Tributes paid to old Sheffield Steelers adversary after eight-month cancer battle

Sheffield Steelers' personnel, past and present, today paid their condolences after learning of the death of one of their most determined adversaries.
By Bob Westerdale
Published 2nd Nov 2022, 11:45 BST
Updated 2nd Nov 2022, 11:45 BST
Brent Pope battled cancer for eight months.Brent Pope battled cancer for eight months.
Brent Pope battled cancer for eight months.

Brent Pope, formerly of Cardiff Devils (1996-1999 and 2007-12) and Nottingham Panthers (1999-2000) died after an eight-month battle with cancer, on Monday in north America.

He would have been 50 in February.

Former Steelers' winger Les Millie wrote on Facebook: "Like so many on here, absolutely devasated to hear of the passing of Brent.

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Brent Pope and family and his family.Brent Pope and family and his family.
Brent Pope and family and his family.

"He was a quirky guy but so funny at the same time, it was a pleasure having him not just as a teammate (Sheffield Scimitars 2005-6) but as a friend.

"My deepest sympathies go to his family at this difficult time… RIP Poper you’ll be sorely missed."

Another ex-Steelers' winger Ivan Matulik posted: "Rest In Peace my dear friend. I cherish the times we shared...Thinking of your beautiful family in this difficult time."

And former Sheffield and Nottingham defenceman Corey Beaulieu added: "Just received word another warrior has been lost to cancer. RIP brother."

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Les Millie paid tribute to the Steelers' old adversary.Les Millie paid tribute to the Steelers' old adversary.
Les Millie paid tribute to the Steelers' old adversary.

A spokesman for Steelers told The Star: "He was a big character in the British game and our thoughts are with his family."

Pope had also played for Great Britain and the Ice Hockey UK body sent its condolences to his wife Fegie Ann and their two young children.

IHUK said: "The defenceman made his GB debut in the 2003 World Championship Division 1 Group B in Zagreb, Croatia, making five appearances.

"He made three further appearances the following season in the Division 1 Group A tournament in Oslo, Norway.

"After retiring from the game, he went on to have management and coaching roles with Cardiff Devils, before starting a career in sports broadcasting."

Related topics:Sheffield SteelersPopeGreat Britain