When the student games were held in Sheffield a large 8,000 seater arena was
built. At that time David Gardiner-Brown saw an opportunity to build on the sporting success of the two
football clubs in the city. He recruited Ronnie Wood (from Solihull Barons) as his co marketing director and
the Sheffield Steelers were born. They secured Dave Simms (a supporters club commitee member from Solihull)
and it was he that came up with the idea of giving players nicknames to help fans associate with them.They
originally applied to replace Solihull Barons in the top league but when the governing body turned down that
request they found themselves playing in the third tier of British hockey.They began their season made up of
players largely from the Sheffield Sabres with the cream of the cash-strapped Solihull Barons' defence; as
well as former Edmonton Oiler Ron Shudra, Phil Lee and Paul Thompson.They also recuited canadian-born Mark
Mackie from Chelmsford Chieftans as well as netminder Terry Bagley.And, of course, not forgetting Wood
himself a former GB international who became the teams top scoring British player.Steelers first match
played at the Arena in front of 2300 people was a challenge match against Durham Wasps. Which they lost 7-1
the Steelers goal was scored by A Johnson.
OCT
The first game in English Div 1 was away at Sunderland Chiefs which they won
13-2. Steelers first league match at the Arena was the following night against Chelmsford Chieftains which
they draw 3-3 in a very exciting match in front of 1000 spectators. By the end of the month Steelers were
top of the League, Tickets at the Arena were 4.50 for Adults, 3.50 for Children. Car parking was free,
those were the days.
YEAR 1992
JAN
Steelers lose for the first time on own ice in front of a capacity crowd 8300 at
the Arena against Medway Bears 7-9
MAR
An extra 1,175 seats have been installed for the two matches this weekend against
Sunderland Chiefs and Solent Viking.
Steelers confirmed that an overall sponsorship package was nearing the 100,000
figure.
Sheffield Steelers Director David Gardner-Brown confirmed his two import,
player-coach Ron Shudra and hot shot Steve Nemeth had signed up for next season.
Sheffield Steelers have revealed plans to build an Olympic-standard ice rink in
the city. Sheffield general manager Ronnie Wood confirmed today that the club wants to create a practice rink
with seats for 800 spectators. Sheffield Arena would still be the Steelers home rink, but the practice pad
would be used by the team when ice is not available at the Arena because of concerts.
APR
Sheffield Steelers may miss out on promotion, after claims that they fielded a
suspended player in two crucial matches,If the allegations against defenceman Phil Lee are proved the club
could face losing the two matches 5-0 and finish bottom of the playoff group.Having suspended key defenceman
Phil Lee for the Livingston match, it now seems certain that the dispute prompted by the sports
administrators failure to tell the Steelers about rule changes which should have resulted in the suspension
earlier in the playoffs will now be resolved without Steelers losing points and a place in the Heineken
First Division is secured.
MAY
Steelers bring in Tommy Plommer from Ayr, Scott Neil from Murreyfield, and Neil
Abel from Fife Flyers. Ronnie Wood says "They are top class players who will hold key roles in our new game
plan".
JULY
20
Steelers may quit Arena the shock after just one season comes amid speculation of
a large rent rise, and other changes to the team's arrangements.Millionaire Steelers owner David
Gardner-Brown will fly in from his home in Spain to hammer out a deal with the new Arena general manager
Jay Hagerman. As well as a rent increase, the Arena wants to take a 30 per cut of gate taking at matches.
Introduce a 1 car parking charge.
23
A compromise deal was reached this afternoon between the Steelers and the Arena,
neither side was talking figures, but only the price of car parking charges remained unresolved.
OCT
Steelers received notice today that the British Ice Hockey Association ruled
that leading scorer Steve MacSwain was not entitled to dual nationality and banned him, McSwain has now
left Sheffield and Ronnie Wood said" We were exonerated from any blame ".
NOV
06
Steelers boss David Gardner- Brown has resigned as an official of the ice hockey
club. But he is carrying on as managering director of Sheffield Steelers Ltd.His decision is understood to
have been prompted by his failed bid to save Ayr Bruins.The collapse of the Bruins deal has left the Ayr
club in debt and excluded from playing any further games in Heineken Div One --the same ice hockey league
as the Steelers.
DEC
08
Steeler boss David Gardner Brown has scotched reports that he is planning to sell
the Sheffield Steelers he has resigned as an official of the club in advance of his suspension says he is
continuing on as managing director of the company which owns the club.
20
Sheffield Steelers revealed that Great Britain international coach Alex
Dampier is to be their new coach. The announcement that the former Nottingham Panthers coach was to take over
was made minutes before the start of their Division One fixture against Romford Raiders at Sheffield Arena.
YEAR 1993
FEB
08
Tim Cranston plays his first match versus Blackburn Blackhawks
25
A Sheffield Steelers fan was allegedly hit in the face with a an ice hockey
stick as violence erupted at an Arena cup game.Today police launched their own inquiry after a Humberside
Seahawks player apparently struck the man during a row with away team coach Peter Johnson.
26
Sheffield Steelers general manager Ronnie Wood has quit the admin side of the
business. In a statement released by Steelers, David Gardner - Brown adds "There is no question about the
immense contribution that Ronnie has made to the success of the Steelers, both on and off the ice and I would
publicly like to express my gratitude to him.
MAR
Sheffield Steelers will test their top line up credentials against crack European
opposition Metallurg Cherepovets.
17
Steelers ice hockey fans face a massive rise in ticket prices for next season.
A family ticket for two adults and two children will cost 15.An adult ticket will be 5.50.
23
Sheffield Steelers lost more than 50,000 in their first season, and were also
being rapped by auditors who discovered a catalogue of financial irregularities. In the directors report on
the accounts Mr Gardner-Brown says they are not satisfied with the state of the company financial affairs
but added that they have taken steps to ensure the company is profitable during the current season.
APR
01
Sheffield Steelers coach Alex Dampier has agreed to take charge next season,
and Scott Neil has also accepted a new contract for next season.Neil has also been named club captain
throwing into doubt the future of current captain Ron Shudra.
George Dodds, a Yorkshire exile living in Spain, is understood to have taken a
controlling interest in Sheffield Steelers ice hockey club. Mr Dodds, a long-term investor in the club, has
until now taken a back seat in the Steelers
day-to-day affairs.
19
Sheffield Steelers said their own unique thank you to around 9,000 Arena fans at
the last home match of the ice hockey season.The Tina Turner look-a-like had Saturday night package house
almost fooled with her performance.
MAY
Steelers sign Chris Kelland, Clyde Tuyl joins as assistant coach
JULY
23
Steelers sign Selmar Odelein from Nottingham Panthers, and Netminder Martin
McKay.
AUG
Steelers reinstate Shudra as captain.
SEPT
Steelers were held to a draw 8-8 in their first match in the British League
Premier before 7,100 fans packed into Sheffield Arena.
Paul Thompson has quit the club and signed for Solihull Barons. Steelers first
play with orange on their shirts.
OCT
21
Sheffield Steelers have signed a former Czech defector Ivan Matulik to beef up
their attack, and terminated Claude Dumas contract.
NOV
04
The ICE hockey star dubbed the best ever to skate on British ice started his
Sheffield Steelers career today , better late than never.Selmar Odelein was a month overdue at Sheffield
Arena from his native Saskatoon, Canada after being delayed by commitments on his family farm.
29
Yorkshire Electricity have paid out more than 10.000 in damages after leaving
Sheffield Steelers team in the dark. Managers of Homepower, YE's retail arm, pulled the plug on a sponsorship
deal.
YEAR 1994
FEB
17
Sheffield Steelers lost an astonishing 174,000 in its second year. Managing
Director David Gardner Brown is criticised for irregular use of company funds following an audit.The report
says the club failed to keep books properly for the second year running. Mr Dodds said "After the financial
mess the company had got into, I demanded full control and warned I'd pull out if I didn't get it.Steelers
would have collapsed if I'd walked out. David had the good grace to sign over the documents there and
then.
Hayley Roach official of the supporters club, confirmed that a full allocation
of 1,000 tickets had already been taken up for the Premier playoff in April at Wembley and they want more,
and they have still to qualify.
MAR
01
Controversial referee Nico Toeman hit back today at Steelers fans who claim he
is biased. Toeman became instantly unpopular last season when he sent off Ron Shudra.The Sheffield captain
later got a six game ban." It was not my problem whether Shudra got six games or six years. But they blamed
me as they always do.
23
Members of the British Ice Hockey Association went in session last night to
mull over Steelers response before either scrapping or trying to enforce the penalty for alleged wage-capping
. Today they simply said "solicitor" were still in discussions.
27
Angry Sheffield Steelers blasted the British Ice Hockey Association again
yesterday just 24 hours after winning their court injunction over punishment for allegedly breaking the
League's salary cap.
APR
20
Sheffield Steelers skate out on Wembley ice this weekend knowing they have
become the team everybody outside South Yorkshire loves to hate. There amazing rise to the top in three
short years has made enemies at many of the clubs they have left on the wayside.
22
Super Steelers success just keeps rolling demonstrated by the 1,100 strong
supporters club, and 2,300 season ticket already ordered for next season.
MAY
10
A Medical specialist has told Selmar Odelein to quit, this back complaint will
not clear up. Tony Hand is tempted on a move to Steelers.
JUN
22
Steve Nemeth will not be returning to the team next season, he is expected to
return to the German team Krayfellt which he left when he joined the Steelers.
JULY
18
Sheffield Steelers have reluctantly coughed up a fine of 5,000 ice hockey
bosses ordered them to pay for alleged wagecap busting. We had reached the stage where it was not worth the
cost of going back through the courts."no one has ever proved we broke the wagecap level and the owner
George Dodds is furious that justice has not been done."
Sheffield Steelers have signed defenceman Mike O'Connor. Steelers have hit a
stumbling block at their bid reach a deal with Scott Neil. Steeler have lost out in the race to sign
"wonderkid" Ashley Tait from Nottingham Panthers. Rob Wilson signed for the Steelers.
AUG
Sheffield Steelers have re-signed Scot Neil.
Sheffield Steelers announced the biggest sponsorship deal with McEwans in the
history of British club ice hockey.
SEP
17
Sheffield Steelers 250,000 deal with new sponsors hit an embarrassing snag just
two hours before last night's cup tie. The club's landlords, Sheffield Arena, ordered them to take down a
30ft McEwan's Lager banner proudly erected at the curtain end of the rink.
OCT
20
Steve Nemeth is brought back to the Steelers, after Paul Jackson was sacked by
the club.
DEC
31
Ken Priestlay "The Messiah" signs for the Steelers.
YEAR 1995
JAN
06
Sheffield Steelers suffered catastrophic losses of 234,008 in the first two
financial years, and was teetering on the brink of collapse. Now the family friendly sports club has declared
a modest, but significant profit of 44,247 for last year, and expect to double that in the current
period.
FEB
03
Selmar Odelein was back home in Canada today heartbroken that medical advice had
forbidden a return to Sheffield Steelers
MAR
09
Wage- Cap spies have run the rule over Sheffield Steelers again. Finance Chief
Steve Crowther said "Everything is above board at this club as it always has been.". Cardiff and Nottingham
have also been visited.
28
Sheffield Steelers supporter Dave Morris and his cornet upset so many rival fans
at the weekend that the Nottingham rink threatened to call in the environmental health. They told him an
official armed with a meter would be checking whether he broke volume levels after his trumpet solo had 3,000
home fans cupping their ears. But last night Dave escaped the gagging order as Nottingham noise officials
backed down.
APR
07
Steelers ace Ken Priestlay could quit Britain before he is BLINDED by high
sticking opponents. The input marksman has been sticked in the face four times in the last two matches, cuts
requiring around 15 stitches.
MAY
12
Sheffield Steelers have almost reached their season ticket target for next season
months before the action starts again. The club riding on the back of a double championship has sold 2,645
season tickets already. That compares with the 2,683 they sold on the first day of last season.
JUN
07
Andre Malo joined old favourite Tim Cranston, who has re-signed, in a public
ceremony in Orchard Square where more than 1,000 fans turned up for the event.
14
The Sheffield Steelers today shook the ice hockey world to its foundations by
pulling off the sport's biggest ever double signing of the Edinburgh Racers Tony Hand and the Cardiff Devils
Nicky Chinn
JULY
03
Wayne Cowley has agreed financial terms with Steelers.
AUG
07
Hand revealed that Edinburgh Racers were now demanding compensation for him
despite the club being scratched from the British League and his teammates having gone their separate ways.
Now it's believed that Racers directors have put a 20,000 price-tag on Hand's head which would set a British
record.
15
Hand sorted out the hitch himself and such was the power of his argument that the
Scots backed down and not a penny was paid by Sheffield.
29
Sheffield Steelers have been forced to stop using the Thunderbirds theme tune.
But now the Arena has warned the club they maybe infringing copyright, and ordered them to come up with
something else. Dave Simms quipped"This is diabolical. I'm taking this all the way to the top , I've asked
Parker to have a word in the ear of Lady Penelope."
SEP
01
Three Sheffield Steelers stars cheated death when their new 16,000 car swerved
across a busy carriageway and plunged 15ft down a banking. Driver Scott Neil was pulled half conscious from
the written off car by team mates Tony Hand and Chris Kelland after the crash near Worksop. GB international
Neil was detained in hospital overnight with concussion. His cousin Hand suffered a neck injury. Kelland was
also nursing a sore back following the crash.
OCT
One of the most impressive shows of support comes next weekend when Steelers
supporters form the biggest single invasion of Europe by any ice hockey club. An estimated 800 fans will
fill a quarter of the rink at Tilburg, and all of them go in peace.
05
Steelers lay on a real Dutch treat, an awesome display of defensive might and
clinical shooting gave sparking Sheffield Steelers their first taste of European Cup glory last night.
09
Sheffield's ice hockey kings nay have failed to quality for the next round of the
European Cup. But what a performance they won the first match, fought back from 4-0 down only to lose 5-3
against the likely champions, and then beat a team of Spanish no-hopers in their last outing.
NOV
09
Rob Wilson was able to cut short what should have been a season long low to
Telford after his dual nationality was replaced by full British status. Steelers have written out a
compensation cheque to Telford, who accepted his determination to leave a week ago.
DEC
Manchester Storm trying to sign Martin McKay, Steelers put a price tag of 20,000
on his head.
17
Sheffield families caught up in a bloody ice hockey war are considering launching
legal action against rival team players. Parents of at least two young females who claim they were
intimidated and verbally abused by injured Durham Wasps player Ross Lambert have already made contact with
lawyers.
