Steelers add Sointu as Oleksuk leaves

Photo: David Williams

It was one in, one out for the Sheffield Steelers on Friday afternoon.

Forward Travis Oleksuk has been released to the team with immediate effect. He joins ICE Hockey League side Villach with whom the Steelers agreed compensation.

Arriving at the Utilita Arena is forward Matias Sointu. The Finn is no stranger to the EIHL having iced for Cardiff in 2019/20. 

Steelers' Head Coach Aaron Fox confirmed: "Travis came in a played some solid two-way Hockey. He’s not a flashy player but was very responsible and plays the game the right way and I was pretty happy with his play.

Unfortunately, sometimes this is the hard side of the business as he informed us he had an offer back in Austria to finish the season. With his wife due in the next couple of weeks, mentally they were having a hard time here and really wanted to go back and have the child there. We decided as an organisation that if we could find a suitable replacement and also agree a solution with his new club we would allow the transfer.

"We were able to agree on a deal with Matias on Tuesday and we think he will come in and make a positive impact immediately. Matias is a very solid Forward who can play all three forward positions. He skates well and thinks the game extremely well. I think he probably brings a little more offensive creativity than Travis and is a very responsible player.

"I remember him from his time in EBEL and also thought he was excellent for Cardiff in the CHL in 19-20 season. He arrived last night and will join the team today to prepare for the weekend. We will try to get him into match shape as quickly as possible. He’s very excited to be here and help us achieve our goals."