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.

Warburton 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.

“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.