“Our Boys are Coming Home” says Morgan as Nathan Ripley Returns to the Steeldogs on two-way Steelers contract
Steeldogs head coach Ben Morgan was delighted to confirm Nathan Ripley as his latest addition to the Dogs squad ahead of the 2024-25 NIHL season.
Ripley of course is no stranger to Ice Sheffield having come up through the academy before leaving to spend two years with the Ontario Hockey Academy between 2017-19
Nathan then played 73 games for the Steeldogs between 2019-2021 before joining the Coventry Blaze two years ago, playing 106 games at the Elite League level.
“Rips is a guy I and the club know very well” said Morgan . “He’s a product of our prospect programme which we ran when I was in the same player/coach role some years ago
“Nathan is an example of players who started their hockey journey here in Sheffield and then moved away, we are determined to put an end to that and keep the talent here, we are bringing our boys home
“To see Nathan’s development from junior to senior hockey, and then make the jump to the elite league over the last two seasons is something we take great pride in, knowing we have contributed to what is still an early stage in his career.
“We’re expecting big things from Rips this season. He’s a player who has excellent speed, is not afraid to get to the rough areas and mix things up but also someone who has a real eye for goal”.
Ripley has signed a two-way contract between the Steelers and SteeldogsSteelers head coach Aaron Fox welcomed the two way agreement with the Steeldigs saying “Great to get Nathan back home to Sheffield on a 2 way option.
“We feel with him spending time in Coventry at the Elite league level and not playing a ton of minutes having the option to utilise him between both clubs is a great development option for him.
“I’m looking forward to having him with us”.
For Ripley, it’s a dream move heading back to Sheffield
“I was excited when Foxy approached me about a 2-way with the Dogs and Steelers” he said
“The Dogs gave me my first break and I’ve been a Steelers fan ever since I was a youngster.
“Once a dog always a dog. It was a no-brainer really and an opportunity I couldn’t turn down. I can’t wait for the upcoming season and training with the Steelers is a dream come true.
“It’s an honour to represent both teams and continue my journey in the sport I love”.
