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Steelers Secure Reece Kelly on Deadline Day: A Look at What He Brings to Sheffield


As the transfer deadline came to a close on Monday (17/2/2025), the Sheffield Steelers made a notable move by acquiring Glasgow Clan defenseman Reece Kelly. The 23-year-old blueliner joins the Steelers as a young, physical presence on the back end, bringing both size and potential to the lineup. With the departure of goaltender Jere Huhtamma—who provided injury cover earlier in the season—the Steelers balance their roster by adding depth to their defensive corps.

A Promising Addition to the Blue Line

Kelly has had an interesting career trajectory, developing his game across multiple leagues before establishing himself in the Elite Ice Hockey League (EIHL). His journey has taken him from the Ontario Hockey Academy to playing junior hockey in Norway and Finland before arriving in the UK to play for the Bristol Pitbulls, Cardiff Devils, and most recently, the Glasgow Clan.

Since joining Glasgow in the summer of 2024, Kelly has played a season and a half with the Clan, featuring in 28 games this season, tallying two goals and four assists. Over his EIHL career, he has played 111 games, registering five goals, ten assists, and 20 penalty minutes. While his offensive numbers aren’t eye-catching, his physical presence, defensive awareness, and ability to move well for his size (188 cm, 98 kg) make him a valuable addition to the Steelers' blue line.

Aaron Fox’s Vision for Kelly

Head Coach Aaron Fox expressed enthusiasm about Kelly’s signing, emphasizing the defenseman’s potential and work ethic.

"When we heard Reece was possibly going to be available, we felt like it was definitely worth bringing him in. He’s a big body, young, and physical defenseman who moves well for his size. We think there’s a lot of upside and are excited about his potential. When you look at that next crop of young Brit D, he’s one of those guys that stands out with the potential to make that jump.

“We have heard great things about him as a guy and in the room, so we are looking forward to adding him to our group. This will also add some competition within our group, which is important.”

What Kelly Brings to the Steelers

  1. Size and Physicality – At 6’2” and nearly 100 kg, Kelly is a big presence on the blue line. His physical play and ability to clear the net front could help the Steelers strengthen their defensive zone play.

  2. Depth on Defense – With Kelly’s arrival, Sheffield gains an eighth defenseman who can step in when needed, providing competition within the lineup and covering for injuries.

  3. Development Potential – At just 23, Kelly is still developing his game. With mentorship from experienced teammates and increased ice time, he has the opportunity to evolve into a reliable EIHL defenseman.

  4. Experience Across Different Leagues – Having played in Finland’s U20 Mestis, Norway’s U21 league, and the EIHL, Kelly has experienced different styles of hockey, which could aid in his adaptation and growth with the Steelers.

  5. Playing Alongside Top Talent – Kelly will now have the chance to play alongside some of the top defensemen in the EIHL, such as Dominic Cormier, Kevin Tansey, and Colton Saucerman. Learning from these experienced players will be invaluable in improving his positioning, decision-making, and ability to contribute offensively. Being surrounded by such high-caliber teammates will accelerate his development, helping him refine his game and adapt to the intensity and demands of playing for a top EIHL team.

Looking Ahead

While Kelly may not immediately slot into a top-four defensive role, his signing is a strategic move by the Steelers as they prepare for the remainder of the season and beyond. With Sheffield pushing for silverware, having reliable defensive depth is crucial, and Kelly provides exactly that. His ability to step up in key moments, coupled with his strong work ethic, could make him a valuable piece in the Steelers' plans moving forward.

If he continues to develop and impress within the organization, there’s no reason why Kelly couldn’t cement his place as a mainstay on the Steelers' blue line in the years to come. For now, fans will be eager to see how he integrates into the squad and contributes to the team’s success in the closing months of the campaign.

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