January 4, 2010

Basiuk Eager to Return to Ice

The long wait is over for the Sheffield Steelers as defenseman Scott Basiuk makes his long awaited return to the line up against Cardiff Devils on Wednesday night at the Sheffield Arena. Basiuk underwent shoulder surgery after sustaining an injury in the clubs 3rd league game of the season against Belfast on the 12th September.

"It's been a long wait," said Basiuk, "and my patience has run out. I don't know how much longer I could stand on a bench and watch. I'm a player not a coach or an assistant and I have longed for the day I laced the skates back on and played a game. It's been too long that's for sure.

"What's made it worse is the run of results we have had. You feel helpless there on the bench. You want to help. You want to pull your weight, but all you can do is stand there and encourage the guys."

Basiuk's return comes as relief for Steelers head coach David Matsos. "This day couldn't come a day too soon," he said. "We have missed Scott so very much. He is a no nonsense defensemen, a guy who moves people from in front of the net, a guy who in the dressing room makes others accountable. He is a leader and he is a presence. We have missed him very much."