YEAR 1996
JAN
05
Frosty bosses of Sheffield Steelers may sue a rival team for 80,000 after they
had to let down 8,000 fans. The fixture against Basingstoke on Dec 30 had to be cancelled with hours to go
when the Southern team suddenly announced the weather was too bad to travel.Steelers will have to pay the
Arena 10,000 in rent if the game is not replayed.
FEB
08
Jamie Van Der Horst joins the Steelers from Solihull Barons. Steelers Alex
Dampier has persuaded David Longstaff to join them on loan to the end of the season.
MAR
Those sour pusses who say Steelers have bought their own success are absolutely
right. The BIHA's tinpot trophy was not good enough for image-conscious Sheffield so the club splashed out
four figures on their own league championship cup.
27
American lawyers were delivered a brunt message from Sheffield 'Hands off our
Steelers'. City leaders reacted with the sort of aggression often on the ice to news that American football
team Pittsburgh Steelers are claiming the name exclusively for their own use.
APR
02
Steelermania brought Orchard Square in the city centre to a shuddering halt.
Hundreds of ice hockey fans joined Sheffield Lord Mayor Coun David Heslop in saluting the Grand Slam
champions and Steelers captain Ron Shudra and his men were swamped by well-wishers and autograph hunters.
`
MAY
22
Steeler today threw their weight behind Sheffield's surprise bid for a new
17m national ice stadium. The city has overtaken Nottingham as the prime contender for a Olympic standard
training facility.Nottingham had hoped the two pad rink paid with lottery money would be a new home for
beaten Wembley finalists Panthers.
`
JUN
11
Wayne Cowley walked out on Sheffield Steelers plunging the champion into a
goaltending crisis. The 31 year old Canadian said "The money involve, at this stage of my career, meant I
just couldn't turn it down".
`
17
Steelers coach Alex Dampier denied there was any risk involved in signing new
Italian Canadian netminder Piero Greco. Steelers summer shopping spree continued with the signature of new
6ft 3ins import winger Frank Kovacs.
JULY
06
Injured ice hockey ace Steve Nemeth's Steelers career is in doubt after he
criticised the club in the Star over non-payment of his wages.
`
12
Steelers coach Alex Dampier put an end to weeks of uncertainty over transfer
target Jamie Leach declaring " I've got him".
`
SEPT
04
Steelers have offered Steve Nemeth an improved contract to return. The two sides
have had their differences over the summer but real progress has been made during a series of phone calls
between Sheffield and British Colombia.
`
OCT
11
Steelers 16-0 annihilation of Hielo Jaca last night was more than just a throw
back in English Division one days than a European quarter final. The ludicrously poor visitors were run
ragged on Sheffield Arena ice.
`
23
Ron Shudra 28year-old Steelers player was rushed to Sheffield Northern General
hospital after being found laying on the dressing room floor. He was given oxygen and ambulanced to hospital,
where he was placed on an ECG heart monitor.
`
Steelers were today booking their flight tickets to Finland after romping through
in the Europa Cup semi finals. They beat Steaua Bucharest 4-1 and Tilburg Trappers 5-1.
`
28
Sheffield Steelers the city's most successful professional sports this decade is
for sale at 4m. Millionaire owner George Dodds has already been approached by three prospective buyers.
`
NOV
Steelers players have a vote between themselves for the captaincy, and it was
given to Rob Wilson.
`
10
This pay per view boxing is really good value. Sheffield Steelers should have
ropes around the rink rather than plexi-glass for last nights bloody clash with Basingstoke Bison. Three
players were sent off after a fighting spectacular, Tommy Plommer who took on Doug Sinclair a bout which
sparked a bench clearance. The most bizarre night was Steelers goalie Jim Hibbert racing the length of the
ice to flatten opposite number Richard Gallace.
`
Steelers new bull-nosed defenceman arrived in Sheffield today, and he's not here
to make friends. Corey Beaulieu sums up his style of play in one word "Rough".
`
15
Sheffield Steelers were beaten 7-5 by Norway's Shorhamar after leading 4-1 in the
first of their three match Europa Cup semi-final series.
`
16
Sheffield Steelers made Europe sit up and take notice with a breathtaking 2-2 tie
with crack Finnish team HPK Hameenlinna.`
17
Steelers narrowly went down 5-4 in the last semi final to a fast skating team
Polymir Novopoletsk.`
18
Sheffield Steeler ice hockey club were embroiled in a nightclub brawl. Captain
Rob Wilson was kicked in the chest as a pitched battle erupted outside the Metropole nightclub in
Hameenlinna Finland.Police flooded the market square outside the club but made no arrests among the Sheffield
squad.
`
DEC
03
Jason Lafreniere joins the Steelers Alex Dampier says" finally
got him".
`
28
Steelers may sell off half their ice hockey franchise to Sheffield hated soccer
rivals Leeds Utd. The deal would see United's controlling company Caspian buying the right to play Britain
fastest growing indoor sport in West Yorkshire. Caspian has plans for a 15,000 seater home for their new
superleague team.
`
YEAR 1997
JAN
08
Sheffield Steelers have sold their right to be Yorkshire only Superleague ice
hockey club. Caspian paid 150,000 to the Superleague for the franchise coving north of South Yorkshire.
They also paid 250,000 to Steelers, which the club will invest in further development.
09
Cardiff Devils defenceman Shannon Hope could face jail in connection with
facial injuries suffered by Steelers player Jamie Leach. Police confirmed Hope could be charged with causing
grievous bodily harm, an offence which carries a possible jail sentence.
11
Steelers players staged a bus mutiny and considered refusing to play in the
controversial 3-2 defeat at Cardiff. A poll conducted on board the coach showed over whelming support for
pulling out of the fixture, as a protest at the unpunished facial injury suffered by team mate Jamie Leach.
FEB
27
Alex Dampier normally a laid-back coach blew his top behind closed doors at the
Nynex Arena following this side's 6-2 thrashing by Manchester Storm. Kicked a table several feet across the
floor. Sent hockey sticks crashing in all directions, and booted a row of cans up into orbit. According to
club spokesman Dave Simms Alex made a stand. He wanted his players to know that the standard of play they
had dropped to that night was unacceptable.
MAR
04
Steve Nemeth blasts Steelers players and bosses. The injured ace claims he has
been treated like a leper since a recurrence of this tennis elbow complaint, which may force him to quit
the sport he has played for 25 years.
APR
25
Ron Shudra signs on for two more years, joining Ken Priestlay and Tony Hand.
30
Steelers fans were deprived of European League ice hockey when it was confirmed
the club had dropped out of next year's tournament. General Manger Steve Crowther withdrew the club in
support of league winners Cardiff Devils who had not been invited to take part.
JUN
10
Steelers are locked in tense rent-drop negotiations with Sheffield Arena after
losing hundreds of thousands of pounds last year. The club wants to safeguard their long term future by
securing a new deal with their Arena landlords, owner George Dodds.
18
Perry Doyle one of the hardest men in ice hockey, his career is now effectively
over at the age of 24."I've been playing hockey for 11 years, it's in my blood. But there seems no hope of
carrying on now, it's just to painful," said the powerhouse Brummie.
26
Steelers sign Scott Allison.
JULY
29
Steelers raised their glasses to a new sponsorship deal with American lager
Coors Extra Gold
AUG
01
Jason Lafreniere today gave his first candid explanation why he has walked out
on the Sheffield Steelers. " Sheffield didn't have enough money it's as simple as that,"the ex-NHL star said.
13
Superleague's top man slammed crisis club Nottingham Panthers for throwing the
new season into turmoil. Panthers boss Charles Walker waited until around the time the new fixtures were
unveiled before revealing his club was on the brink of bankruptcy. It is still unclear whether Nottingham
will take part in the new campaign.
14
Man mountain Mike Ware has ended weeks of speculation by signing for Sheffield
Steelers from Cardiff Devils.
OCT
10
Sheffield Steelers have suspended one of their most popular ever players while
they probe his links with a rival 2.5m sports and entertainment complex. Tim Cranston has been suspended
without pay because of his involvement in the so-called Player Bar, a swish development also backed by
Prince Naseem and Def leppard rock stars Joe Elliott and Rick Savage. Cranston a qualified lawyer, pleads
not guilty to accusations of conflict of interests. He says he was merely providing the legal back-up for
the venture as part of his daily duties as a solicitor. He was wearing a Steelers track-suit, his bosses
believe people seeing the picture would draw the inference that Steelers were backing
the venture.
11
Some said it was just a lot of hot air. Others thought the radio blimp flown in
Sheffield Arena during the Steelers games would soon be grounded gimmick. At 2,000 a model, from the Model
Shack in Main Rd Ridgeway Sheffield, it was designed by Steelers fan Simon Lanchester aged 27.
16
Steelers have agreed term with new imported forward Ed Courtney and he could be
playing in Sheffield within a fortnight.
21
Tim Cranston is back in the Steelers team after being fined for his involvement
in a rival entertainment group.
YEAR 1998
JAN
09
Former Steelers owner David Gardner Brown refused to comment on speculation he
may try to win back a slice of the club, which is up for sale.
12
Bryan Adams pop superstar fuelled speculation of a pop buy-out by attending both
Steelers matches at Sheffield Arena. He was a guest of Sheffield songwriter Elliot Kennedy, with a possible
pop consortium buy-out or investment in Steelers.
16
Steeler player Jamie Van der Horst was left stranded 200 miles from home because
his fast food wasn't fast enough! He and his team mates had stopped for a snack at McDonalds in Basingstoke
after their victory last night.Forty minutes later, just as he was consigning himself to a night in the home
counties, his luck changed for the better. The team bus returning from Pizza Hut towards the M3, circled
past McDonalds and goalie Jim Hibbert spotted Horst's unmistakable bulk.
FEB
05
The uncertainty over the fate of Sheffield Ice Hockey giants will not be cleared
up until the retired business tycoon has studied the last balance sheet. It throws up the spectre of no one
knows whether there will be a Superleague club next year, a similar problem to the one endured by Nottingham
Panthers last summer.
17
Steelers exchange contracts with Sheffield company Commercial Project Development
, selling of the club's Enfield Pub and land off Broughton lane. The profit of the estimated 500,000 sale --
probably something around 180,000 will pay off most of the club's debts.
21
Steelers player Dion Del Monte did a saucy strip for almost 4,000 fans on ice at
Sheffield Arena joined by team-mates Ron Shudra, Scott Allison, Chris Kelland and Jamie Van der Horst.
APR
03
Alex Damplier walked out of Sheffield Arena, the manager who made Sheffield
Steelers a household name refused to take pot shots on those he left behind however critical some had been
of him over the last months.
07
Steelers began the giant task of restructuring their club by appointing Dave
Simms as new team manager. The former Solihull Barons team manager will be responsible for choosing the new
coach to lead the club towards the millennium.
09
Steelers ace Scott Allison spoke today of the "great loss" to the Sheffield
public following the retirement of team mate Ken Priestlay The goalscorer is expected to quit playing and
take an assistant coaching job in Washington State, America.
23
Steelers cut applications to final three--Don McKee 55 has been Principal head
coach at Canada's Waterloo University, Larry Floyd 38 he was general manager of New York Falcons. The Third
is Paul Thompson who has played for Steelers, and now coaches Solihull Blaze.
MAY
22
Paul Thompson say's he has probably made the biggest mistake of his life by
turning down the chance to coach Sheffield Steelers."But the situation was clouded by the fact that the club
had still not sorted itself out about next season. Nothing has been 100 per cent finalised to even confirm
the existence of the club. It wasn't as if I could drive to the Arena and study the budget I'd got and find
the players I need.
JUN
11
Steelers new boss Don McKee took over the reins, and Immediately sent an icy
blast through the Superleague. " I'm not coming halfway around the world to compete, I'm coming to win".
JULY
17
Canadian net minder Grant Sjevern has joined from Manchester Storm, and Craig
Chapman, comes to the Steelers from Freco, California. Ken Priestlay again re-signs for the Steelers
29
Ed Courtenay and Ken Priestlay have accepted a deal to re-sign, following a
budget busting decision by owner George Dodds and team boss Dave Simms.
AUG
03
Sheffield Steelers have sewn up a three year sponsorship deal with high street
retailer Allsports worth a minimum of 250,000.
26
Sheffield ice hockey stars have really been through the treadmill in their early
practice sessions using car tyres. Players stick- handle the tyres like monster pucks up and down the ice.
Then they have to do a relay race with the tyres under each arm.
OCT
Sixty Sheffielders followed their Steelers ice hockey heroes to this frozen
wastes of Siberia, where they got a chilly reception. Steelers started well 4-4 with Torpedo Kamenogorsk,and
then 2 losses Avangard Omsk 5-1 and Lada Togliatto 3-1.
NOV
04
Steelers sign Hakan Falkenhall to bolster a blue line hit by injuries.
DEC
09
The club financial situation has taken a serious turn for the worse , and a
crisis meeting were going on with outside advisors that will have an immediate bearing on whether the club
will still be around to fulfil the rest of the season fixtures.
19
Ice Hockey Superleague today claimed it could sell Sheffield Steelers "in 48
hours" if the club was dissolved in it's present form. The club financial situation has taken a serious
turn for the worse , and a crisis meeting were going on with outside advisors that will have an immediate
bearing on whether the club will still be around to full fill the rest of the season fixtures.
YEAR 1999
JAN
23
Fresh controversy erupted at Sheffield Steelers and company secretary Kim Lawley
quit the club claiming it was operating insolently. Steve Crowther, Elliot Kennedy and David Frame had also
resigned their directorships following the earlier similar action by Steve Williams.
25
Steelers buy-out boss Terry Smith hit back at the teams "over paid player".
He slammed the previous management for "throwing away hundreds of thousands of pound"by over paying players
and lavishing other
perks on off-ice staff.
27
Steelers director George Dodds was today trying to organise a fresh financial
rescue package after takeover boss Terry Smith pulled out of the deal to buy the club,
31
Brian Whitfield and David Cox, met up with Brian Yates, Jim Scott and Steve
William to form the directors of (FOSSL) and then added to the board of directors with Audina Warburton and
Paul Cooper.
FEB
01
Steelers wheel of fortune clicked its final turn and stopped again at the
segment marked "Royal Supporters". Supporters David Cox and Brian Yates came up with the idea, which was
gathering momentum. They want to set a "Friends of Sheffield Steelers" company with 360 shares worth 250
each. Pop writer Elliot Kennedy has already backed the idea with personal cash. The cash, along with the
SOS fund, 40,000 in promised investment, and a creditors voluntary arrangement, would settle debts and
allow Steelers to start off the Millennium season with a blank financial page. The 90,000 substitutes the
cash promised by three Superleague club directors, who pulled out of their separate deals with Steelers last
week.
