Steelers sign Canadian forward Ryan Menei
Sheffield Steelers have confirmed the signed Canadian forward Ryan Menei.
Menei led the Central Hockey League’s Tulsa Oilers in scoring last season with 34 goals and 82 points.
The 26 year old turned professional in 2007 taking to the ice for part of that season with the United League side Muskegon Fury. In his first full season in 2007/08 he scored 23 times and registered 56 points in 71 games with the Mississippi Sea Wolves of the ECHL. In 2010/11 he played in a Rapid City side that included Colt King, and Menei amassed 39 goals and 87 points that season.
“Colt King is a good friend of mine and we have spoken about Sheffield” said Menei “he has said nothing but good things about the organisation and the fans”
“Doug Christiansen was another reason I joined the Steelers. He explained the clubs history and that this was a team that expected to win and chase a championship. I’m hungry to win hockey games and championships so the chance to join Sheffield was more than appealing”
Christiansen said of the signing: “There is no question that Ryan is an elite offensive player. However, what really pushed me to offer Ryan a contract was the reviews people gave him. His former coaches and teammates raved about his attitude and skill set. Ryan will be a player who puts up numbers for us but I am not signing him to carry the load, I merely expect him to be one of a number of very good players who can help lead us on any given night.”
A proven points scorer wherever he’s played, Menei expects to do the same in Sheffield “I’m a play maker who can also score goals. When a goal is needed I’d like to think I’m one of the guys to step up and get that goal” he said “I’d consider my self fast and creative, I think I can make a play out of nothing and contribute”
