Introduction
Carrying on the family legacy, Tate Shudra becomes the third Shudra to sign with the Steelers over their 33 year history. After brother Cole and father Ron have cemented themselves in Steelers history, more of the same will be expected from youngest recruit Tate ahead of a promising 2024/2025 season.
A breakout star
Over his career, 19 year old Tate Shudra has played in both the National Ice Hockey League (NIHL) and National Ice Hockey League One (NIHL1)with the young forward having plenty of experience in England's second division. Last season, Shudra played 46 games for a struggling Sheffield Steeldogs side where he scored 11 points (Pts) and shone brightly in a really dull environment. The 2023/2024 season also saw Shudra play up the lines for the Steeldogs as head coach Stephen Weeks often trusted the young winger in the top 6 forwards. This is a sign of things to come for Tate as he is already trusted in such an important role on the Steeldogs roster. This caught the attention of Sheffield Steelers GM and Head Coach Aaron Fox who rewarded Shudra with a two-way contract ahead of the 2024/2025 season. With a full season at the Steeldogs, the league is Tate Shudras oyster as he looks to build up on his already competitive points totals in the NIHL.
The Family Name
In Sheffield Ice Hockey, the surname ‘Shudra’ comes with a lot of pressure. This stems back to the 90’s when Father Ron Shudra joined the Steelers. Joining the Steelers in only their second season, the defenceman Ron Shudra played 32 games and scored 148 points along the way in the English League Division One. This is what makes Ron Shudra so legendary in Steelers folklore as the franchises 2nd all time top point scorer still works for the club now. Although he doesn’t lace up the boots any more, Ron Shudra enjoys the action from the commentary booth as he looks on and sees his eldest son and current Steeler Cole Shudra play week in week out for the Steelers. Cole Shudra has been a part of the Steelers organisation since 2016 where he was on a two way contract with the Steeldogs similar to what Tate Shudra is on now. Since then, Shudra has gone on to win five trophies in Orange including a grand slam in the 2023/2024 campaign. This immortalised Cole Shudra in Steelers history after the rollercoaster season and unforeseen circumstances made it extremely hard for Cole in particular.
Lots on offer
At just 19 years old. Tate Shudra has shown he has a keen eye for a goal as he has recorded 10 goals in the NIHL and has been playing in that league since he was 16. This shows how bright of a future Tate has to offer Sheffield Ice Hockey as many fans tip the young man to progress and play full time with the Steelers. Standing at 6’0”, Tate Shudra is a big body on the ice and he has the physical attrition able to make a strong EIHL player in the future. Looking forward to the 2024/2025 season, giving Shudra a full year in the NIHL will be key in his development as a player with him being able to compete and challenge in a very strong Steeldogs roster and in training with the Steelers.
Benefits of the two-way contract
This offseason, we have seen the Steelers sign many players on a two-way contract with sister club the Sheffield Steeldogs. This is a massive advantage to both clubs and in particular players like Tate Shudra who will benefit from the deals massively. The two-way contracts allow players to be available for Aaron Fox when needed for the Steelers but not count to the roster number until they are dressed. This will give the Steelers much needed depth and flexibility when players become injured and the schedule gets tough. Players like Tate Shudra will feel the benefits from the two-way contracts as he and others like Finlay Ulrick, Morgan Clarke-Pizzo and Nathan Ripley will be able to train with the Steelers and play their hockey with the Steeldogs. This will allow important skills and knowledge to be passed on from the Steelers squad to the young two-way players so they can develop in the NIHL. This will no doubt breed the future generation of Steelers and be a model that many EIHL teams will look into.
Conclusion
Overall, a bright and promising career is on offer for Tate Shudra as he continues to prepare for his EIHL days that are soon to come. It will be of great interest to all Steelers fans to see how this young Shudra does in the 2024/2025 campaign playing for the Dogs and how he will fit in during Steelers training sessions. This could be the start of the Steelers next core of homegrown talent that will come through to not only improve the Steelers but the Great Britain National Team too.
Author of Article: Will Harris
Editor: Calan Yule
Proofread By: Calan Yule
© EIHL News Central
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