Released Sheffield Steelers' goalie claims the club gave him mixed signals

Steelers' goalie Ervins Mustukovs - who parted company with Sheffield today - said he rejected overtures from other clubs because he believed they were going to re-sign him.
Ervins Mustukovs: a free agentErvins Mustukovs: a free agent
Ervins Mustukovs: a free agent

The Latvian is now looking for a new team, and would happily sign for any Elite League rival.

After being released by coach Paul Thompson, the shut-out king said: “I played every game except three out of 80. Not bad, huh? I was always healthy. I missed only one or two training sessions. I did everything that I could for this club.

“It was their decision even though I have been statistically top goalie all three years I’ve been here. Two times I had the best goals against average, two times best saves percentage, two times most wins. A League record by shutouts, then shut outs in a row. For goalies, stats are their jobs. I did what I was paid for. But it seems that it was not good enough for them.”

Mustukovs was surprised by the club’s verdict because: “At the end of January I was told that they were going sign me. Then I turned off the deals from other leagues because I believed I was staying. Until you have a signature on the paper there are no guarantees.”

The netminder will “look to all options and of course UK as well” for a job.

“I will miss guys from the team, fans and the city” he said.

“Thank you for the big big support from me and my family. The fans were amazing.”