Ashton gets Stung!

Sutton Sting appears to be leaning away from Nottingham towards Sheffield as another former Sheffield stalwart Shaun Ashton agrees terms with the Ashfield Club as plans continue for the 2011/12 ENL season. Ashton joins fellow Sheffield’er Simon Offord who was announced last week as Player/Coach and who was delighted with the new signing.  Offord said, “I’ve known Shaun a lot of years, he is a great hockey player and importantly for the Sting he is a proven goal-scorer.  He’s just what we need!”

Shaun has played for Sheffield at Ice Sheffield since the beginning and like most of the youngsters who have grown-up under the Sheffield banner he is well used to big games, big reputations and winning countless honors.  He is a very highly regarded forward with quick feet and very keen eye for the net.  Not the biggest guy on the roster but one of the players with the biggest hearts and an engine room with plenty of power to give Sutton some much needed speed following the recent departure of Arran Strawson.

The thirty-year old last season played in the EPL with the Sheffield Steeldogs and has been a mainstay in Sheffield’s senior teams for many years where he has built a great reputation as a hard working forward who is happy to get his nose dirty in front of the net.  Having made the move across the concourse at Ice Sheffield from the Steeldogs to the Sting Ashton said, “I know that last year Buttsy, Offord and the boys had a great time both on and off the ice and when the opportunity arose to speak to Gary and Ian I was happy to listen to their plans and consider the options that were presented to me.  I know that Sutton Sting is an ambitious Club run by ambitious people.  They are interested in the development of ice hockey and that is something that I am interested in very much.”  He went on, “I want to use my experience to help the Club and its young players because I think I have something to offer.  It seems that Sutton think so too.”

Ashton took part in an exhibition game last week where he iced alongside the Sting’s ENL team who faced the Mighty Fat Dads.  The game was hosted as a demonstration event for senior hockey to the young players at Sutton Sting and it was a huge success.  Sting Chairman Ian Johnson said “Ashton played alongside Buttsy and Offord last week and fitted right-in.  It was no surprise really given the history these boys have together and I think that with some of the players returning from last season, Ashton will be a player to create plenty of options to our offense which is what we need.  It’s great to have him on board.”

Head Coach Rob Saunders was equally upbeat adding “Shaun skates really well and is incredibly strong on the puck.  He has vision and a natural flair too which will make him a great asset to the Club as we continue to try and inspire our youngsters to emulate the great players who are now leading our club.”

Ashton will wear the number 7 jersey and will combine his playing with a coaching role too.  He said “I coach at Ice Sheffield and I am keen to progress this aspect of my career.  It interests me and I am passionate about sharing what I have been fortunate enough to have learned over the last 20 or so years.  I now have a fresh challenge with Sutton Sting and I am looking forward to the new season.”

Sutton Sting will be holding trials for the ENL Team at Ice Sheffield on Wednesday 15th June 2011, on ice at 7:15pm.  Anyone interested in attending should contact Ian Johnson on 07971 616 093.