23
Steelers player Ken Priestlay announced he will hang his skates up at the end of
the season. Ken had this to say" I think the line up that included Jason Lafeniere, Jamie Leach,Tony Hand
and Glen Mulvenna --with Corey Beaulieu at the back, it had just about everything as a play-off club. If we
had kept that team together and brought in an other person like Ed Courtenay, who would have stopped us?
Nobody!"
MAR
31
Business whizkid Darren Brown vowed to put the magic back into Sheffield Steelers
. The 27 year old Chesterfield company director is leading a consortium to buy the 300,000 ice hockey
franchise for the city.
APR
02
"On Sunday morning Ken Priestlay flies home to Vancouver and despite the
suggestion that the Sheffield Steelers club will try and lure him back next season. I cannot think we'll see
him playing at Sheffield Arena again." Those were the words of Tony Hand.
13
Sheffield Steelers officially ceased to exist today but it won't be long before
the cash-troubled ice hockey club will rise from its own financial ashes. A liquidator is being appointed to
wind up what is left of owner George Dodds Challenge Cup winning club, and pay off what creditors he can.
MAY
28
Fan Darren Brown saved the Steelers and promises a return to trophy days of old.
Brown a director of Uniform Print has a 65 per cent holding while Friends of the Steelers own 33 per cent
of the new company. Businessman David Cox and fan David Brown complete the new board. The Friends of the
Steelers will be represented by directors Brian Whitfield and Brian Yates.
JUN
04
Steelers legend Tony Hand was offered one of the biggest contracts in Steelers
history to stay in Sheffield. But the best-ever British-born ice hockey player walked away from a deal worth
a whopping 140,000 over three years to return to his native Scotland.
11
Steelers succeeded in capturing flying winger Jason Weaver from Nottingham
Panthers, Shayne McCosh from Bracknell Bees. Kip Noble from Cardiff Devils and Dan Ceman
29
Rocket Ron Shudra is not re-signed by Don McKee.
OCT
22
Steelers played in the Continental cup last night at the Arena. A French goal
16 seconds from the end gave Anger a surprise draw 4-4.
23
Steelers regained their self respect and gave themselves an outside chance of
European glory with a plucky display against a skilled Norwegian side Storhamar, which finished 3-3.
24
Steelers recorded a famous victory and got sweat revenge against Avangard Omsk
the team that beat Sheffield in their own rink last year were well beaten this time 4-2.
NOV
03
AXED Steelers shock as coach McKee fired only 12 games into the new season.
McKee pays the price for a big defeat last Sunday and inconsistency throughout the season so far. It is a
bold decision by Steelers with no replacement in sight.
05
Dale Craigwell one of the few top class black players in ice hockey has
signed for the Sheffield Steelers.
19
Mike Blaisdell breezed into Sheffield Steelers dressing room with a warning to
his new players "Work hard, play hard or find another club." The firebrand coach, aged 39, ended a week of
dispute with his old Nottingham Panthers employers to sign for the club that has been his arch-rival for
years.
DEC
06
Steelers in Hull buy-out. Steelers owner Darren Brown pulled off a deal to buy
ailing British National League ice hockey team Hull Thunder. He agreed a package to refloat Ron Shudra cash
starved club. The potential of commercial benefits in pairing Sheffield and Hull persuaded Brown to buy out
the players contracts, the club's name and all other assets.
10
Dennis Vial has been promoted to assistant captain after only two games with
Sheffield Steelers. The heavyweight defenceman has impressed Mike Blaisdell with his leadership qualities.
20
Scott Allison makes a dramatic return to the Steelers. Team manager Dave Simms
persistent efforts to persuade the powerhouse winger to come back.
YEAR 2000
FEB
15
Steelers will compete with London Knights for the signature of winger Andy
Bezeau at the end of the season. The 'Pocket battleship' is top of coach Mike Blaisdell wishlist after the
player led his side to a comprehensive victory at the Sheffield Arena.
25
For eight years the name Ron Shudra was inextricably linked with Sheffield
Steelers The unthinkable finally happened last summer when the defenceman was released, and he moved to
Hull Thunder. But next week the Rocket is back at Sheffield Arena in a testimonial match to toast his
Steelers career.
MAR
23
Sheffield Arena will start its goodbye ritual tonight to two player who have
been the cornerstone of Steelers most successful years. Tommy Plommer and Andre Malo face Ayr tonight and
Cardiff on Saturday, the final occasion they will grace the Arena ice.
APR
01
Steelers owner Darren Brown completed the takeover of Westfield Sharks last
night, signing an undisclosed package to assume sole control of the club. The 28 year old sports magnate,
who was also unveiled as new boss of Chesterfield FC this week.
07
Steelers kept their most important close season promise today, by re-signing
the man who puts the backbone into the team. Muscleman Dennis Vial wanted by teams across the world, agreed
a new one-year-deal with the Steelers.
MAY
04
Ed Courtenay quits the Steelers. Blaisdell prepared to offer long-time target
Rick Brebant assistant coach's role to lure him to Steelers. We'll dish dosh to keep Bish-Bosh! Steelers
break own rules to offer McCosh extended deal.
05
Ed Courtenay dropped the gloves to launch a savage attack on Sheffield Steelers
bosses David Simms and Mike Blaisdell. The Ayr bound winger is furious that Sheffield have publicly justified
their actions in refusing him a two year deal by blaming salary demands and unreasonable conditions.
16
Steelers announce the signing of Steve Carpenter from Nottingham Panthers.
25
Steelers announce Two great signing Rick Brebant from Manchester Storm, and
Steve Roberts from Nottingham Panthers.
24
Sports Boss Darren Brown resurrected the spectre of building a new purpose-built
stadium for both Steelers and Sharks. The businessman may jet to America to study proposals by a company to
erect a building for both parties. It is a plan for a minimum 6,500 seater, first thought off in the early
days of Steelers, under Ronnie Wood.
30
Steelers pulled off a spectacular signing coup today by landing former NHL
goalie Mike O'Neill.
JUN
02
Ed Courtenay quits the Steelers. Steelers said they had improved their financial
offer to McCosh for a second time, making him the highest paid defenceman in the club history. That was
enough, says Simms, for McCosh to change his mind and stay with the Steelers.
27
Thanks for all the memories say sacked skipper Rob Wilson. After six seasons
patrolling the Arena blue line, Wilson was deeply hurt by his release in favour of a younger defence.
JULY
11
Veteran ice hockey Scott Metcalfe signed for the Steelers today, and immediately
became front-runner for the captaincy.
25
Steelers take a chance on Paul Beraldo, the Canadian has a rocket shot and a
tough aggressive streak says Simms.
AUG
10
The position of backup goalie is going to Mike Torchia, a 28 year-old from
Toronto.
16
A Sports marketing firm which has acquired half of Newcastle Superleague ice
hockey club could buy Sheffield Steelers. The Eye Group, which describes itself as a sports exploitation
company, is poised to make a cash offer to Steelers owner Darren Brown.
19
Steelers today confirmed they hah received a "very attractive offer" from a
company wanting to buy the club, it believed from Eye for 1,000,000 pounds.
23
A Bitter row broke out today after Sheffield International Venues locked
Sheffield Steelers personal out of their own merchandising store. Steelers now thought to be on an even
keel financially owe around 5,000 rent for the building opposite the Sheffield Arena on Broughton.
SEPT
29
Steelers reject 1m offer believed from Eye.
NOV
04
A flu bug dramatically depleted Sheffield Steelers ranks, and forces coach Mike
Blaisdell out of retirement. Only seven out of 18 players were able to practise last night, after complaints
of fever and diarrhoea. Blaisdell was quickly registered and insured and wears the number 14 shirt. They
finished up winning in Newcastle 5-4 with just eleven skaters
DEC
12
Steelers release Brent Bobyck and Steve Roberts
YEAR 2001
JAN
Angry Steeler owner Darren Brown has carpeted his managing director, over a
5,000 payment to finance company, which was due to pursue a winding up order against Steelers in court.Brown
was furious when he discovered his accounts department had not settled the relatively modest bill which was
in danger of bringing the club to its knees.
Bid to oust sport tycoon Darren Brown he's been secretly asked to hand over
running of Sheffield Steelers ice hockey club. He has been dogged by a series of cash-flow difficulties,
including- a threatened visit of bailiffs to Chesterfield FC over a 49,000 tax bill.---- Along running saga
over the payment of 150,000 soccer transfer cash. Failure to pay ice hockey player on time.A 5,000 lottery
prize owed to fans.
16
The row over the finances of sports tycoon Darren Brown rumbled on with ice
hockey players setting a deadline for possible strike action and football fans demanding real answers.
29
Steelers coach Mike Blaisdell has revealed how he fully supported his players
decision to threaten strike action against unpaid wages.
FEB
09
Some of most explosive scenes of violence seen in British ice hockey for years
wrecked Steelers latest bid to confirm new ownership of the league title last night. Steelers were leading
Nottingham 3-1 when aggro broke out on the ice. Barry Nieckar, whose blind side punch concussed Scott Alison
in their last fixture, after he appeared to cross check Dennis Vial in the side of the head. Vial looked
groggy and slipped to the ice as Niecker continued to pound him, the officials declining to step in. Seconds
later, Steelers cleared their bench, storming into the middle of the ice, Panthers bench followed suit and
every player then took a sparring partner. Like a man possessed Scott Allison climbed over the penalty box
plexi glass to join in. At one stage it looked as if Vial butted Nieckar. As a side show Scott Metcalfe beat
up Chris Baxter and Adam Smith did the same to David Struch. A glass pane was smashed alongside the Steelers
bench, slightly injuring a girl fan. Nottingham goalie Jordon Willis later described the scene as "ridiculous
, dangerous, barbaric". It could lead to hefty suspensions for the main protagonists, including both coaches
for failing to control their benches. When the dust settled, Steelers lost their poise along with their
goaltender, and the match, and the chance to win the league on the night.
15
Record Ban--Allison out for 14 games and fined 850. Vial out for 6 matches and
fined 750, Coach Blaisdell get 2 matches, and 500 fine after Friday violent scenes at Nottingham Panthers.
23
Five cars rented for Steelers players and staff were the subject of repossession
action, while the championship stars were training. The latest embarrassment for owner Darren Brown came
when a debt-collecting agent representing a car hire company arrived at the Arena stadium. Now the players,
who say they continue to play only if they are paid on time, have decided to hit back at their management.
26
Steelers players have discussed a fresh strike plan aimed at turning up the heat
on owner Darren Brown. But they decided against going ahead with a playing boycott after an angry
confrontation with their team manager and coach. Sheffield captain Dennis Vial says the "feud" between
players and ownership should end. "We should just sit down and talk this out."On pay and bonuses, all the
players want is what they deserve, no more". We need to get on and play hockey".
MAR
Steelers would have been stripped of their newly-won league title if their
player had gone on strike before Sunday's ISL regular season finale at Manchester Storm.
Steelers tycoon Darren Brown faces a double threat to his empire over unpaid
bills. Sheffield Steelers are facing a fresh winding up order after failing to pay programme printing costs
and Chesterfield FC have been reported to the Football League by Mansfield Town over 36,000 in unpaid
ticket receipts.
Player Shayne McCosh met potential new owner Andy Cooke following the squad's
demand for payment of 40,000 in bonuses by this afternoon , otherwise they would refuse to play at
Nottingham in tonight's Play-off match. Cooke offered a deal where two bonuses would be paid today,
totalling around 12,000, and two more of the same amount this Friday.
17
Darren Brown dramatic decision to quit Sheffield Steelers today triggered a
three-way fight for Britain's best ice hockey franchise. Rotherham car firm owner Andy Cooke was the
afternoon meeting Steelers directors David Cox, David Brown, and Brian Yates. The second candidate is Sid
Butt of Woodhouse, who owns a meat distribution centre in Scotland. The third is a secret consortium, which
could become the favourite.
APR
03
Ice Hockey's Superleague appears to be attempting to hasten Steelers plunge into
financial liquidation. The Grand Slam club was fined 50,000 by Superleague because of "total mis-management"
at board level. For only the second time since the league's inception the Standards Committee considered a
charge of "bringing discredit or harm upon another club or Superleague".
04
Dave Simms the driving force behind Sheffield Steelers for 10 years, wants to
step down from his job as team manager. He has laid the ground for a return to the club for Mike O'Connor,
possibly as general manager, to properly run the club's commercial affairs. The recruitment of O'Connor could
be a significant boost to Jenkinson and partner Andy Cook's bid to the Superleague to either buy the
franchise or continue it in its present form.
12
Martin Jenkinson and Andy Cooke, supported by new general manager Mike O'Connor
were presenting their credentials to the Superleague board, hoping to be awarded the ice hockey franchise.
26
Sheffield Steelers ice hockey was due to be shut down by a judge today, leaving
a long list of unpaid bills in its wake. The company, which lurched into debts under owner Darren Brown,
declined to contest a winding up order brought by VAT officials. The firm is now expected to be liquidated,
with the franchise reverting back to the Superleague which wants to sell it.
MAY
03
Fight for Steelers turns ugly, Martin Jenkinson claimed he had "shaken hands"
on a deal with the ISL and that why he and fellow investors Andy Cooke and Martin Smith had ploughed
180,000 into Steelers in the past few weeks.
05
Sheffield United are on the verge of launching an attempt to buy the Sheffield
Steelers ice hockey franchise. Managing director John Thurman confirmed the club are"seriously considering"
tabling an offer to run the Steelers, who went into liquidation this month.
JUN
02
Sheffield United pull out of the 250,000 battle to buy Sheffield Steelers.
16
The future pf ice hockey in Sheffield hangs in the balance today after would be
Steelers boss Andy Cooke lost his court battle with the sport's ruling body.
19
Former Chesterfield owner Norton Lee has won the fight to run Superleague ice
hockey in South Yorkshire. But the millionaire businessman and his Eye Group partners will have to fight for
the right to use the name Sheffield Steelers.
21
Steelers die-hards turned out in their thousands to show support for the men
who saved their club this weekend. Around 2,200 made their point in the sunshine outside Sheffield Arena at
a rally called to back Andy Cooke and Martin Jenkinson and their plans to take a Steelers team into the
British National League.
27
Sheffield Arena has sprang the most sensational surprise so far in the
controversy over who will play top-class ice hockey in the city. They have told the Ice Hockey Superleague
that they do not accept their choice of franchise holder a union of ex-Chesterfield FC boss Norton Lee and
sports-right firm The Eye Group.
JULY
03
Steelers people power won the day in emphatic style this afternoon , when
Sheffield Arena sensationally handed next season ice contract to Mark Smith, part of the current caretaker
ownership..
