Steelers confirm double signing
Photo: KHL / Dean Woolley
At Wednesday night's Q&A session with owner Tony Smith and Head Coach Aaron Fox, the Sheffield Steelers confirmed two more names for their 2021/22 roster.
Experienced goalie Barry Brust comes in to guard the Yorkshire side's net, while Kevin Schulze extends his stay with the team following the 2021 Elite Series.
Brust was a #73 overall pick in the 2002 NHL Entry Draft by the Minnesota Wild, and iced in 11 games in the show for LA during the 2005/06 season. He played over 200 AHL games before heading to Europe, initially joining Straubing of the DEL in 2011.
The Canadian then spent four seasons in the KHL, two with Fox in Zagreb, before heading to Switzerland. He returned to the KHL in 2018, while spent 2019/20 in Slovakia. In total, the 38-year-old played 172 KHL regular-season games, stopping over 92% of shots faced.
"'Brusty' is a big goalie who has played at the highest levels in North America and Europe,” said Fox. "I had Barry with me in Zagreb and love what he will bring to our group on and off the ice.
“He played the 19/20 season in Slovakia and led the league in save percentage and goals-against average while there. He reads the game and plays better than any goalie I have had which I think is a huge strength."
On the blue line, Kevin Schultz returns to the Steelers following 14 points in 15 games during the Elite Series. The 28-year-old spent 2019/20 in Nuremberg, and had signed in Norway prior to the Elite Series shortly before their season was shelved.
"Kevin came into the Elite Series and made a huge impression on and off the ice with us,” added Aaron Fox. "He led our team in total points as a Dman and for an undersized guy also played a hard-nosed game in his own end.
"Kevin’s skating is his biggest strength and extremely special. We saw him lead the rush and still be back first once the puck was lost which allows him to play a more aggressive game.
"I’m sure that he will also be a key PP guy for us and also a solid PK guy. We had to deal with offers from other clubs we consider in the mix for the league but ultimately he loved his time in Sheffield and wanted to be here. I’m really happy to have him back!"
