SHEFFIELD - UK: The Sheffield Steelers are pleased to announce that former NHL player Ben Simon has agreed to coach the club for the coming year. Ben comes to the UK with an impressive record appearing 81 times in the NHL for Atlanta Thrashers where he totalled 3 goals and 1 assist with 47 PIM. He arrives in Sheffield looking for a new challenge and wanting to progress his coaching ambitions and has initially signed a 1 year deal. As well as his NHL career Ben has enjoyed successful stints in the DEL and AHL.

This will be his biggest challenge to date and he will be acting as player coach assisted by Neil Abel running the bench. Ben has spoken to Dave Matsos and some former players about the club and is well aware of the current situation at the Steelers.

“Well, I like a challenge and this sounds to be just that and something in my hockey career I am looking forward to. I am aware of the situation, obviously you can only go on what people are telling you but were going to play hockey, we are going to compete every night. So it’s going to start now, we have a new coach, we have a couple of new players we’re going to be looking at; some of the old players are obviously right in the mix, we want their commitments, we are going to move forward and we are looking forward to having a good season”.

Next week the Steelers will announce their title sponsor for the coming campaign.

Chairman Bob Philips said “This is a massive deal for our club and will open up a whole new world of connections and marketing opportunities. We are thrilled to have a player of Ben’s ability leading the team this year and we can’t wait to give our fans the product they deserve both on and off the ice”

 Ben Simon

Center

Born Jun 14 1978 -- Shaker Heights, OH

Height 6.00 -- Weight 195 -- Shoots L

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