Zion played for IK Oskarshamn in Sweden before joining Sheffield

Sheffield Steelers have agreed terms with defenceman Jonathan Zion until the end of the season.

The 28-year-old has played in Europe as well as in the American Hockey League and will make his debut against Edinburgh Capitals on Thursday.

Steelers head coach Dave Matsos told BBC Radio Sheffield: "He has done extremely well in Europe.

"And he has American League games under his belt so he has a high pedigree," added Matsos.

The Canadian has spent the last three years playing in Scandinavia and arrives at the Steelers as cover for Rod Sarich who requires surgery on a broken foot.

Mastos is confident the addition of Zion will give him greater flexibility with his squad of players once Sarich returns to full fitness.

"There is no better forward out there than Rod Sarich," he said. "I have combed the earth for the last few months and the players in our budget are not of his calibre.

"Bringing Jonathan in will allow me to decide whether I want to change the forwards or the defence around."

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