleasure to work and help him develop. We’re sad to see him go as he was someone we wanted to hold on to, but the move was ultimately his decision so I want to thank Reece and wish him well for the future.”
Kelly departs the Clan with six points (two goals, four assists) and 38 appearances in all competitions on the season.
How will Reece Kelly help the Sheffield Steelers’ Elite League title defence?
Kelly won’t provide much in the way of offence from the blueline – but he skates well and defends intelligently with his stick and body.
In 101 Elite League appearances for Glasgow and the Cardiff Devils, he has 15 points (five goals, ten assists), most of them secondary.
Kelly recorded 30 points (seven goals, 23 assists) in 51 appearances for the NIHL Bristol Pitbulls two seasons ago, which further demonstrates the point that he is best suited to a shutdown, defensive role.
The Fife-born defender stands at 6-foot-2 and has demonstrated time and time again in the Elite League that he isn’t afraid of using his natural physical gifts to make an impact for his team. Kelly is also partial to shooting from the point, having already recorded 30 shots on goal this term.
You can never have enough capable defenceman – Kelly’s arrival adds depth to Sheffield’s blueline, a valuable commodity as we approach the business end of the season.
The Steelers are six points behind table-topping Belfast with a game in hand. It’s official – the title race is back on.
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