Sheffield Steelers appoint Ben Simon as player-coach

Ben Simon (centre) played for NHL side Columbus Blue Jackets in 2005/06

Sheffield Steelers have appointed former NHL winger Ben Simon as player-coach to replace Dave Matsos.

Steelers owner Bob Phillips has also revealed he will now not sell the club after receiving no suitable offers.

Simon, 32, played 81 games in America's NHL with Columbus Blue Jackets and Atlanta Thrashers.

He told BBC Radio Sheffield: "I'm excited and I am looking forward to getting things back on track. We're going to have an exciting team."

Sheffield were hit by the resignations of coach Matsos, general manager Mike O'Connor and club founder David Simms earlier this month.

The trio, who were joined by the club's two full-time office staff, Betty Waring and Luke MacDonald, said it was as a vote of no confidence in the club's owner.

We're going to have a hard working team and we're going to have a team that will have success

Steelers head coach Ben Simon

Sheffield now look set to remain in the ownership of the Phillips family, after the Steelers received no suitable offers.

Maraini Phillips said: "We need to put behind us the events of recent weeks and we are looking forward to a fantastic 2010/11 season.

"There is a huge amount of work going on at the club in terms of recruiting players, planning marketing campaigns, developing the new website, along with communication platforms and discussions with sponsors.

"Above all, the fabulous supporters of Sheffield Steelers deserve to have the best product possible on the ice and that it exactly what we are going to deliver for them."

A spokesperson for the Elite League added: "There had been a number of meetings and negotiations with interested parties. However, they had not reached a successful conclusion.

"Having looked into the option for sale, the owners of the club are continuing with their focus on preparation for the season."

Simon will replace Matsos as head coach and he believes Sheffield supporters will be impressed with his plans.

"I am looking forward to putting a good product on the ice. We're going to have a hard working team and we're going to have a team that will have success," Simon added.

Simon was drafted in 1997 by Chicago Blackhawks, but had to wait until the 2001/02 season to make his NHL debut with Atlanta.

The winger has also played in the American Hockey League and the top-flight in Germany.