The Sheffield Steelers have pulled off a late-season coup by announcing an overseas signing with hockey pedigree behind his name.

Martin Brodeur is a three-time Stanley Cup Champion and a member of the Hockey Hall of Fame.
As is often the case, the offspring hasn’t managed to reach the level of their parent but Jeremy Brodeur is striving to make a go of life as a professional goaltender.

Jeremy Brodeur played three years in junior for Oshawa Generals and as a rookie was part of a team that were OHL Champions, CHL Memorial Cup Champion and recorded the lowest Team GAA in the OHL.

The 23-year-old went undrafted and unsigned by an NHL organisation as he turned professional in 2017.
Life as a rookie in the pro-game began well for the New Jersey native as a member of the Allen Americans. He registered a winning record of 15-3-4 and a .917 save percentage, good for 11th in the league.

Since then things haven’t progressed so well recording save percentages under .900, even after changing scenery with Norfolk Admirals.

Two loans with AHL clubs San Jose Barracuda and Binghamton Devils resulted in no playing time and Brodeur was left as a crossroads this past summer.

Dropping down a level to the SPHL paid dividends as the Peoria Rivermen reaped the rewards of Brodeur posting a 1.85GAA and .944 save percentage but having felt his North American career has reached as far as it would go, the young goaltender opted for an overseas adventure with Hungarian outfit HK Budapest.

It was a mutually beneficial signing for both parties as the USA goaltender posted a 1.58 GAA and .915Sv%.

Certainly, his name will help put ‘bums on seats’ for Sheffield down the stretch run but if adapting to the British game, Brodeur might just be able to prove himself an ace in the pack in what is turning into an enthralling battle for the league title.

Just six points separate Sheffield in top spot and Coventry in fifth, but the Steelers have played more games than any of their nearest rivals.
Sheffield has a chance to control their fate, however as they play second-placed Cardiff Devils twice, Nottingham Panthers (third) and Belfast Giants (fourth) once apiece during the last ten games.

With Sheffield playing a high-octane offensive game (highest scorers with 186 goals) and defense often not their strength (ranked sixth in the league), Brodeur might be well-equipped to deal with any lack of structure and breakdowns as the ECHL often has that same feel to it due to the nature of the fluctuating rosters.

Just how many opportunities Brodeur will have regarding playing time is up for conjecture but it’ll be fascinating to witness how he adapts to the Elite League and if his level of plays convinces anyone to sign him for next season.