Sheffield Steelers have completed their roster with the signing of Swedish forward Andreas Valdix.

The 31-year-old, picked in the NHL entry draft by the Washington Capitals in 2003, has spent the last two seasons with HC Innsbruck in the Austrian EBEL.

Prior to his move to Austria, Valdix racked up over 500 games in Sweden’s top two leagues.

Steelers’ boss Paul Thompson said: “I waited a long time to get a player who I feel brings the skill set to complete our roster.

“Andreas is big, a very strong skater and has outstanding vision. He has incredible puck possession and passing qualities, he is a perfect fit for us.

“Don’t be fooled by his point output last year in Innsbruck – we’ve signed a very complete player and centre.

“We did our research over this negotiation period – the more I looked into him, the more I realised he was the man we had been looking for.

“I coached against him in the Allsvenskan so have seen him first-hand, seen what he can do. He has an outstanding two-way game and is a very educated player.

“I’m a very happy coach right now – this has been a very long few months putting this team together.

“I can’t wait to get them on the ice in two and a half weeks’ time so we can prepare for the games against Aalborg and then the CHL games against HV71 and Red Bull Salzburg.”

(Image permission: All Over Press)