04
Sheffield Brian Whitfield and David Cox and the rest of the directors of (FOSSL)
were the heavyweights working behind the scene to help keep Steelers a locally-owner club.They had
continually warned the ISL they could not mess with the people of Sheffield , or they would lose.
07
Sheffield Steelers today have 8,000 fans, one of Europe's best rinks, a stable
ownership, a Grand Slam coach, players all over the world waiting to join, but no league to play in. That
is the implausible but true picture in the city that won four Superleague titles only a few week's ago.
AUG
10
Steelers British National League dreams are over swept aside by an inexplicable
change of heart from a league that suddenly doesn't want the best club in the country. A day long BNL meeting
in London saw an 8-4 pro Sheffield majority, voted for five days earlier, over-turned. No reason was given
for the U-turn, but it is clear that the chairman, Tom Muir, found the right formula to turn the majority
against Steelers.
15
Sheffield leisure boss Steve Brailey talked frankly today about how the city
fathers are being forced into taking an ice hockey franchise decision they simply do not want. The Sheffield
Arena were today forced to do what ice hockey fans and the city council hoped they would avoid, allow Norton
Lee to sign a year-long ice agreement.
23
Mike Blaisdell and Dave Simms are back to rebuild a new 'Steelers' and have 16
days to sign a complete team of players ready to start a new Superleague season on 1 Sept.
30
Norton Lee in his first real public statement since taking over Steelers, he
says "I want to make it clear that I am the owner of the franchise along with my wife. We are the only
shareholders in the company.Sheffield Steelers has no involvement with the Eye Group."
SEP
01
Norton Lea is taking over Sheffield's new ice hockey franchise willing to sink
in more than 1m with no guarantee he will see any of his money again. At his first press conference at
Sheffield Arena yesterday, Lea said he wanted to bring in the same "stability and continuity" that he had
achieved while chairman at Chesterfield FC.
OCT
25
Norton Lee is working behind the scenes to try to get his hands on the only
thing he doesn't officially own, the name, Sheffield Steelers. The millionaire has been using the name for
his ISL club even though a legal and commercial dispute remains hanging over it. Now Lea may be close to
sealing a deal with Martin Jenkinson and Andy Cooke.
19
Steelers powered easily past Danish opponents Blue Fox in a successful start in
their hopes of conquering European hockey 5-3.
20
Mike Blaisdell men were behind until the 43rd minute when they finally cracked
their resolute rivals defence. After that there was only one team in it, and they ran out 4-1 winners.
21
Sheffield stumbled to a shock defeat, and threw away the chance of advancing
though to the semi final. A side of French skaters supported by just 6 imports won 4-3.
NOV
05
Sheffield fans who booed their ice hockey team twice in eight days have turned
the House of Steel into the toughest place to play in British ice hockey. That's the view of plain speaking
coach Mike Blaisdell, who is clearly unhappy about the reception his side has received in two out of their
last three home games.
15
A senior executive of Ice Hockey Superleague admitted for the first time that
the state of the domestic competition was perilous, although he believes it will survive its present state.
Secretary Brian Storey, who is resigning after four years, has become the first high profile ISL figure to
accept what everybody else has been saying for month, that the seven member league is "fragile".
27
STEELERS are back! Norton Lea ended months of confrontation today by signing a
deal with the Cooke, Jenkinson, and Smith consortium (CJS) over the use of the name Steelers. But today the
dispute was finally settled, and it could pave the way for a return of those'missing fans'. Around 1,000
supporters turned their back on ISL hockey in the city after the league awarded the franchise to Lea,
rather than CJS, whom they had backed throughout the summer.
DEC
12
With injuries radically reducing the cast, the directors brought back former
leading man Ron Shudra, once discarded as a bit-part actor an banished backstage. Norton Lee has given the
green light for Ron Shudra to complete the rest of the year back on the ice with Sheffield Steelers.
27
Club's Man Steel--- This is the mascot who puts the steel in Sheffield Steelers
ice hockey club this Christmas. Steeler Dan, reputed amongst the kids at Sheffield Arena to be made from
girders and molten metal, entertained fans before the home game with Nottingham Panthers by staging his own
fireworks and furnace display. It was a noisy colourful spectacle which also had a profound effect on the
team- they went on to win the game.
29
Steelers 3 Bracknell 5 Four security guards were called to escort referee Nigel
Boniface out of Sheffield Arena after a furious row continued from the ice to his dressing room after this
latest home defeat. Boniface has been renamed Two-Faced by Steelers fans after this incredibly inept display
which saw him ignore clear fouls by Bees players, yet dole out 84 minutes in penalties to Sheffield. Ryan
Bach, Paul Kruse and coach Mike Blaisdell led the protests outside Boniface dressing room after the game.
YEAR 2002
JAN
28
Steelers owner Norton Lea has declined an invitation to discuss the possible
sale of the club. An approach was made, before Christmas, by businessman Sid Butt, an associate of the
consortium which took over from Darren Brown last year. Butt said "we asked Norton Lea if he was interested
in talking to us again but he declined."
FEB
New Steelers signing Mark Dutiaume promised to rise to the challenge of being
recognised as a Superleague quality player, following his experience in the lower British National League
division.
APR
29
Steelers championship stars have had their cup-winning bonuses shelved, because
of damage discovered to a majority of the player rental cars. The team that won the British Championship in
March, Norton Lee said he was going to pay them 500 net, rather than the gross amount they had expected.
Lee was "disappointed" to find out there had been varying amounts of damager done to around 13 of the 17
cars distributed to the two goaltenders and 15 skaters.
29
Darren Brown the one time owner of the Sheffield Steelers, Chesterfield FC, and
the Sheffield Sharks is under Investigation by the Serious Fraud Office over his dealings at Chesterfield
FC.
MAY
15
A consortium led by businessmen Martin Jenkinson and Andy Cooke, fronted by
ex-Steeler Mike O'Connor, wants to install BNL side in the under-construction East End venue, to be called
"Ice Sheffield".
16
Fraud Squad detectives have decided not to probe, in detail Darren Brown
ownership of Sheffield Steelers. Instead they will concentrate their resources on Brown's acquisition and
stewardship of Chesterfield FC.
AUG
Steelers re-sign Brebant, and Bobyck, and lose Shudra to Coventry, and Kruse to
Belfast, also Longstaff to Manchester.
NOV
08
Britain's not-so-super Superleague was going to fold even before the collapse
of two of the division,seven teams, The Star can reveal today. Cash stricken Manchester Storm an Scottish
Eagles are dropping out, leaving Sheffield Steelers and just four others to carry on.Today the ISL's chief
administrative officer, Brian Storey, declared that the remaining five clubs were
"currently" intent on finishing the season.
15
The ISL recognise they cannot carry on with five teams and want to merge, in
some way with the BNL. Some forward-thinking BNL teams will approve, but others will be afraid of the
financial muscle of teams like Sheffield Nottingham, and Belfast. In the past, clubs like Edinburgh, Fife
and Guildford have opposed Sheffield joining.
YEAR 2003
JAN
14
Whatever happened to Steelermania? That's the question Mike Blaisdell and Dave
Simms want answering after both took the unusual step of criticising the club fans. Blaisdell is irritated
that Steelers attendances have been unable to keep up with Belfast and Nottingham. He believes the supporters
at Sheffield Arena are sometime not as vocal and passionate as they should be.
16
It could be one of the loudest gigs of the year at Sheffield Arena on Saturday.
Sheffield Steelers fans have responded to criticism that they have become too quiet with a plan to raise the
roof. Fan's groups have been working behind the scenes, and internet guest books have been buzzing, with
plots to super- charge the atmosphere for the visit of Bracknell Bee.
21
Messiah and the great one return for night of nostalgia at the Arena. They were
an integral part of the original Grand Slammers, and last night their contribution was celebrated with an
official shirt-number retirement before a Steelers select squad took on their present
(BNL) team Dundee.
FEB
06
Steelers sign ex NHL hot-shot Iain Fraser to end of season.
17
Sheffield Steelers owner Norton Lea, arrested in connection with a fraud
investigation, was given a rousing reception by 2,000 travelling ice hockey fans last night. Millionaire
Mr Lea, 75 who owned Chesterfield FC from 1987 until he sold it to Darren Brown in 2000 was quizzed by
Derbyshire police in a long running inquiry into their financial affairs of the club. He was released on
police bail pending further inquiries.
MAR
19
The Millionaire owner of Sheffield Steelers Has been cleared by police
investigating the financial affairs of Chesterfield Football Club.
APR
02
Sheffield Steelers will be part of a minimum nine-strong Elite League next year,
British ice hockey rulers announced. Norton Lea and other owners of clubs wanting to develop a new top-flight
in the sport all paid 1000 at a meeting in Leicester yesterday to register their teams. The other teams to
confirm their participation are Manchester, Belfast, London, Nottingham, Cardiff, Coventry, Basingstoke, and
Glasgow.
MAY
16
Mike Blaisdell today accepted a new deal to coach Sheffield Steelers in the new
Elite League. He has been awarded an improved salary which is likely to make him the highest paid coach in
the UK sport.
19
'Rocket' Ron re-signs for Steelers on a two-year deal claiming the move
represented the future rather than the past.
21
Skipper Marc Laniel has stunned Sheffield Steelers by telling fans "I've quit".
Club management had no idea their unflappable defenceman was hanging up his skates.
JUN
06
Britain's new Elite Ice hockey League put a brave face on the fact they have
lost one of their member club, only weeks after promising it would boast a nine team division. Today though,
it was confirmed that plans to launch a team called the Glasgow Clan had been put on ice.
11
It may be one of the most prestigious trophies in the megabucks world of
American sport but it started life in the backstreets of Sheffield more than 100 years ago. The Stanley cup,
the ultimate prize in US ice hockey was made in Sheffield in 1892 and today 30 teams spend nine months of
the year playing over 82 games competing to win it.
AUG
Steelers sign Ron Dopson and Gerad Adams, and re-sign Dion Darling
SEP
27
Steelers confirmed a triple transfer swoop of defenceman Kirk DeWaele and
forward Mike Peron and Erik Anderson.
11
Elite league curtain-raiser between Sheffield Steelers and London Racers has
been overshadowed by farce in the opposition camp. Racer high profile Canadian coach, Gary Carr took one
look at his new club's organisational set-up and promptly flew back across the Atlantic.
18
Former Sheffield Steelers 'enforcer' Perry Doyle is recovering after being
stabbed during a street fight. The 6ft 4ins tough exdefenceman, aged 30 was injured by a knife wielding
attacker after getting into a fight in the Firth Park area of Sheffield, police say.
He has undergone surgery to a wound in his side at the Northern General Hospital and has since been
discharged.
NOV
26
Rob Dobson today explained why he is quitting Sheffield Steelers, the Canadian
netminder originally arrived in Sheffield on the understanding he would play and be able to study at the
city's Hallam University. Sadly, Hallam were unable to give him the course the
36 year-old wanted.
DEC
23
Steelers want Hull goaltender Pasi Raitanen to backstop their Elite League push
in the Christmas home and away series with Nottingham Panthers. With Rob Dopson on his way home to Canada
to start a new career, Sheffield need an experienced pro to fill in until they make a full time signing.
YEAR 2004
JAN
20
Sheffield Steeler sign new netminder Christian Bronsard.
FEB
13
Rick Brebant, who this week signalled his retirement from the British game,
is the finest ice hockey player of the modern day era. So says Steelers coach Mike Blaisdell, as Brebant
prepares to bring his Manchester Phoenix side to Sheffield.
JULY
06
Mike Blaisdell has quit Steelers for the love of his children. Speaking from his
home in Canada, the ex-Sheffield coach said illness affecting his first wife had been the deciding factor
on staying in his native country. Father of four Blaisdell, has two daughters from his first marriage and
now needs to be more involved in child care.
07
Dave Simms reflects --- Circumstances change and Mike's decision has been made.
I like all of you, wish Blazer the very best. We all, of course, wish he hadn't made this decision, and his
timing certainly leaves a lot to be desired. Mike Blaisdell bought us great success, nine trophies in just
four full seasons. What a record!
AUG
13
Rob Stewart is confirmed as the new Steelers coach, and if first big signing is
to be a small man, 5ft 9ins Canadian centre Dan Tessier aged 25, from Orleans, Ontario.
SEPT
02
Norton Lea is again willing to discuss the sale of Sheffield Steelers, if was
revealed as the championship winning club geared up for the new Elite League season. The ageing tycoon
appears ready to part company with the club in favour of a younger man.
09
Steeler have told new coach Rob Stewart not to rely on Mike Blaisdell to fill
the last two spots on the roster, ordering him to find the players himself. Norton Lee employed outgoing
team boss Mike Blaisdell as head of recruitment, working from Canada, to assemble the team.
OCT
13
Norton Lea is ready to quit the club after a scathing attack on this leadership
today by club captain Dion Darling. Darling lists a catalogue of complaints against the club but 77 year old
Norton Lea defends his stewardship of the Steelers who have had one of the most successful spells in the
club's history in his three year reign. Darling makes claims over --- Poor equipment ----The absence of a
doctor to treat injured players---- Bad organisation off the ice------Unhappy, under performing players.
Darling also claims the star centreman Mark Dutiaume quit because he was fed-up with off ice problems at the
club.
29
Steelers owner Norton Lea is negotiating the sale of the ice hockey club with
Chesterfield businessman Gary Apsley. The 41 year old father of two has been in secret talks with the
millionaire owner for weeks. No details of the possible deal, worth around 300,000 were forthcoming today
and Apsley a construction project boss, was uncontactable.
NOV
18
The 300,000 sale of Sheffield Steelers ice hockey club collapsed. Negotiations
between owner Norton Lea and construction boss Gary Apsley broke down over the details of the handover. It
was a massive blow not only for Gary Apsley, who had vision of promoting and commercially expanding the
club,but also for captain Dion Darling and director Dave Simms,who had both publicly supported a change at
the top.
25
Is this the player who has unwittingly held up the sale to buy Steelers. The
Star revealed last week how builder Gary Apsley's dream's of buying the ice hockey club from Norton Lea had
fallen through. One of the issues Apsley was concerned about was a potential court case and compensation
claim involving British forward Marc Twaite. He played two games for Steelers in the 2001-02 season, then
sustained a horribly dislocated shoulder, broken ribs and a bad collarbone injury in a freak training
collision with the winger Scott Allison. Twaite career was finished, and he has been seeking compensation
ever since.
DEC
01
Steelers recaptured star centreman Mark Dutiaume, after the 27 year old quit his
Italian side Bolzano.
