Traversa joins Steelers as IR cover

Photo: HC Pustertal

The Sheffield Steelers have added Italian forward Tommaso Traversa as injury cover for Adrian Saxrud-Danielsen, who was placed on injured reserve late last week.

The 31-year-old was released by HC Pustertal of the ICE HL earlier this week as the team was at the limit of its on-ice roster points allowed in the league. He left the Brunico-based side having played 16 games this season for the return of two points, but was almost a point per game player for the team in the Alps League over the past three seasons, where he also spent two years with Ritten. The Italian international also played five games for Dundee in 2016.

"We have brought Tommaso Traversa in on a short term deal and will be used as injury cover for Adrian Saxrud Danielsen.There is an option to keep Tommaso as well if he plays well and we can make it work with the roster regulations," explained Head Coach Aaron Fox. “Tommaso is coming in to play an energy-type role for us. He has been playing this season in the top Austrian league and is also a National Team guy. He skates very well, can play all 3 Forward positions is very responsible defensively and a great Penalty killer.

"Tommaso put up good numbers in the Alps league so he can chip in offensively. I think the passion and pace he plays with will fit in very well to how we play. He’s coming in to compete and wants to be here all season which I think is a great mentality."