Leeds Chiefs temporary signings make good first impression on Sam Zajac

Following on from Sunday’s 11-1 loss at Bracknell Beeds, the Chiefs suffered a second heavy defeat in three days in South Yorkshire when crashing 9-2 to Sheffield Steeldogs.

Sam Zajac’s shell-shocked side face a swift reunion with the Bees, who pay a visit to their temporary home of Blackburn this Saturday.

It’s unlikely either Haggar or Hehir will feature, though, given their respective parent clubs both have games.

Forward Haggar plays two steps down in NIHL 2 with hometown team Hull Jets but, after signing as temporary cover in time for the Steeldogs’ clash, looked comfortable, even marking his Chiefs debut with a 53rd-minute consolation goal.

He has posted 43 points, incuding 13 goals, in 14 games for the Jets this season, with a standout year coming for the 28-year-old in 2017-18 when he scored 131 points, including 73 goals, in just 32 appearances.

Teenager Hehir - brother of Chiefs’ forward Ethan - is a highly-regarded defenceman playing one tier below the NIHL National with hometown club Billingham Stars.

Both impressed player-coach Zajac with their efforts on what was a trying day for bottom-of-the-table Leeds.

“I think our best two players were Richie and Dylan, the guys stepping up - that speaks volumes because they came in and did a very good job for us,” said Zajac.

“I was very impressed with how they adapted to this level. I’d spoken to Dylan before the game and told him that it would be a bit quicker than he was used, but he kept it simple did a really good job.

“And Richie showed why he is so prolific offensively in NIHL Two.

“He scores loads of points there and he showed he’s got vision and that he can make a good pass.

“He took his goal really well, and I was really happy for them pair to come and help us out on what was a tough day.