15
Steeler Dan walks out in protest against Steelers owner Norton Lea. "I will not
go inside the stadium again while Norton Lea owns the club. says Dan". The company that owns the production
rights and kit for the mascot fell out with the tycoon over sponsorship terms and he has withdrawn his
labour.
YEAR 2005
JAN
10
Brent Bobck's outstanding service to British ice hockey was rewarded by a bumper
testimonial crowd' a good few quid and a bagful of memories last night.Steelers past and present took to the
ice to bid farewell to the retiring winger who had played with loyalty honesty and the games most distinctive
skating style.
FEB
01
Sheffield Steelers sacked coach Rob Stewart today in the hope that his instant
replacement Paul Heavey will have the same inspirational affect as Mike Blaisdell once had at the club.
Blazer took over British ice hockey's hot seat from mild mannered Don McKee
MAR
05
Steelers players have had a showdown with owner Norton Lea after threatening
"industrial action" over alleged financial gripes. It was believed to involve salaries, housing bonds,
expenses, gross and net pay differentials, and car insurances.
JUN
09
Ice hockey relations between Steelers and Panthers dropped to below zero today
after former Grand Slam coach Mike Blaisdell announced he was to take over at Sheffield's biggest rivals.
He's back at the club where he honed his coaching skills and that has met with a chilly response from his
former Steeler's right-hand man, Dave Simms."we're deeply disappointed frankly," he said. But I imagine they
have offered him a contract that, now dwarfs anything else going on here.
JULY
05
Nottingham Panther complete the signing of Steelers captain Dion Darling.
19
Controversial ice hockey entrepreneur Bob Phillips declared himself the new
owner of Sheffield Steelers. Phillip who like Lea has had run-ins with hockey fans, says he and his company
Arena Sports Cardiff are the new owners.
21
Resurgent Sheffield Steelers have signed the top goalie in the Elite League
snatching Jody Lehman from all conquering Coventry Blaze.
Britain's best known ice hockey club and The Star jointly announced a new partnership with represents the
coolest deal in local sport. The newspaper is the club's new title sponsors.
AUG
16
The Star Sheffield Steelers got the news they most wanted to hear, mercurial
centreman Mike Peron has recommitted for another season..
NOV
02
Steeler's owner Bob Phillips today told his coach that results were not good
enough, and ordered the players to show more passion. Following the release yesterday of defenceman Regan
Kelly, Phillips endorsed the removal of other player if team boss Paul Heavey thinks it would energise
Steeler's lack-lustre league performances.
18
After the Steelers 4-2 win over the London Racers, the crowd were treated to
the sight of Dave Simms being dunged in centre ice for Children in Need.
20
Coach Paul Heavey is sacked and Dave Whistle is put in control and Dennis
Maxwell as player coach after London Racers is folded after rink safety problems.
23
Steeler's top points scorer Dan Ceman the first victim of the new bullish regime
of player coach Dennis Maxwell. Ceman was fired for doing nothing wrong. He simply paid the price for being
a work permit player a slot now filled by tough winger Maxwell.
YEAR 2006
JAN
12
Dave Whistle and Dennis Maxwell will lose their jobs if they fail to turn round
the Steelers season owner Bob Phillips declared. The management pair will be dismissed at the end of the
2005-06 season unless they can change the woeful sequence of Elite League results and make a decent push
for the Play-offs.
MAR
03
Dennis Maxwell's short lived career at The Star Sheffield Steelers has ended,
he flies home to America on Thursday. The parting of the ways was inevitable after the Canadian criticised
Steelers owner Bob Phillips in The Star last Saturday for demoting him from his unofficial role as player
coach.
25
Jody Lehman criticisms of his Sheffield Steelers club sparked varying views
among Sheffield high command today.Lehman accused players of failing to block shots and make hits all season,
added that they were scared against Newcastle Vipers and claimed he would take a pay cut to play for a
winning team next year.
MAY
17
Steelers pulled off the signing coup of the close season so far. In a league
now hugely influenced by the quality of British performers, Sheffield poached Jonathan Phillips from
Cardiff Devils.
JULY
21
Sheffield Steelers coach Dave Whistle has left the club in the lurch by
sensationally quitting his two year contract with the club. Whistle who took over in the middle of last
season, stunned owner Bob Phillip by declaring he was going to work in college ice hockey in Canada. Phillips
quickly replaced Whistle with one of his former lieutenants, ex Belfast Bracknell and
Cardiff forward Dave Matsos who becomes new first year head coach.
AUG
02
Steelers top summer transfer target Dan Tessier signed for Steelers today.
Goaltender Judy Lehman, Rod Sarich re-sign for second season.
07
Ron Shudra signs for Scimitars.
YEAR 2007
JAN
31
Ryan Finnerty signs for Steelers, replaces Brett Clouthier who is released.
MAR
01
Steelers were today completing the signing of 40 year old centre Vezio
Sacratini.
29
Steelers owner Bob Phillip has sold his other ice hockey club Cardiff Devils,
it was revealed today. He said, "It really was a tough decision but with the need to focus on building the
Sheffield Steelers brand. I can no longer spend any more time assisting Cardiff Devils going forward, but
the club will be in extremely safe hands with the new owners."
APR
Dave Matsos has re-signed his British pack Mark Thomas, Jason Hewitt, Jonathan
Phillips, and Warren Tait.
MAY
09
Steelers pulled off one of the biggest signing in their history. The Sheffield
club signalled the intent to seriously challenge for the major trophies by signing the champion's captain
Coventry Blaze inspiring right wing Ashley Tait.
Steelers improve squad by signing Steve Munn, Ryan Finnerty,and Jeff Legue.
JUN
08
Joey Talbot was recruited by Sheffield Steelers to fill the boots of leading
scorer Shaun Sutter. Sutter's wage demands for a second season at the Arena were considered too high for
the club.
19
Rod Sarich today revealed his love life had influenced his decision to sign
on for a third term with Sheffield Steelers. The 26-year-old Canadian defenceman whose name had been linked
with European clubs, is dating a Sheffield women, Becky, and their relationship has had a strong bearing
on his decision to return.
JULY
19
Sheffield Steelers will start the new season with a sponsorship package which
will earn them close to 250,000. Yesterday the club publicly unveiled an agreement with new title sponsors
Liberate, a private sector outsourcing company that works alongside the city council in administrative,
financial and IT fields.
AUG
19
Today Jonathan Phillips spoke for the first time about the controversial switch
to make him captain and led Maltby to play under him until he eventually retired from the club."I don't know
if I was more nervous or excited after Dave Matsos gave me such a huge honour," he said.
YEAR 2008
JAN
06
Even in the often-crazy 17 year history of Sheffield Steelers nothing like this
has ever happened. Owner Bob Phillips, beyond frustration after a 0-4 home defeat by an average Manchester
side walked into the dressing room and announced the entire club staff including general manager Mike
O'Connor, coach Dave Matsos were on two weeks notice. Get it right, and quickish, or you could all be off,
was the warning.
MAR
07
Sheffield Steelers are planning to quit the city and become tenants of a 5,000
seater twin-pad ice rink to be built at Rother Valley Country Park. The ice hockey club which has had frosty
relations with their Sheffield Arena landlords over dates and rent prices, hope to move into Rotherham
borough in around 2010. Their rink is envisages as part of the 350m YES! (Yorkshire Entertainment
Sensation) project the "biggest undercover leisure and entertainment destination " in Europe.
13
Dave Matsos today signed a new two year contract with Sheffield Steelers with his
job description being headed with the phrase. Win the League title!.
22
Steelers owner Bob Phillips will be able to concentrate fully on his Sheffield
ice hockey franchise from now on. His family interest in Elite League rivals Cardiff Devils owned by his wife
Maraini will soon be over after the pair negotiated the Welsh club's sale to local businessmen Matt Burge,
a current sponsor, and Shannon Hope, a former player.
JULY
06
Ron Shudra was today confirmed as Sheffield Scimitars new player-coach , and
immediately signalled that the end of his days on the ice are just one season away."Rocket" takes over the
helm from Neil Abel at the English Premier League outfit.
08
Dave Matsos will eventually be head-hunted away from Sheffield Steelers, owner
Bob Phillips believes. The club proprietor fears that in "two or three years" Matsos will be made an offer
he cannot refuse, either in Europe or back home in his native north America.
18
Ashley Tait has some bad news for rival Elite League defences he could be around
until he is FORTY! The Sheffield steelers marksman turns 33 next month but is in no rush to contemplate
hanging up the skates.
AUG
19
Andrew Sharp said he was ready to fight Elite League biggest heavyweights and
also battle it out with his own Sheffield Steelers team mates for a regular spot on the side.
DEC
Ron Shudra was today confirmed as Sheffield Scimitars new player-coach , and
immediately signalled that the end of his days on the ice are just one season away."Rocket" takes over the
helm from Neil Abel at the English Premier League outfit.
16
Andrew Sharp could have played his last game for Sheffield Steelers. The Elite
League is to review the player's conduct after he got involved in an on ice riot at Cardiff Devils and
struck a linesman with his stick. The enforcer was immediately handed two match penalties and three games
for leaving the bench, spearing, physical abuse of the official and fighting. The league
automatically reviews match penalties and will be aware that Devils coach Gerad Adams is calling for a 20
game ban.
20
Steelers tough guy Andrew Sharp has been banned for 20 games, as feared for his
violent conduct at the end of the recent Cardiff Devils v Steelers game. Sharp's future at the club could
now be in the balance.
YEAR 2009
JAN
02
Steelers are going to make an early contract offer to try and persuade Dave
Matsos to remain as head coach at Sheffield. The Arena senior managers desperately want to keep the
Canadian, whether or not his team wins the Elite League before he is inevitably poached by a north American
team.
07
Sheffield Steelers owner Bob Phillips picked out roaming defenceman Sarich and
exciting forward Dowd as key components to the team which currently tops the Elite League by seven points.
FEB
20
Steelers players will light the blue touchpaper and stand well back on Sunday.
For their fast-fisted forward Andrew Sharp returns to the ice after a 20 game ban following a spearing
incident in which a linesman as hurt at Cardiff Devils last December.
MAR
03
Dave Matsos is well aware that the playing machine that could deliver him the
British championship this coming weekend will almost certainly lose some of its key components next season.
But the unflappable Sheffield Steelers coach says" Easy come easy go, if stars quit, we'll just sign new
one's".
13
Steelers will spare a thought for missing teammate Jeff Legue tomorrow night.
Jeff will be missing from their triumphant league win homecoming against Cardiff Devils as he spends time
with his terminally ill father in Canada. The fact Legue remained in Sheffield until the title was won,
before going back across the Atlantic. has not been lost on teammates. Forward Ryan Finnerty said"Everybody
on the team was happy that we finished the league early so Jeff could go home".
25
Steelers fans are being kicked out of the seats they've been sitting in for
years. To save on the cleaning bill. More than 120 season ticket holders who sit behind the goal in the
Steelers 'home end' have been informed the area is to be netted off next season.
26
Sheffield Steelers and Rotherham Council teamed up to illustrate their
confidence that the planned new rink and 350m YES! Project, scheduled for Rother Valley Country Park, will
still go ahead, despite the credit crunch. Both sides are convinced developers Oak Holdings will still
finance the 327 acre project.
MAY
01
Ice Hockey legend Ron Shudra has signalled the end of an era by quitting as
player coach of Sheffield Scimitars after just one season in charge. The former NHL star, Steelers best
loved ex player, will instead coach his son and teammates in the junior ranks at under-12s.
AUG
10
Steelers today defended their decision to drop the word 'Sheffield' from their
name for the first time since the club was formed 18years ago. The switch is tied in with new sponsors and
the move, scheduled for two years time, to a new purpose built rink in Rother Valley. The champions, are now
calling themselves The Field Electrical Steelers. That may not go down well with some Sheffielders, who are
yet to embrace the move over the 'border' into Rotherham. Asked about the change, general manager Mike
O'Connor said"It's a great deal for the club.
17
Star readers and Sheffield Steelers fans today forced a public U-Turn from the
ice hockey club hierarchy. So many critics put their name to save our Sheffield Steelers coverage and the
fans own website forum that it persuaded club management to climb down this morning.
OCT
29
The Sheffield coach prepared one of his most punishing training sessions of both
pre and regular season as a gesture of his contempt at the recent form. Matsos knows the recent contract
extension he signed with Steelers management won't be worth the paper it is written on unless his team starts
winning matches. For the first time since he joined the club, taking them to a glorious double winning
championship last year, he is talking about the fragility of his position.
NOV
27
Sheffield Steelers have received praise from all around the league for their
victorious Continental Cup endeavours in Italy where they won HYS THE Hague 4-3, HDK Stavbar Maribor 5-4 and
Bolzano Bozen Foxes 4-3
YEAR 2010
JAN
15
Murdered by Minsh, they might have been. Savaged by Salzburg they certainly were.
But while Sheffield Steelers return home from France with only the consolation prize of a bronze medal they
can also pack in their kitbags some renewed belief in themselves.
FEB
05
Steelers coach Dave Matsos fate will be resolved at the end of the season,
" It has been pretty dire this season and my sympathy is with our poor fans" the Welsh businessman told the
Star."There are six weeks left, we are still looking for players and we will see how it goes"." As far as
changes at the top end, changing horses mid-stream can come back and bite you. We will have the same
personal until this season is over," said Phillips.
MAR
23
There is not a British Ice hockey atmosphere anything like that of Sheffield
Arena, when it's full to overflowing. Last Saturday saw an Elite League record of 8,634 people cheering
Steelers on to a rousing 8-2 win over rivals Nottingham Panthers. The gate was swelled by the 'Ron Shudra
factor' the former captain returning to have his shirt officially retired.
APR
03
Bob Phillips described the season as "a mess". Now, he has warned anybody
thinking of joining the side next year "If any one single person is not pulling their weight from day one
next season, they will be replaced without a thought other than doing what is best for our team.
MAY
28
Sheffield Steelers ice hockey club's operating company is going bust. The Star
can reveal today. Yorkshire Sport(YS) called Insolvency Practitioners Wilson Fields after becoming unable
to pay their debts. There is an underlying dispute relating to a sponsorship, but all player wages have been
paid. There is confusion over exactly what happened to season ticket money paid by fans before the collapse
of Sheffield Steelers operating company Yorkshire Sport(YS).
JUN
25
Steelers owner Bob Phillips last night assured 200 fans that a "little bit of a
hiccup" , his description of the liquidation of the club's operating company, would not endanger their
season ticket money. Speaking at a forum at Abbeydale Sports Club he said" The money is in safe hands."
