Jason Hewitt Testimonial

Today, in his testimonial year, he hosts an all star past Steelers testimonial game with the likes of Steeler legends such as Colt King and Neil Clark.

Whilst the Steelers were winning the 2000-01 Grand Slam in the super-league era Jason Hewitt was starting out on his hockey career with hometown side Altrincham. By the time the Manchester Phoenix were born and playing in the Elite league under head coach, former Steeler Rick Brebant, Hewitt had progressed and making his professional debut in 2003, playing all 56 league and 5 play off games. It was in 04-05 that Hewitt became more recognised after signing Coach Denis Maxwell and the London Racers. Their hard nosed, hard hitting in your face style suited Hewitt. His goal output increased from 1 to 8, as did his penalty minutes from 58 to 75.

Hewitt remained with the Racers the following season, a short one for London when the club ceased operations just 15 games into the 05-06 campaign. A further 9 game spell in Basingstoke followed before Dennis Maxwell was appointed as head coach in Sheffield. Maxwell immediately re-signed Hewitt in January of 2006 and he completed the remaining 19 games of that regular season and 8 play off games. It was also a season that saw the Steelers lift silverware in the form of the British Knockout Cup.

A full season in 06-07 had a return of 17 points and 100 penalty minutes, similar numbers followed the following season (07-08) the year of the Steelers play off success at the NIC in Nottingham. Another 18 point tally in 08-09 helped the Steelers lift the league and play off double, it also saw the reward of a call up to the senior men’s GB side for both the Olympic qualification tournament and the end of season World Championship where a Bronze medal was won.

Hewitt scored double digits for the first time in 09-10 (12=17=19) and also amassed 178 penalty minutes. Whilst the season ended without a trophy Hewitt’s form impressed enough for another GB World Championships.

With new coach Ben Simon in place Hewitt was about to have his stand out season, 2010-2011, one that would result in another league title. 17 goals, 47 points was a splendid return as the Steelers lifted silverware once again.

Equally as important were his performances for GB in the Ukraine where GB were less than 7 minutes away for promotion to Pool A of the IIHF World Championships. A silver medal was the reward for another fine season.

Hewitt was again an ever present in the two most recent seasons, it saw him take over from team mate Mark Thomas as the most capped EIHL player of all time and the Iron man title, as well as achieving the dubious distinction of surpassing Tommy Plommer’s penalty minute record.

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