Liam Steele remains the biggest kept secret in British hockey.

The right-handed defenseman left his native Guildford to head for Stanstead College (CAHS) in 2020.

The 2020-21 season was officially cancelled due to the Covid 19 pandemic.

After missing a year through no fault of his own, Steel has much to prove if his ultimate goal is the NHL.

The return to Stansted for 2021-22 was somewhat in doubt when Chicago Steel selected the 17-year-old in the most recent USHL draft.

Liam Steele was taken in the 19th round (#285 overall) and was one of eight defensemen Chicago drafted.

The Chicago Steel held a Tryout/Development Camp back in June but unfortunately, Steele had to miss out due to COVID travel restrictions.

With that in mind, it’s no surprise that the British defenseman is set to remain with Stanstead for the upcoming season.

Despite never having played a game for the college, the coaching staff opted to name him Stanstead Captain for 2021-22.

The 2021-22 season is a huge one in the career for Steele who will be eligible for the 2022 NHL draft.

On what he’s shown to this point on the ice, the skills and tools he possesses, Steele would be of interest to NHL teams, especially as right-handed defensemen are a much-vaunted commodity.

The problem is a lack of experience and eyes on him to this point.

However, that didn’t stop Cornell University from offering him a position, and Steel has committed to them for the 2022-23 campaign.

https://www.collegehockeynews.com/reports/roster/Cornell/18

You can read more about that offer, Cornell University and Steele’s abilities in this previous article https://wp.me/p2gDti-11Y

The Mid-West Prep Hockey League isn’t well known for providing future NHL talent.

That being said, it would not be unprecedented for a player to make that step.

Mark Jankowski was taken in the first round of the 2012 NHL Entry Draft by the Calgary Flames.

Edmonton Oilers forward Warren Foegele played for St. Andrews College during the 2013-14 season.

Most recently, former Stanstead forward Cole Huckins was selected 77th overall by the Calgary Flames in the 2021 NHL Entry Draft.

Alex Campbell and Danny Hobbs are also former Spartan players drafted into the NHL.

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