Phillips accepted there had been a 'mis-wording' on Steelers website that the money had been "ringfenced"
from the liquidator, explaining the cash was in a Steelers " trust account"which could not be touched.
JULY
09
Steelers owner Bob Phillips has been stunned by the resignation of almost his
entire staff. Co-founder Dave Simms, who has piloted the club since 1991, coach Dave Matsos and general
manager Mike O'Connor have all refused to work with Phillips, following the liquidation of two operating
companies running the club in the last five years. A joint statement read, "It is with sadness and regret
that the management team on O'Connor, Matsos, and Simms have decided to resign from the club with immediate
effect. They will be joined by office manager Betty Waring and promotions and marketing assistant Luke
McDonald. O'Connor, Matsos and Simms advised Bob Phillips of their decision on Wednesday.
15
Sheffield Steelers is up for sale. Owner Bob Phillips has agreed to sell
Steelers after weeks of criticism from fans, sponsors and creditors. A stumbling block may be how much
Phillips wants for the club he bought for around 200,000 from Norton Lea , the former Chesterfield FC owner
who may also fancy taking over again.
16
Bob Phillip decision to sell Sheffield Steelers will have put creditors of two
of his failed companies on red alert. Phillips still owes an estimated 150,000 to creditors of his doomed
South Yorkshire Ice Hockey Franchise Ltd in 2005.
19
Sheffield Steelers owner Bob Phillips is blaming the management team that walked
out on him of being guilty of incidents of poor administration and financial bungling. Bob Phillip, who is
selling the club after two Steelers operating companies went into liquidation, last month promised hundreds
of fans at a public forum in Abbeydale that their 2010/11 season ticket money was safely held in a "Trust
account". But, last week, Phillips was forced to write to fans saying that 'volunteers' in the club office
had now discovered that season ticket money HAD gone into YS by mistake and" against strict instructions".
Cheques made out by fans to Sheffield Steelers had been banked in YS trading as Sheffield Steelers
"He admitted " Sadly that money is now lost to the club forever.
24
Steelers owner Bob Phillips is turning to one time Cardiff Devils compatriot
Try Walkington as a possible new Sheffield coach. With Steve Munn turning him down this week, Phillips needs
to find someone to run the 2010/11 team, and help him with some administrative tasks as he attempts to sell
the club.
28
Steelers owner Bob Phillips says he has taken the club off the market and also
signed a new player coach. The Welshman says ex NHL centre Ben Simon will take over coaching reins from Dave
Matsos. While The player has yet to sign a contract, Phillips said Simon was a "100 per cent certainty" to
join up.
30
Steeler owner Bob Phillips stepped down today. He said he was walking away from
duties as non executive chairman and his wife Maraini would be general manager of the club. We have an
outstanding player in Ben Simon coming in to take over as player/coach and a well respected explayer in Neil
Abel running the bench, Ben has been in contact with most of the players and has been given their
commitment to return.
AUG
02
Sheffield Steelers have yet to sign an agreement for ice time at the Arena for
the season which starts with a home game in 34 days time. Recently, owner Bob Phillips admitted the club's
relationship with their landlords was "not great".
18
Steelers coach Ben Simon says his team will mirror his own personal hard work
ethic when it take to the ice on September 4." There are many intangibles that are out of your control as
a player, but the one thing you can absolutely control is your attitude and your work ethic".
21
Dave Simms told nearly 200 fans at a forum in Dronfield this week that he had
been "gutted" to quit alongside general manager Mike O'Connor and coach Dave Matsos, but he still felt it
had been the right thing to do. Simms made a number of other public criticisms, but also went out of his way
to persuade fans to continue to support the club. "Owners come and go, but fans should support the shirt.
We, the fans, own the hockey club, not any one person. Ben Simon comes across well and has my support."
OCT
30
Sheffield Steelers owners say they have banked a 100,000 investment which will
help secure the club to the end of the season. And Bob and Maraini Phillips claim further cash injections
from the same source are available to them at any time. The announcement may go some way to allaying the
fears of fans who have seen two Steelers operating companies liquidated in the past five years.
NOV
02
Steelers owners Bob and Maraini Phillips have vowed to defend themselves amidst
a police investigation into their financial conduct. Police said they were investigating whether a personal
debt had been paid by company money. Mr Phillips told the Star that he and his wife had "loaned hundred of
thousands of pounds to this club over the years, any money we have used is our money." Asked specifically
how much they have put into the club, he replied " 700,000, 800,000. I don't know, well in excess of half
a million." The couple say they do not currently take a penny in salary out of the club.
DEC
22
Bob Phillips controversial reign as owner of Sheffield Steelers is over, he is
selling the club to Secret Millionaire Paul Regan for around 90.000. The 43 year old relative newcomer to
hockey is owner of Elite League rivals Cardiff Devils, the club ironically which Phillips once owned. He
told the Star "The club isn't worth anything as it is really. I is a lost making business because the crowds
have dropped. But I am spending my money on the basic of what it will be, not what it is" he said.
27
New Steelers owner Paul Regan was on the end of an acrimonious exchange of words
as this team beat Nottingham Panthers 6-3 last night. The multi-millionaire businessman, who earlier had
been barracked by Panthers fans when he introduced himself on ice to the near 6,000 Sheffield Arena crowd,
had hit back by jokingly referring to them as a small club. But after the match, when he went to shake the
hand of Nottingham official Gary Moran, he was meet by loud criticism for making a "cheap shot" An
embarrassing shouting match developed as newly installed PR Dave Simms sought to intervene.
YEAR 2011
JAN
21
Steelers today unveiled another new owner and this one is made in Sheffield.
Tony Smith boss of Eckington based Rhino Sports manufacturers has acquired a 15 per cent stake in Ring Corp,
the company that holds the right of Steelers and Cardiff Devils.
27
Steelers new owner Paul Regan has no intention of adopting the one time club
dream of a new rink in Rother Valley Country Park. But Regan had little intention on moving Steelers to any
new rink there. He told the Star , "I knew nothing about it until the week before last. As far as I was aware
, the Yes! Project is more likely the 'One day in a million years time project.'
28
Former Sheffield Steelers owner Bob Phillips has been declared bankrupt.
The bankruptcy has come quickly Phillips, aged 58, was only served with the petition on Christmas Eve.
MAR
22
Dave Simms has apologised to fans for using a swear word during 'banter' at the
end of Sunday's Elite league trophy win. Speaking on a microphone to 6,000 Sheffield Arena fans,Simms said
he hoped vanquished opponents Braehead Clan would beat those 'b******s'of Nottingham Panthers in the Play-off
quarter finals.
APR
06
Ben Simon has quit Sheffield Steelers two days after the end of a glorious
season in which he delivered the Elite League title. The highly principled player coach felt the new salary
offered to him the biggest single slice in a reduced overall player's budget left too little room for the
rest of his players. Club owner Paul Regan insists the club must not bust the wage cap, as it had done at
the beginning of the season, to accommodate him. Simon could not be a "special case" he said.
07
Sheffield Steelers have signed Ryan Finnerty as their new player coach, the
lighting fast appointment coming just two days after league winning boss quit. Finnerty comes from the club
owner Paul Regan's other club, Cardiff Devils although he was a fan's favourite in Sheffield
for two and a half years.
08
Ryan Finnerty believes his best chance of success as new Sheffield Steelers
player coach is in retaining his top British players, yet he's been hit with an early setback over want away
Rob Dowd. Dowd appears to have agreed terms with Belfast Giants and is probably the first Steeler to move
elsewhere.
13
Rival coach Paul Thompson says he did the honourable thing in permitting
Sheffield Steelers to recruit Ryan Finnerty even though he'd signed him first. Thompson is Steelers unlikely
Fairy Godmother as Finnerty, now installed as Steelers player coach, originally signed for Thompson's
Coventry Blaze three weeks ago.
JUN
14
Globke thought he had a two year contract with the club. He said, "they said my
contract for the second year was void, and they were not going to honour it, I was told it was signed under
a different management team.
24
Sheffield Steelers latest management company has called in insolvency
practitioners, with the loss of 16 jobs. Rink Corp is run by millionaire Paul Regan, owner of Steelers and
Cardiff Devils. It is not clear how much Rink Corp owes, or whether Sheffield based staff are at risk. The
company must now call a meeting of those creditors a process sponsor's and business associates have
witnessed far too often.
27
Troubled tycoon Paul Regan today hit back at criticism for liquidating Sheffield
Steelers management company , and turned his anger on title winning player coach Ben Simon. Regan has
declined to discuss financial details of why he closed Rink Corp, which managers Steelers and his other club
Cardiff Devils, a move that has unsettled some fans. But in a surprise attack on the outgoing Simon appears
to point the finger at the way Sheffield was run last season.
28
Steelers championship winning player coach Ben Simon responded to a startling
attack by his former boss Paul Regan. Simon told the Star "I firmly believe that I left Steelers in a far
better state than when I took the job"."I sincerely hope the team finds a way out of this,(liquidation) and
does it the right way. The players and fans deserve the best". Simon says he has no desire to get in a
slanging match with Regan.
30
Steelers are celebrating a preseason triumph 100 season tickets have been
snapped up already . That's a three year high, built on last season's Elite League championships win and the
recruitment of popular player coach Ryan Finnerty.
JULY
20
Pressure from Sheffield Steeler fans has led to co-owner Paul Regan handing
over majority shareholding to his Sheffield based partner Tony Smith, aged 47. The move, which now sees
Smith with 51 per cent of the shares, will be seen to further distance Wales based millionaire Regan, who
owns Cardiff Devils.
AUG
10
New Sheffield Steelers owner Tony Smith has defied the economic pressure on his
club and CUT attendance prices. Former owner Paul Regan triggered controversy at the end of last season when
he announced some prices would be going up. But Smith has been carrying out a review of the one time cash
crippled club's pricing structure and believes Steeler's tickets can come down.
20
Secret millionaire Paul Regan's secret is out he has nothing to do with Sheffield
Steeler any more. Smith said" Regan has been bought out. The 100 per cent shareholding has been agreed to be
transferred across, not straight away but the paper work is in place and we have shaken hands on a deal.
Paul has been very good about this, he has agreed a deal to move out of Sheffield and the finance deal will
take care of itself".
23
AGE (and a fair few beers the night before) may have wearied them. But the
veteran players who came from all corners of the world to celebrate Sheffield Steelers 20th anniversary did
themselves and the club proud over the weekend. Saturday's Legends game watched by 4,600 fans,was a heart
warming stroll back to the good old days, with the famous unit of Tommy Plommer, Les Millie, and Tim
Cranston back in their proper order, Alex Dampier ruling the bench and Ron Shudra marshalling forces
on ice.
NOV
25
It cost Steelers owner Tony Smith a cool 10,000 to send Steelers to what was
ultimately a disappointing trip with the Continental Cup in Denmark. Whether he got his money's worth, will
depend on how the team reacts to the experience one which saw them lose all three games HC Asiago 4-3
Herning Blue Fox 3-0, and Duraujvaros Bulls 6-3.
DEC
06
One night I was a fit Steelers star, the next I was like a 90 year old. Rod
Sarich on the horror injury which saw him lose part of a kidney. Sarich said " Is it worth playing ice
hockey and sustaining these sort of blows? I think about it a bit, I don't think it's put me off the game
but it makes you question it. We're not earning millions . I guess my conclusion is that I must like playing
hockey!".
YEAR 2012
MAR
29
Some Sheffield Steelers fans have rounded on the club after coach Ryan Finnerty
sacked popular Canadian winger Colt King. Finnerty says he did it for the best reasons, but has declined to
go into detail.
30
Colt King has shown a sense of dignity after being axed from Sheffield Steelers
line up. The Canadian wing tweeted,"I'd like to thank everyone for all the kind and supportive messages I've
received. it was a honour and a privilege to wear a Steelers jersey".
MAY
15
Steelers believe they have signed one of the most exciting wingers they have
had at the club in years. Cory Pecker, a former AHL regular who has been playing for four years in
Switzerland, is regarded as a guaranteed goal scorer and set up man.
JUN
14
John DeCaro the goalie who walked out on Steelers for a bigger pay packet in
Norway has had second thoughts, and told his prospective employers that he will be staying in Sheffield
after all.
Sheffield Steelers top close season target. Jade Galbralth has ended speciation
about his future by re-signing for Braehead Clan as player coach.
JULY
Coach Ryan Finnerty has bagged ex NHL game veteran Steven Goertzen on a two
year contract, the player lured partly by a free educational package.
AUG
It must be the shortest contract in the history of Ice hockey. Steelers have had
to release Adam Huxley from his deal after he was in for less than 48 hours. Finnerty revealed Adam has had
a change of(personal/family) circumstances which means that he has to remain in North America.
OCT
Cory Pecker paid the price for Sheffield Steelers mini form dip with his job
yesterday. The coach is sending a message to the others that nothing other than 100 per cent will suffice.
Certainly the 31 year old Canadian form has not been eye catching. Right from the beginning Pecker looked
out of shape
Steelers coach Ryan Finnerty has had to accept defeat in a sensational attempt
to unite the Sarich brothers. The NHL lockout has presented an opportunity for Elite League teams to take
players from the worlds top division on short term deal. But Steelers had to settle for Philadelphia Flyers
enforcer Tom Sestito It was a tempting thought in Finnerty mind before he secured Sestito.
NOV
Sheffield Steelers are drafting in another import forward in Simon Ferguson
which may be a relief to fans considering the form of their temporary NHL winger Tom Sestito
Tony Smith delivered an extraordinary rant on "scumbags"
fans who falsely tried to get into the Sheffield rink on concessional rates. Smith said 'low life
scroungers' were trying to get in on the cheap something that made him 'feel sick'.
DEC
Colin Shields consumed with misery during some stages of his 30 games career at
Sheffield Steelers, quit the club to avoid being a distraction to his team mates the player said. I was
very surprised said coach Ryan Finnerty it happened so quickly.
YEAR 2013
MAR
Sheffield Steelers will be talking to Jessica Ennis coach Toni Minichiello
about an off ice role at the club for next season. Owner Tony Smith is adamant he doesn't want his team
left in the blocks in the 2013/14 campaign.
APR
04
The search is underway for Ryan Finnerty's replacement after the Sheffield
Steelers coach was axed. Owner Tony Smith talked of having a "heavy heart" after being left with no
alternative" but to let Finnerty go.
09
Sheffield Steelers will unveil Doug Christiansen as their new coach today.
They offered the 6ft 5ins American a two year contract only hours after his current team Belfast Giants lost
in the Play off final to Nottingham Panthers. Tony said" Doug Christiansen has been left in no doubt that
he will be given the same amount of time as his predecessor to prove his worth at Sheffield Steelers.
