Post by dave92 on Jul 29, 2004 21:21:00 GMT 1
STEELERS have lost out on two transfer targets in 24 hours.
George Awada was the first, the Manchester forward deciding Belfast Giants were a better championship bet than Sheffield.
He was followed by classy defenceman Neal Martin, who Steelers have been pursuing for weeks.
Martin, aged 28, is believed to have signed for Coventry Blaze, a further feather in coach Paul Thompson's cap as he tries to build an Elite League winning side.
Martin had two good seasons in London before playing in Germany and, last year, in Villach, Austria.
Steelers recruitment boss Mike Blaisdell wanted Martin to replace Kevin Bolibruck, but found out today Blaze had nipped in ahead o him.
Belfast Giants offered Awada a similar package to the one Steelers came up with, The Star understands.
But Awada said he wanted to try something entirely different and play in Northern Ireland.
It was sweet revenge for Giants coach Tony Hand, who had lost Paul Sample to Sheffield from last year's Giants roster.
Blaisdell believes he has another player in a similar mould to replace Awada on the Sheffield wish-list.
Awada, last year's Manchester Phoenix captain, joins Curtis Huppe from the East Coast League at Belfast.
Originally from Mendota Heights in Minnesota, Awada stands 6ft 2in, weighs in at 210lbs and is a right-hot right-winger.
Hand said: "He was a great captain for Phoenix last year, his first time in the UK and he adapted very quickly to the game.
"George is a quick, athletic player who will skate around defenders and tantalise the audience. Huppe also shoots and plays on the right and leaves the Cincinnati Stingrays where he had 19 goals and 16 assists for 35 points in 46 games.."
Hand has also been in negotiations with Curt Bowen, who he wants as assistant coach.
Ex-Steelers winger Chris Lipsett has moved from Alaska Aces (ECHL) to EHC Freiburg.
George Awada was the first, the Manchester forward deciding Belfast Giants were a better championship bet than Sheffield.
He was followed by classy defenceman Neal Martin, who Steelers have been pursuing for weeks.
Martin, aged 28, is believed to have signed for Coventry Blaze, a further feather in coach Paul Thompson's cap as he tries to build an Elite League winning side.
Martin had two good seasons in London before playing in Germany and, last year, in Villach, Austria.
Steelers recruitment boss Mike Blaisdell wanted Martin to replace Kevin Bolibruck, but found out today Blaze had nipped in ahead o him.
Belfast Giants offered Awada a similar package to the one Steelers came up with, The Star understands.
But Awada said he wanted to try something entirely different and play in Northern Ireland.
It was sweet revenge for Giants coach Tony Hand, who had lost Paul Sample to Sheffield from last year's Giants roster.
Blaisdell believes he has another player in a similar mould to replace Awada on the Sheffield wish-list.
Awada, last year's Manchester Phoenix captain, joins Curtis Huppe from the East Coast League at Belfast.
Originally from Mendota Heights in Minnesota, Awada stands 6ft 2in, weighs in at 210lbs and is a right-hot right-winger.
Hand said: "He was a great captain for Phoenix last year, his first time in the UK and he adapted very quickly to the game.
"George is a quick, athletic player who will skate around defenders and tantalise the audience. Huppe also shoots and plays on the right and leaves the Cincinnati Stingrays where he had 19 goals and 16 assists for 35 points in 46 games.."
Hand has also been in negotiations with Curt Bowen, who he wants as assistant coach.
Ex-Steelers winger Chris Lipsett has moved from Alaska Aces (ECHL) to EHC Freiburg.
