Unwilling to be out-shined by rivals acquiring high-end overseas talent, Sheffield pounced to sign twins from North America.
Matt and Ryan Rupert have been playing together for the majority of their junior and professional careers but this’ll be the first venture into an overseas league for the brothers.
Both were part of a very successful London Knights (OHL) team before Ryan turned professional one year earlier than his brother, having been drafted 157th overall by the Toronto Maple Leafs in 2012.
Never to suit up in the NHL, Ryan enjoyed a promising AHL rookie season with the Toronto Marlies in 2014-15 before being traded to Ottawa during his second year. With 150 AHL games under his belt at the centre position, Ryan has accrued 58 points (31G/27A) and 113 penalty minutes
After penning an end of season ATO in 2015 and scoring twice in the playoffs, Matt signed an AHL deal with the Toronto Marlies for the following season but only saw ECHL action with the Orlando Solar Bears. The left winger signed with ECHL outfit Indy Fuel as a free agent in 2016 and was rejoined by his brother for the most recent campaign.
The twins combined for 89 points playing on the same line for the Fuel in 2017-18 and Sheffield would be well-advised to keep the duo together.
Not only for their chemistry but also to help the transition in adapting to the British game and larger ice surface.
Skating should not an issue for the duo who both own well-rounded games and will doubtless bring a great deal of tenacity and pugnacity to the Steelers line-up.
They are adept on both special teams and penalty killing duties should be an obvious starting point for them.
At 24 years of age and with experience of the demands and rigours of the bus in the AHL and ECHL, the dynamic duo should have little trouble in managing the taxing British schedule and could well prove to be the best signing/s Sheffield make during the off-season.
Ryan:
Matt:
UK Hockey Blog 