MAY
Ashley Tait is leaving Sheffield Steelers. The veteran Great British skater who
has served the club with distinction for five seasons is looking for a new berth following the arrival on
new coach Doug Christiansen.
JUN
Sheffield Steelers have failed in a remarkable bid to bring Colt King back,
the player they fired just 15 months ago.
JULY
All 12,500 seats are being ripped out and replaced,at the Arena, toilets are
being rebuilt, energy efficient lighting installed and external concourse doors will be replaced.
Millionaire Paul Regan must be cursing his look right now. The Cardiff Devils
boss who once owner Sheffield Steelers was unable to persuade goalie Frank Doyle to sign for Devils when the
Welsh club, lost a university sponsorship package. This allowed Sheffield Steelers to swoop for the Canadian.
Marc Lefebvre ended an eight year break from Sheffield Steelers to sign as new
assistant coach.
Steelers new coach Doug Christiansen pipped Panthers Cory Neilson to the part
time post as GB head coach.
SEP
Sarich was never part of the plans of incoming coach Doug Christiansen.
"It doesn't feel great when someone tells you they don't want you anymore " said Sarich. " It wasn't what
I'd hoped for, I thought I had a few more seasons to offer".
OCT
Sheffield Steelers coach Doug Christiansen has returned to America following
the death of his father Keith. The coach said " I have been truly blessed to have such a wonderful family.
My father work ethic, values and guidance has helped to shape the man that I am today."
YEAR 2014
FEB
The merry-go-round of ice hockey transfers took a strange turn today - Sheffield
Steelers assistant coach Mark Lefebvre leaving the club to take over the reins at troubled Coventry Blaze.
Coach Matt Soderstrom was fired by the Midlands side last night only a few hours after their team were
beaten 5-1 by Lefebvre s Sheffield. Lefebvre was offered the post last night. It was an obvious step-up and
he didn t think twice.
Sheffield Steelers sacked Doug Christiansen this afternoon. He was dismissed
less than half-way through his two year contract at the Arena. The head coach, who arrived from Belfast
Giants last year, paid the ultimate price for last night s 5-3 home defeat by big rivals Nottingham Panthers
in the Challenge Cup semi final, which came on top of some fairly average form in the League. The
35-year-old American clearly did not present owner Tony Smith with the formula he wants.
One player has spoken, behind closed doors, of a black cloud being lifted.
Another is looking forward to playing without being shackled by Christiansen s precise and
keenly-observed personal coaching manual. Some talk of over-coaching.
27
Gerad Adams will hold a meeting with his new Sheffield Steelers team this
afternoon as his first step in trying to bring back the trophy-winning days. Adams was confirmed as coach
and his immediate task was to find out how to turn an inconsistent side into Play Off winners. On Saturday,
he will have a baptism of fire in a league match at Nottingham Panthers - but it is a challenge he is
relishing. Steelers owner Tony Smith commented: Gerad is the perfect fit, short term and maybe long term.
He is keen to show us that he is our long term answer. I was looking for a man who could put the fire back
into Steelers hockey. Someone to extract the passion that I want to see game in and game out.
MAR
The coach s future at the club could depend on getting to the final four in
Nottingham and doing well there.But he is not spending too much mental energy thinking about that.
OccasionalLy it crops up, but I shoot it out of my mind because I don t want to be worried about anything
- worrying is not going to help. And since my accident (badly broken leg after a roof fall)I have been
looking at things in a different way.
APR
01
The team goes into battle this evening against Coventry Blaze, hoping to secure
a Play Off semi final place. They lead 3-2 from the first leg.But they will be without Legue, who underwent
a three and a half hour operation at the University Hospital, Coventry on Sunday.Legue was accidentally hit
in the face by a puck shot by linemate Chris Blight.The puck smashed his cheekbone just below his ear - and
also broke his chin. He has had two metal plates fitted.
15
Sheffield Steelers today signed present stand-in coach Gerad Adams on a two-year
contract offer after he revolutionised their fortunes with a sensational Play Off final win against the
champions, last night.Adams managed to turn an out-of-sorts, unpredictable team into Play Off finalists...
and then steered them to a dramatic underdog victory over a crack Belfast.Only a few short weeks ago, Adams
inherited an unbalanced team riddled with inconsistency and with a fragile psychology.He turned that
melancholy outfit into one that wanted to have fun - and win.Last night,they repaid him. In full. Drew
Fata scored a cracking overtime winner to bring the Play Off trophy back to Sheffield Arena.Afterwards Adams
said he was jumping out of my skin with happiness, but felt the win belonged to players and staff who had
been there all season.He said a number of factors were involved in him signing for Sheffield next year,
but he felt the organisation was a first class one in the way they treated players.
Jeff Legue has confirmed his move from Sheffield Steelers to Steeldogs,and says
his physical condition played a part in the switch. I m older than I was,the body doesn t heal as quickly
as it once did says the forward who fractured his jaw last season. You never want to admit it when the
time comes but the time came. It was one of those days you never wanted to arrive. Playing for the Steelers
is a full time job. It is seven days a week full-on.
MAY
Veteran Steelers blue liner Mark Thomas is delighted at Rod Sarich s return.
But captain Steven Goertzen will not be returning to the club next season.On Sarich,Thomas said: I could
never understand why we didn t re-sign Roddy last year. He is a player who makes a difference and a key on
the power-play. I don t think the year off will have effected him at all. He is super fit and now probably
so motivated to come back better than ever before. All the players will be happy to see him back; he is a
Steeler through and through.
JUN
Sheffield Steelers coach Gerad Adams has signed another former Cardiff Devils
star, Jay Latulippe, succeeded in luring the 32-year-old American, who iced for Cardiff 2008-10.Speaking
after making his first import forward signing of the Summer, Adams said: He is my type of player. He
competes every night and is hard to play against. He will bring us energy and is just the kind of players
other teams don t like against them
JULY
The Motorpoint Arena could be a little more entertaining next season after the
Steelers confirmed the signing of 32 year old Canadian Pascal Morency. The 5 10 200lb winger is know to be
an aggressive agitator who will be the heartbeat of the team. I ve known about and followed Pascal for many
years said head coach Gerad Adams I knew one day I d get the chance to sign him and when that chance came
along I jumped The one word everyone tells you about this man is Enthusiasm for the game, the his team mates
, for team play. Pascal plays with an edge, he will bring us some screw you .
26
Sheffield Steelers today made the most astonishing signing in their history-
a spot-fixing cheat.Canadian Tyler Mosienko bet against his own team, in January this year. He and others
were exposed and shown the door at Esbjerg, Denmark.The 30-year-old had joined in a plot to place bets that
his own team would concede at least once in the first period of a specific game - they conceded three,
ending up losing 7-4. Further unethical bets on other games were made by team-mates, according to Danish
press. But, in a huge irony, the whistle was blown when goalie Ervin Mu tukovs - a former Sheffield Steeler - was approached to take part and alerted the authorities. Other team-mates who
were not in the know, including another ex-Sheffielder Shawn Limpright, were furious.Spot-fixing, where
a specific part of a game is rigged for financial benefit, is outlawed. Mosienko was banned for five games
and fined around 500. He left to play in Alaska, reportedly saying: My life is in ruins.
AUG
07
Sheffield Steelers recruited a four-year AHL defenceman today as coach Gerad
Adams completed his wholesale transformation of the play off champions. American Cullen Eddy, 25, signed a
two-year contract after leaving Adirondack Phantoms, an affiliate of the NHL s Philadelphia Flyers.His
arrival completes the 2014-15 roster which bears only a passing similarity to the team that won the Play
Offs.Eddy is the stay-at-home blue liner who the club hopes to play with the steely resolve illustrated by
former heroes Steve Munn and Dion Darling.He is only 6ft, but, says Adams: he brings an edge. The coach
said: This is an AHL d-man who will bring added toughness. His main responsibility was defence in the AHL,
but over here we will see him jump in the play too. Eddy said: This will be a new challenge for me and I
am looking forward to joining a winning franchise in England.
SEPT
Tyler Mosienko s recent past came back to haunt him today - and his new
Sheffield Steelers team. The Canadian centre, 30, was sacked by his Danish team Esbjerg last season after
he and others were involved in spot-fix betting against his own side. The player was also banned for five
matches.But the club ditched him before that kicked in - and as the Elite League is sanctioned by the IIHF,
he will now have to serve the suspension here.Mosienko, who was free to ice in last weekend s friendlies
against Coventry Blaze, looked a lively addition to the squad. He is devastated by the suspension - and has
told The Star in the past that after apologising for his mistake, he wanted to put it behind him and move on.
The player will miss games against Nottingham Panthers and Belfast Giants, among others, before coming back
against Devils at Sheffield Arena on September 27.
04
Sheffield Steelers dismay at the suspension of new import Tyler Mosienko was
eased today by the signing of one of the biggest characters to have played in British ice hockey.Devin
DiDiomete who engaged in some lively twitter wars with fans and opposition players during a torrid spell at
Cardiff Devils, has earned an initial short term contract with the Play Off champions, who are coached by
his old Devils team-mate Gerad Adams.Adams said: We will see a very different Deeds. He isn t the player I
had two years ago.This short term arrangement works for us both, he knows our situation with Mosienko and
is looking to showcase himself in Europe.
Engineers remain confounded after two weeks working on Sheffield Arena s leaking
ice pad.Chunks of concrete have been dug up as experts look for a leak in one of the five miles of piping
that runs up and down the pad.Sheffield Steelers, who have had to switch Sunday s game with Fife Flyers to
the 1,500 capacity iceSheffield, have been deluged by calls from fans angry that they won t see the start of
the home season.The leak has yet to be located, let alone mended. And that could put Steelers game against
champions Belfast Giants in danger on September 21.Club owner Tony Smith said: An awful lot of Steelers
fans are unhappy and I cannot blame them.
17
Sheffield Steelers have been dealt their most serious set-back so far after the
Arena told them a third match scheduled for the venue cannot go ahead. Yesterday, the club were confident
Sunday s visit by Belfast Giants would be at the Arena. Sadly that was misplaced.While the leak appears to
have been mended, it has taken longer than anticipated to pump five tons of the synthetic liquid glycol
through the miles of piping under the concrete floor. Steelers now hope to play the game at iceSheffield.
27
Sheffield Steelers went ahead with a highly-unusual goal against Cardiff tonight
but faded and eventually lost on penalty shots.Forney and Tyler Mosienko missing their s, Jake Morissette
and Martin converting at the other end.It wasn t supposed to be like this - after all it was the
homecoming to Sheffield Arena after missing two matches due to a pad leak.But that s sport.
OCT
Sheffield Steelers are delighted to confirm the short term signing of GB
international Ben O'Connor.Ben is the son of former Steeler and now clubs commercial manager Mike O'Connor.
Ben O'Connor was released by Arlan (Kazakhstan) and returns to the UK today in time to play this weekends
games for the Steelers against the Cardiff Devils.Head coach Gerad Adams said "we are delighted to be able
to sign Ben. I will be keeping hold of Ben for as long as I can but expect him to be moving back to Europe
very shortly.It's an incredible pick up for us and one that happened out of the blue. Ben is an extremely
talented young man with a Steelers hero as his Father".Before leaving Kazakhstan O'Connor said "I'm so
excited and can't wait to get home see my Dad and put a Steelers uniform on. It will be a dream come true
to wear that shirt. I remember Dad wearing it when I was a kid and thinking that one day I wanted to play
at the arena like he did for the Steelers".
28
Ben O Connor put his heart before his head today and signed a surprise
long-term contract with Sheffield Steelers.It is an extraordinary coup for the club. And at a time when most
professional sportsmen put cash before everything else it s also a tribute to one young man s attachment to
his boyhood club.O Connor will now remain with the club for the three seasons.The player explained:
I arrived here thinking how great it would be to put a Steelers shirt on for a weekend. As soon as I walked
into the dressing room of the club I supported as a kid, the same team that my Dad played for, I realised
that I d like to make this more than a weekend, I want to be a Steeler. I always have. I ve played in
different countries in great leagues but Steelers are my team and I want to play a part in winning things
here .Adams said: I m lucky to have a great player wanting to play here and an owner who made this deal
happen. It s a fantastic signing for us.
NOV
07
Sheffield Steelers have been reluctantly forced to end the career of winger
Pascal Morency.His continuing problems with concussion led to two meetings with the club this week, where
hard questions had to be asked about his medical situation and future in a contact sport. Adams said: This
is a very unfortunate situation. We d looked forward to Pascal being an important player for us but
circumstances acted against us all. Pascal is as disappointed as we are that our relationship can t continue
but it is in his best interest, certainly from a health point of view that he goes back home to fully
recover.
18
Sheffield Steelers today completed the signing of right winger Danny Bois,
hoping the 419 game AHL player will be getting the puck between the pipes on a regular basis from now on.
Bois, from Ontario, replaces injured Pascal Morency. And like Morency, his role will be physical as well
as skilled - he has a long history of penalty minutes and will hopefully bring something to the team it
hasn t got now.
DEC
Steelers coach Gerad Adams will have no hesitation in throwing Danny Bois
into a home debut in one of the hottest fixtures of the season.Sheffield host Nottingham Panthers for the
100th time at the Arena - and a loss would be unimaginable against the biggest rivals in their history.Bois,
injured in a fight in his first Steeler match, at Braehead Clan last month, had a game with NHL Ottawa
Senators, enjoyed a headline career in the AHL, mainly with Binghamton Senators, and was a champion in
Austria, so he knows all about pressure cooker games.Adams said: It will be nice to see him put that
jersey on again, it has been a frustrating time. We have great medical protocol here and the doctor wanted
Danny to take a whole week off after the hit in Braehead.
09
Is the waiting finally over for Danny Bois? The injury-jinxed winger should
finally put his Sheffield Steelers nightmare behind him on Friday when he makes his home debut against
Cardiff Devils.A concussion in the first period of a match at Braehead Clan on November 21 has meant he has
seen zero action since.He seemed certain to start against Nottingham Panthers last weekend, but continuing
medical issues kept him out. Nothing went wrong specifically before last weekend, stressed Bois. It was
more of a case of being cautious and he expects to play on Friday.
Jeff Legue has quit Sheffield Steeldogs to return to Steelers.He asked to be
released from his three year contract with the EPL side in favour of a return to the Elite League.Steelers
immediately offered him a spot and a guaranteed place in next season s team too.For Steelers, Legue s
reinstatement massively strengthens their League title hopes. But it is a staggering blow for Steeldogs,
who built their franchise around him. There was a tear in his eye when he told us and it is hard to accept,
but Jeff is a friend and I know what it is like to be tempted to go back to the best level available once
you have dropped down. We wish him all the best. Legue will play against Nottingham Panthers on Boxing Day.
