The Hull Stingrays have signed former Sheffield Steelers forward Tom Squires on a two-way contract from English Premier League side Sheffield Steeldogs.
The British winger rejected the Stingrays in the summer to join hometown club the Steeldogs having recorded 14 goals and 34 points in 98 games with the Steelers. Nevertheless, despite dropping down from the EIHL, the Sheffield born forward has so far struggled offensively in the EPL, recording just two assists in 11 games in the second tier.
Rays player-coach Sylvain Cloutier has moved to add Squires in order to boost the Rays numbers following the concussion sustained by Andy Ward in a hit by Sheffield Steelers former NHL forward Tom Sestito which has ruled the Brit out of the lineup.
Cloutier said:
A win for the Stingrays in regulation in South Wales tonight will see them qualify outright for the Quarter Finals of the cup competition for the first time in their history. Their last foray into a cup competition quarter finals came automatically as they were defeated 8-3 on aggregate by the Manchester Phoenix in the Knockout Cup.
The British winger rejected the Stingrays in the summer to join hometown club the Steeldogs having recorded 14 goals and 34 points in 98 games with the Steelers. Nevertheless, despite dropping down from the EIHL, the Sheffield born forward has so far struggled offensively in the EPL, recording just two assists in 11 games in the second tier.
Rays player-coach Sylvain Cloutier has moved to add Squires in order to boost the Rays numbers following the concussion sustained by Andy Ward in a hit by Sheffield Steelers former NHL forward Tom Sestito which has ruled the Brit out of the lineup.
Cloutier said:
"With Andy Ward out injured I wanted to add some depth to the line-up. Tom is someone I wanted to sign in the summer but he went to the Steeldogs. But I spoke to him and asked if he wanted to come and play on a two-way deal. He has that experience of playing in the Elite League for the Steelers and has shown he can play at that level. He has good skill and he will get his chance in Cardiff tonight. It is a good opportunity for him and I expect him to take advantage of that."Former Great Britain junior international Squires will make his debut for the club in tonight's crunch Challenge Cup clash with the Cardiff Devils and will be available to ice for the Rays when the Steeldogs are without a game.
A win for the Stingrays in regulation in South Wales tonight will see them qualify outright for the Quarter Finals of the cup competition for the first time in their history. Their last foray into a cup competition quarter finals came automatically as they were defeated 8-3 on aggregate by the Manchester Phoenix in the Knockout Cup.
