Ben O’Connor will be leaving the Sheffield Steelers to join KHL side Barys Astana.

Negotiations have been taking place over the past few weeks between O’Connor and his agent with the KHL outfit. The club were kept fully advised about the potential move that will see Benny join the Kazakhstan club next month.

Whilst Ben has a year left on his Steelers contract the club and player have settled all contractual issues allowing the move to take place.

“It’s an opportunity of a lifetime” said head coach Paul Thompson “One the club couldn’t and wouldn’t stand in the way of.

“Ben and Tony Smith quickly agreed the terms of the move and whilst gutted that we will be losing one of our key players we wish him nothing but the best with this opportunity.

“The KHL is perhaps known as the second best league in the World after the NHL, the chance to play there is an incredible and deserved opportunity.

“Fortunately the club have covered the position of British players with the recent signings of Jackson and Brandon Whistle. This means we can look for a quality import defenceman to fill Ben’s place on the team. He will have to be a hell of a player because that is what we are losing in Ben”