Sheffield Steelers have released netminder Matt Climie and forwards Justin Buzzeo and Stefan Della Rovere as coach Tom Barrasso shakes up his team.
The former Elite League champions find themselves currently second bottom in the standings and on a run of five straight losses after two defeats to Dundee Stars at the weekend.
The latest players to leave means Steelers have offloaded nine players in what has been a troubled campaign for them this season as they struggle to make an impact on the title.
A statement on the website said: “We would like to go on record and thank all three players for their service to the Steelers and wish them well in their future ventures.
“We are in the process of recruiting new personnel and we are hopeful of some positive news shortly with at least one new player in our line-up for the weekend games against MK Lightning.”
The news was greeted with a mixed reaction by fans, who took to social media to give their thoughts. Here are a selection:
Completely justified based on performances, way below where they need to be. A few more of the team are lucky to still be here. Good chance for a new recruit or 5 to earn a deal for next year and for @kieranbrownie12 to get ice time when he gets back from GB duty.
— J Thomo (@themagiccap) January 15, 2019
I think climie is justified however the other 2 im gutted about i think theres 3 or 4 players bring even less to the team yet get overlooked
— chris ellison (@ellireds2) January 15, 2019
bit of a strange one…coach complains about his poor D, the releases 2 forwards and retains the NM he threw under the bus Saturday
— Peter Clough (@PeterClough15) January 15, 2019
Correct decision imo.
Write off this season and start planning for the next now and not in the summer.
Get new players in and have a look at them.— Lee Blackshaw (@Blacky0114) January 15, 2019
Think a few other players are lucky and will be looking over there shoulders
— Paul27hockey (@paulblackhawk) January 15, 2019
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