Sheffield Steelers surprise hockey world by bringing young star Cole Shudra back home to Arena

Cole Shudra has signed for Steelers. Picture: Dean Woolley

Sheffield Steelers pulled off one of the surprises of the close season when they signed Cole Shudra, a player seemingly unavailable to them just a few days earlier.

Shudra, son of Steelers’ legend Ron, had committed to a two-year deal to Leeds Knights in the NIHL, the team that he had played with such distinction for last season.

But the untimely death of his friend, Dronfield-born forward Alex Graham, opened up a spot on the EIHL team’s roster.

And Leeds, who presumably were compensated for the arrangement, allowed him to fulfill his dream of a full-year place on his home city roster.

Cole Shudra on the ice for Leeds Knights. Picture: Oliver Portamento/Leeds Knights

He will now take his place as a forward as coach Aaron Fox continues his rebuild for 2023-24.

Initially, Steelers believed that Shudra’s wages and position of seniority at Leeds would have meant that he would be unavailable for a two-way deal between the clubs.

But the Graham tragedy changed the situation.

And he is now a Steeler again, the club where he served his apprenticeship.

Cole Shudra in action in Manchester. Picture: Dean Woolley

Fox said: “Cole went down (NIHL) and developed his 200-foot game with Leeds and built a ton of confidence in his game.

“He has definitely earned a full-time role at our level with how well he has played.

“This was a no-brainer to look local to one of our own who I know exactly what we can expect, wants to be here, and definitely will be playing the right way.

“With Cole also being able to play both forward and defence quite comfortably we can use him in that swing role if needed.”

The coach again touched on the loss of Graham.

“The news about Alex has been devasting, especially for his family, friends, and teammates.

“The outreach and support from the British hockey community has been nice to see everyone come together during this extremely difficult time.

“We had big plans for Alex this year and his future was so bright. He was a pleasure to coach and I enjoyed watching him grow as a player and mature as a person.”

Kiveton Park’s Shudra, a 24-year-old winger, has played 129 league, cup and play off games in orange since making his debut in 2016 when he joined the club under the apprenticeship programme.

Shudra referenced Graham by saying: “I think that me coming back to Sheffield now is what he would have wanted and what he would have told me to do - he will always be with me in my thoughts and heart whenever I put that Steelers jersey on.

“Whatever the circumstances I believe that I am ready to return to the Steelers, I’ve always dreamed of playing for this club, I was born into it. It’s part of me.

“I think the player the fans will see is a bigger, stronger, and improved version of what left the club after my apprenticeship ended.

“I have Leeds to thank for a lot of that, it was the right move for me at that time to go there and I couldn’t be more appreciative of their help and support.

“Ryan (Aldridge) and Steve (Nell) have been excellent with me and I thank them for making the move possible for me to return to Sheffield. I wish them and all of the guys at the Knights all the best for the season ahead.

“Now is the time to move on and I can’t wait to get started and be back inside the Steelers’ room.”