Dowd adds to Christiansen’s Steelers ‘Brit Pack’
Sheffield Steelers have welcomed the huge news that home-grown international talent Robert Dowd has been captured on a two-year deal as part of new coach Doug Christiansen’s ever-increasing Brit Pack.
A season spent in Sweden with Troja Lungby he now returns to Sheffield after winning the league title with the team back in 2011, before winning it again having left for Christiansen’s Belfast Giants in 2012.
“I’m so happy to be back home,” said Dowd “I consider Sheffield to be my home. I enjoyed my time away, I learnt a lot and played some great hockey in Belfast and Troja but this move back feels right”
Dowd claims Christiansen was a major reason behind the move back to Sheffield: “Doug will make a huge difference in Sheffield. I loved playing for him in Belfast. He was hard on me and all the guys. I loved that, he had us totally prepared and ready.
“Doug wants to win as badly as I do, you could see that in every training session. He pushes you hard, all of the time. Some guys don’t like it, but I did and can’t wait to get back working with him again.
“When I heard he was coaching in Sheffield it made my decision all the easier. I know Doug will put a great side into Sheffield, I also know he won’t let up on us all year, not until that title comes back. He is here to win, I am here to win.”
Head coach Doug Christiansen was equally praising about Dowd’s return: “Rob is an exceptional talent, more importantly he has an inner drive to succeed that all young players can learn from.
“Having coached him on a daily basis, I know how hard he works and that he doesn’t want to be good – he wants to be great.
“I expect Dowdy to be a premier player for us and one that plays in every situation. He is a winner and a player that cares more about the team winning than his own personal statistics.
“I believe that by adding Dowd and the rest of our Brit pack, we are not just looking to rebuild, we are looking to reload. We know where our sights are set.”
“We certainly got younger and I guess newer,” says Christiansen “I certainly expect both Dowdy and Aaron to play a big role on our club next season. It’s not just about them though, our whole Brit pack excites me.
“Speaking with Danny Meyers i know how motivated he is after last season, it was tough for him and I know he will give me everything he has trying to win a championship.
“Thomas, Hewitt and Phillips all are a huge part of why there are so many banners in the arena. They have all helped win league and play off championships. I’m looking forward to working with them and helping bring the best out of them once again”
The Sheffield Steelers have already signed for next season GB Internationals Danny Meyers and Mark Thomas on defence and forwards GB skipper Jonathan Phillips, Jason Hewitt as well as new signings Aaron Nell and of course Dowd.
