PROFESSIONAL goaltender Alex Oldale is back in Yorkshire and hoping to push on to the big time.
Hoyland man Oldale, 20, made the move from Elite League Manchester Storm to second tier Sheffield Steeldogs last weekend.
Though he is dropping down a division, the Steeldogs are in a feeder club style relationship with the nearby Sheffield Steelers and Oldale is on a two-way contract meaning he can play for both teams. Oldale had played 13 times in the top tier with Storm where he was used as a back-up goalie.
His move to the Steeldogs will see the big man pick up a lot more ice time as he bids to develop his game and become a GB international.
Opportunities for even the most talented British youngsters are limited in the import-dominated top tier.
Alex, who has represented GB at under-20 level and played junior hockey in Sheffield, said: “I’m really looking forward to being able to further my career in Sheffield.
“The opportunity to be able to continue my development, I think, can only bring me positive things.
“I aspire to work hard and compete to do all I can to help the team.
“I can’t thank everybody enough for the support I’ve already received to help me to get to where I am, and I’m excited for everyone’s support come the new season to push the team to what hopefully will be a great year.”
Steeldogs general manager Jamie Mcllroy said: “We’ve said that we wanted to bring Sheffield players home to play hockey where they belong. Alex fits that mould, and he’s a player who we’ve monitored for quite some time.
“He’s spent the past few seasons away from Sheffield, in search of opportunities to develop his game.
“Now that we have the direct affiliation with the Steelers, we’re able to give him the scope to reach his full potential, whilst gaining valuable minutes with us to push him onto the next level.
“He’s shown that he’s more than capable of performing at Elite League level when called upon.
“That’s why we’ll be looking for him to come in and give us the best chance of winning, regardless of our opponents.
“I believe this will be a breakout season for Alex and he’s hungry to come in and battle to establish himself as a go-to-guy.”
Oldale had been under contract at Storm for another season having been picked up by them from Blackburn Hawks. They reluctantly let him move on to aid his development.
Storm general manager Ryan Finnerty said: “While I’d have loved to see him stay this move is the best step for his development.
“I encouraged him to think it over, talk with his family, and make the choice that felt right. Alex is a great kid, he just needs the opportunity to play.”
South Yorkshire has a proud reputation of providing fine ice hockey players with Ardsley’s Davey Lawrence a former Steeler and Swinton’s Ben Bowns the current GB goalkeeper.
