ICE HOCKEY: Sharks plunge the best for Curtis Warburton, say Sheffield Steelers
Curtis Warburton (21), from Whiston, has left the top-league outfit for Solway Sharks, a Dumfries-based club that plays in the division below, (NIHL).
While it may look to some fans like a step backward, it is the best way for him to progress his career, says Sheffield team-mate Niklas Nevalainen and club executive Dave Simms.
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Hide AdWarburton warmed the Steelers' bench for most of the last season, seeing very little action.
Finnish defenceman Nevalainen said: “ This is a great chance for Curtis to move on. He has been around enough time to watch and learn from the older pro guys. I hope he has taken everything he can from them and will now use it to try and become a better player.
“ It is a good option for him for sure. He needs to play and then hopefully we will see him again.”
Niklas Nevalainen
Simms said Steelers would keep a close eye on the goalie's development.
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Hide Ad“Sheffield loves Curtis and only wants the best for him,” he said. “Playing regular ice hockey will improve every facet of his game. It would be great to see a homegrown Rotherham goalie emulate what Ben Bowns has done and reach the top level in this country and beyond.”
Warburton made ten starts for Sheffield after joining in the 2019-20 season. Now the 6ft 2ins former Oakwood pupil will be competing for the starting Solway role with Calum Hepburn, part of the Sharks' set-up since 2015.