Derek Gentile leaves Sheffield Steelers with immediate effect as next move confirmed

Sheffield Steelers have announced the departure of Derek Gentile with immediate effect.

In a short statement released on Wednesday night, the Steelers, who currently sit fourth in the Elite League standings, made clear that the decision to part ways was “taken by the player and was not made by mutual consent”.

The 26-year-old Canadian has since gone on to join ECHL side Atlanta Gladiators.

Gentile only joined Sheffield back in May, upon the recommendation of 2001 Grand Slammer Scott Allison.

At the time of his signing, Gentile said that he had “fallen back in love with hockey” during the 18 months prior, adding that he wanted to “progress that game onto the next level professionally”.

He had spent the previous season with Saint Mary’s University, where he notched 19 goals and 27 assists for 46 points in 29 games.

During the early weeks of his time in the UK, Gentile tallied 13 points in 22 Elite League fixtures.

He also featured 10 times for the Steelers in the Challenge Cup, adding a further four goals and seven assists for 11 points.

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