Morgan follows Farmer over to Phoenix

The 22-year-old is the second British-trained player to part company with Sheffield Steelers since the end of a disappointing 2009-10 Elite League season for the South Yorkshire club.

He could hook up with former Steelers team-mate Robert Farmer, who signed for Phoenix – coached by Tony Hand – at the end of last month, although the 19-year-old forward could be heading further afield after securing a trial with Iowa-based Dubuque Fighting Saints, who play in the United States Hockey League.

Farmer flies out to try and launch a career for himself in North America in June.

Morgan, who made the step up to Steelers last summer after two seasons with Phoenix's EPL rivals Sheffield Scimitars, said: "Tony really did a selling job on me – I didn't need to think it over too long.

"I think of myself as a leader and I do communicate. I come to play every night, I'm determined and I see my primary role as playing the body, clearing the net and protecting my goalies."

Hand, who played for Steelers between 1995-99, added: "Ben is a solid player, skates well and plays a sensible aggressive defensive role.

"He takes the body and we need a bit more of that on the team this year. But, I've also told him that I will encourage him to get forward and contribute offensively too."