Former Union College forward Nathan Gillies is heading across the Atlantic Ocean to continue his pro hockey career.

Sheffield (England) Steelers coach David Matsos announced the signing of Gillies on Friday. Gillies, who played for the Dutchmen from 1999-2003, spent last season between Charlotte and Phoenix in the ECHL. He had seven goals and eight assists in 15 games.

Gillies will join former Dutchmen teammate Randy Dagenais on the Steelers. Also playing for the Steelers is former RPI defenseman Steve Munn.

“I know Sheffield has done its homework on me, and, likewise, I have done mine on both the club and the coach,” Gillies said on the club’s Web site. “I couldn’t find anyone with a bad word to say about either. I’m excited, and can’t wait to arrive. I know many of the guys on the team, I have played with some and against many others. Matty has told me that I will be coming to play on a team hell bent on winning a championship, and that sounds great to me.”

Matsos said on the Web site: “I have been trying to sign this guy since I became the Steelers coach three summers ago. There isn’t anyone who has a bad word to say about the guy as a person, a player or a leader. I looked at many different options, the out and out tough guy, the super-skilled forward, but every time I kept coming back to Nathan, a guy who will give us grit, energy and who will make an offensive contribution.”