Steelers release trio as shake up continues

Sheffield Steelers have released netminder Matt Climie and forwards Justin Buzzeo and Stefan Della Rovere as coach Tom Barrasso shakes up his team.

The former Elite League champions find themselves currently second bottom in the standings and on a run of five straight losses after two defeats to Dundee Stars at the weekend.

The latest players to leave means Steelers have offloaded nine players in what has been a troubled campaign for them this season as they struggle to make an impact on the title.

A statement on the website said: “We would like to go on record and thank all three players for their service to the Steelers and wish them well in their future ventures.

“We are in the process of recruiting new personnel and we are hopeful of some positive news shortly with at least one new player in our line-up for the weekend games against MK Lightning.”

The news was greeted with a mixed reaction by fans, who took to social media to give their thoughts. Here are a selection:

https://twitter.com/themagiccap/status/1085116352665448448

https://twitter.com/ellireds2/status/1085118579404664833

bit of a strange one…coach complains about his poor D, the releases 2 forwards and retains the NM he threw under the bus Saturday

— Peter Clough (@PeterClough15) January 15, 2019

Correct decision imo.
Write off this season and start planning for the next now and not in the summer.
Get new players in and have a look at them.

— Lee Blackshaw (@Blacky0114) January 15, 2019

Think a few other players are lucky and will be looking over there shoulders

— Paul27hockey (@paulblackhawk) January 15, 2019