Sheffield Steelers lose experienced defender to AlpsHL

Sheffield Steelers have announced the departure of experienced defender Sacha Guimond after just one season in the Elite League.

Guimond has opted to make the move to four-time Italian League winners HC Gherdëina, who currently compete in the Alps Hockey League.

He featured 77 times for the Steelers in all competitions, tallying seven goals and 21 assists for 28 points.

After securing a second-placed finish in the Elite League last term, the Steelers went on to reach the playoff semi-finals before losing to eventual winners Nottingham Panthers.

Guimond spent more than a decade honing his craft in North America, playing in both Canada and the United States.

Stints across Europe followed for the 34-year-old, who enjoyed time in Bratislava (ICEHL), Innsbruck (EBEL) Olimpija Ljubljana (EBEL) and Banska Bystrica (Slovakia).

The blueliner’s move to Sheffield was confirmed in August last year, shortly after he had helped French side Rouen to successive championship titles.

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