The Sheffield Steelers are delighted to confirm the appointment of Tom Barrasso as their new head coach.

Barrasso joins the Steelers from Italian side Asiago of the Alpine league.

After a stellar NHL career which saw Barrasso win two Stanley Cups (Pittsburgh Penguins), a Vezina Trophy and make NHL All-Star sides, he turned to coaching with the Carolina Hurricanes in 2007.

After two seasons with the Hurricanes as a goalie coach, Barrasso stepped up to be an Assistant Coach for a further two years, before heading to the KHL as an Assistant Coach under Paul Maurice with Metallurg Magnitogorsk.

After moving to KHL rivals HC Slovan Bratislava in 2015, Barrasso then moved mid-season to Italy as head coach of Valpellice when replaced Pat Curcio.

In his first season in charge, Barrasso led his new side to win the Italian league’s cup competition before moving that summer to fellow Alpine league side Asiago.

Barrasso now leaves Asiago as AlpsHL champions to join the Sheffield Steelers and commence the latest chapter in a glittering career.

Steelers owner Tony Smith said “This has been an extensive search to find the right man. Ourselves and our agents have scoured the best leagues in World to find the right coach and fit for our hockey club. In Tom Barrasso, we believe we have that man

“Of course, Tom’s resume as a player is very impressive but it’s what we believe he will bring to our organisation as a Head Coach that attracted us to him.

“I love the fact that despite achieving what he has already done he is still so hungry to come to Sheffield and lead our club.

“He knows the issues we have at the present time and that he has a big job on his hands. Tom has my assurances that I and the entire club will be here to support and assist him in turning our season around”

Smith continued “We had many applicants for this job. We would like to thank everyone that applied either directly or through their agents”