Tim Cranston — Part Two
Part Two picks up Tim Cranston's story at the very top of UK ice hockey. In 1993, Alex Dampier invited Tim to join the Sheffield Steelers, beginning a five-season spell that helped redefine the British game. Balancing hockey with a law degree at York University, Tim became a cornerstone of a Steelers team on the rise.
After the pain of a 12–1 Wembley Playoff Final defeat to Cardiff in his first season, Sheffield responded in style—winning a League and Playoff double, clinching the league title on Nottingham Panthers' ice and gaining Wembley revenge over the Devils.
The following season delivered a Grand Slam: Benson & Hedges Cup, League Championship and a dramatic penalty-shot Playoff Final win, with Tim uniquely named Man of the Match in three consecutive Wembley Finals.
The launch of the SuperLeague (1996–97) brought more success as Sheffield finished runners-up before again beating Nottingham in the Playoff Final. Tim's final Steelers season ended without silverware, but off the ice he qualified as a lawyer, retiring at 36.
In total, Tim recorded 297 games, 208 goals, 205 assists for Sheffield, plus 32 GB caps. A delayed Canadian law licence led to a short final UK spell with the Edinburgh Capitals, where he fittingly signed off in Scotland with 10 goals and 9 assists in 17 games.