YEAR 2015
JAN
19
Former NHL forward Danny Bois paid the price for Sheffield Steelers inconsistent
results yesterday - with his job.Coach Gerad Adams fired the 31-year-old Canadian winger after just 14 games
with the club.It brings to an end a somewhat unusual spell which started with a severe beating on his debut,
at Braehead Clan, on November 21, not long after he d arrived jet-lagged into the country.
24
Sheffield Steelers yesterday pulled off a lightning move in the transfer market
after an injury to their most important player, goaltender Frank Doyle.The club first flew in Josh Unice,
an inexperienced but promising American goalie whose background has mainly been in University hockey.Unice,
25, is untried at a high level across the Atlantic, and so his signing is a qualified risk. But with Doyle
suffering a hand injury that could keep him out for weeks, Sheffield coach Gerad Adams had to swoop fast.
Adams explained: Frank has a long standing hand and wrist issue - it was operated on a few years ago and
has flared up again. We had three options and Josh was the strongest, so we welcome him to the team.
Meanwhile Steelers have agreed terms with Tomas Petruska, a 28-year-old, 5ft 11ins Slovakian left wing, who
has parted company with Austrian side Graz, where he collected a point every other game. He takes Danny
Bois slot in the roster - if the club can get him in before face off.
FEB
24
He has goaltended for Nottingham Lynx, Cougars, Jaguars and Leopards - but
tonight Sam Gospel was playing the biggest match of his life...against his home town team Nottingham Panthers.
For Sheffield Steelers. In a Challenge Cup semi final.So no pressure then, at the NIC tonight, staring down
the ice at title-winning American veteran Craig Kowalski.At the tender age of 20, Gospel had been drafted
in from Telford Tigers following a catastrophic list of injuries to two import and one homegrown Steeler
netminders.It was against this background that the youngster donned the 31 shirt and went to war with team
-mates whom he d never met.Overtime failed to provide a winner.So it was on to penalty shots - the lottery
being won by Tomas Petruska while Gospel made three saves.An absolutely amazing night ending with Steelers
preventing Panthers from winning the Cup for the sixth straight time, in Sheffield Arena.
MAR
09
What an occasion! What colour - what a spectacle....but oh what a let down too.
Sheffield Arena was decked out in all its finery for Sunday s Challenge Cup final. While the event didn t
have quite the presentation of a Nottingham Arena Play Off final, it was indeed a glorious sporting occasion, with the red and green hordes of Wales in the stands competing in volume with the orange-waving home fans.
The only downside for Sheffield supporters was their team. They were just never at the races.After Tomas
Petruska was helped off the ice with a hamstring wound, the first line ceased to become a potent attacking
force, Mathieu Roy and Mike Forney reduced to the role of by-standers as the game passed them by. The
second line of Colton Fretter, Tyler Mosienko and Rob Dowd toiled hard all night but could not convert that
effort into goals. We hurt ourselves, we didn t play good as a team, we didn t use our speed admitted
Mosienko. And we didn t get behind them and usually get a lot of success off simple plays like that.
19
She wafted into the room, her beautiful, big eyes and flashing smile halting the
rest of us in our tracks.Amy Usher always had that affect, you felt you were in the presence of somebody
quite remarkable.The 21-year-old passed away on Thursday, at the very hospital she promised a ten pound note for and which had cared for her for many months.She d been told her Liposarcoma was incurable and that it was extending
its pernicious reach inside her.Today she leaves behind a family and friends group that face a period of
intense grief and mourning. But they will also remember the way she effortlessly inspired everyone.
21
If ever there was a defining moment in a club s history, this was it.Sheffield
Steelers, plunged into mourning last Thursday with the death of young fan and cancer victim Amy Usher won
the Elite League title by winning their last two games.Amy, who was born on the 21st, loved that number - her favourite Steeler had worn that shirt. So it was fitting that the match ended at 21:21 on the digital clock. That the
win against Cardiff Devils was 2-1. And it all happened on March 21.And coach Gerad Adams said the League
title victory was a tribute to the Wath woman.Steelers had won the League for the first time in four years
and Adams reflected: It feels incredible. I thought we were the best team all year and we definitely proved
that by finishing in first place. The players attitude has been spot-on all year so it is well deserved and
I m really happy for them.
APR
01
Steelers have revealed a significant morale booster only days before their Play
Off semi-final against Hull, with a new two-year deal for Elite League Player of the Year, Mathieu Roy. When
you have the best player in the league you want to keep him said coach Gerad Adams. I m delighted that
Mathieu has decided to remain a Steeler and for two years.
05
So Steelers slumped to their second cup final defeat of the season. The 4-2
defeat to a spirited Coventry saw some of the worst hockey Sheffield had played all year. Yes, it was lousy
timing. But they still came back from 4-0 to 4-2 to make a fight of it. And, at the end of the day, any
rival fan - and there was plenty of jealousy on show at the Nottingham Ice Centre - would have given the
Play Off trophy away for the League title won by Gerad Adams men.The coach admitted his side was outplayed
at times and gave away incredibly soft goals. But he reminded supporters that they had an extraordinarily
successful season to look back on.
20
Sheffield Steelers did what seems the unthinkable today - dismissing the coach
who has just made them League champions.Gerad Adams was relieved of command just 15 days after also taking
his team to the Play Off final.But his second full-season contract was terminated by owner Tony Smith, who
is looking for a radical overhaul and modernisation of leadership roles.It is highly likely the club already
has a replacement in mind - but there is nothing official being made public.Whatever the case, this is one
of the biggest calls in Steeler history...and Smith clearly thought it was worth the gamble.
30
Sheffield Steelers combined old school with new school today when they appointed
Paul Thompson as head coach and general manager. Thommo is regarded by the club as the best modern
technician and planner available to Elite League clubs. But he is also steeped in Steeler history - he iced
for the club some 22 years ago.Today the 47-year-old took over from Gerad Adams with a remit to build a
multi-platform future for ambitious owner Tony Smith. He said: I had every intention of signing a long term
contract with Aalborg. I enjoyed Denmark but it would have meant three years away from my family. When Tony
outlined his plans, it ticked a lot of the boxes for me and got me excited. I hadn t any intention of
returning to the UK but Sheffield? Well that s different. The Champions League really excites me. It s big
for me. It s the future.
MAY
14
Steelers forward Jason Hewitt has his eyes set on overtaking club legend Ron
Shudra as Sheffield s longest-serving player after being awarded a new one-year contract.There were rumours
inside the club that the British Bulldog would not have made the cut, had there not been a change of coach.
But new boss Paul Thompson has handed the former Great Britain forward - who will 32 in August - a new one
year deal.Hewitt, who has also been awarded a Testimonial by the club for his 11 years service, has made 612
appearances for the Steelers since his arrival back in 2005 just 14 behind Rocket Ron .
18
Mike Forney has signed for the Belfast Giants.Belfast announced the deal this
afternoon. The Sheffield Steelers would like to go on record and thank Mike for all of his efforts last
season. We all enjoyed his play, his goals and his effort that resulted in the team winning the EIHL
Championship."Mike is a great player who we wanted to keep" said head coach Paul Thompson "we tried and made
him a great offer but we were advised by his agent on Friday that he wouldn't be returning
29
Steelers new look defence will be bolstered by an old face after coach Paul
Thompson re-signed Rod Sarich, for a 10th season at the club.Thompson has brought in three new import d-men,
Russ Moyer, Jace Coyle and Zack Fitzgerald saying he wanted to bring down the overall age of the unit, but
made an exception to land 34-year-old Sarich, who has iced 507 games for Sheffield and is ranked fifth in
all time Steeler appearances.
JUN
02
Sheffield Steelers have added a tough and experienced winger to their line up for
next season.Canadian Levi Nelson, a playmaker and a scorer with 150 AHL games under his belt, should provide
the grittiness up front that coach Paul Thompson will also be demanding of his new-look defence. We needed a
player like this said head coach Paul Thompson Levi will bring a physical element to our offence. He will
get under the skins of opponents, finish hits and go to the dirty areas. He can score and make plays. He
adds another dimension to us. He competes every shift, every night and I expect him to score important goals
for us.
10
Phil Hill may get a lifeline back into ice hockey with English Premier League
side Swindon Wildcats.And that could open the door to him being offered a two-way contract with Sheffield
Steelers,who released him from full-time employment recently.
17
The six feet three inch frame of Tyler Plante will fill Sheffield Steelers net,
this coming season.His last two campaigns have been with L renskog, where he sustained a 91 per cent save
ratio. I know it sounds crazy but I am a Steelers fan said Plante jnr. I watched my Dad play in Sheffield
for Peterborough Pirates. I was in awe of the Steelers. The big Arena, the flashing lights and the rock tunes
. I thought the Steelers were in the show (NHL) and I guess from then on I ve always followed them and so when
(coach) Paul Thompson got in touch there was an immediate interest.
24
Sheffield Steelers will be reacquainted with one of their oldest rivals in the
new season as Manchester Storm were welcomed back to British Ice Hockey s top league. It was confirmed today
that Hull have been forced into liquidation and therefore Manchester have replaced them in all competitions.
Mark Johnson, director of the Storm, said: These are exciting times for ice hockey in the Manchester area
and when we were approached by the EIHL to join the league, we pulled out all the stops to make it happen.
AUG
03
Ben O Connor may have two years to run on his Sheffield Steelers contract - but
that hasn t taken the ambition out of the super-skilled defenceman.The The 26-year-old Great Britain
international has a CV which few people of his age can boast - playing his chosen sport for clubs in Canada,
France and Kazakhstan as well as being likened by present coach to the legendary Erik Karlsson of the Ottawa
Senators.Sheffield did some very smart business in bringing him to the club on a long-contract, last season.
But, not surprisingly, O Connor has a yearning to spread his wings when that deal is up.
06
Steelers current longest-serving player Rod Sarich is gearing up for a 10th
season at Sheffield Arena - but there is no complacency or d j vu about his preparations. Every year is
different and I think this is going to be a particularly exciting year says the super-fit 34-year-old
veteran. The Champions League is interesting and I am looking forward to working with new coaches and new
players. Sarich is more of an expert on new-season starts at Sheffield than anybody in the line-up, including
Jason Hewitt and Jonathan Phillips, who have played more games, but who arrived after him. He has seen a
conveyor belt of players, coaches and owners arrive and leave the House of Steel.
23
Money talks in ice hockey just as much as it does in football and other sports.
Sheffield Steelers player budget is a few hundred thousand pounds, which is chicken feed when you compare
it to the millions in the Scandinavian pay rolls.So what is the point of taking part in competitions like the Champions Hockey League, where you are on a hiding to nothing?A hiding is what Steelers got on Thursday in Gothenburg, Sweden. It was nothing short
of a (9-1) horror story.But Saturday s 0-3 reverse at JYP Jyvaskyla s Synergia-Areena provided another, more
encouraging perspective.We already knew that Steelers - and the rest of the EIHL for that matter - trail
behind the swish, free-skaters of our European partners. But for a fair portion of Saturday s game, Sheffield
held and even tested the crack Finnish SM-liiga team.
27
Coach Paul Thompson will be forgiven before facing off against Finnish giants
YP Jyv skyl if he feels a sense of pride and d j vu.The last time he contested a game for Steelers at
Sheffield Arena was on the blue line way back in 1993.Now he finds himself running the team in the Champions
Hockey League against one finest opponents Europe has to offer. I am going to enjoy the moment he said.
After playing at iceSheffield I suddenly had that Good God, I m coach of Sheffield Steelers feeling I
won t be nervous, but I will be excited. The Summer was a whirlwind so it will all kick in for me at the
Arena on Sunday.
SEP
11
He s seen the come and he s seen them go...but Jonathan Phillips has remained a
constant at Sheffield Steelers for nine years.And his dedication has been rewarded by a confirmation of his
captaincy by coach Paul Thompson. His assistants are imports Mathieu Roy, Zack Fitzgerald and Russ Moyer.
Thompson said: When I took over here in Sheffield I was straight with Jonna, telling him I didn t know if
he would be my captain when the season started. I wanted to look at our group and take my time, it s an
important decision to get right. After just a couple of weeks I knew 100% that he was my captain.
OCT
06
Paul Thompson s first period with Steelers pre-dated any of the classic
Sheffield v Nottingham Panthers derbies. But now a born-again Steeler in charge of the team, he s relishing
this coming Saturday s visit of the club s greatest rival. Now I m really looking forward to it, we re two
teams in form. We have won seven in a row now, hopefully it will be a packed barn. It is always special.
Everybody is talking about it, people are talking about it in the changing room. They are a great club. I
know this club and Nottingham have been going back and forth, back and forth. When we were at Coventry we
took the limelight from the big boys and now I m one of the big boys and looking forward to locking horns
with them.
16
It was the night all-time Steelers favourite Ron Shudra s appearance record of
626 games was broken.Jason Hewitt, the British Bulldog, became the club s longest-serving player.So it was
fitting that the 32-year-old, in his 11th Steeler season, was captain for the night.But the script went
horribly wrong for Hewy and his team with Sheffield 3-0 down inside nine minutes and playing their worst
hockey of the year.Defensively, it was a shambles, offensively it was confused at best and the game ended
in penalty shot defeat.
21
The Sheffield Steelers have this afternoon been advised that their game on
Friday against the Belfast Giants at the SSE Arena has been cancelled.One Direction, whose concert in
Belfast was cancelled at short notice last night has been re-scheduled to take place on Friday evening. We
certainly aren t happy with the late postponement. We appreciate as well as anyone when things out of your
control can sometimes happen that cause games to be cancelled. We believe this is a commercial decision
taken by the arena in Belfast that will certainly inconvenience, disrupt and hurt financially both the club
and our supporters. We await further communication with Belfast in due course. Club owner Tony Smith said
this is unacceptable and not the end of the matter
NOV
05
A 36-year-old former Czech international goaltender will stand between the
Sheffield Steelers pipes this weekend after an emergency deal was struck by coach Paul Thompson. Tyler is
injured and we need another number one goalie. It s as simple as that, said Thompson. Brad has done a
terrific job but I think everyone agrees that finding another starting goalie whilst Tyler is out was a
priority. We made various enquiries after Sunday s game once we knew the extent of Tyler s injury and we re
delighted that a goalie with Marek s experience and ability was available.
11
Sheffield Steelers lobbied the Elite League to force Belfast Giants to surrender
two points after their scheduled game with Belfast Giants was postponed at the 11th hour.Yesterday, the
League announced Giants and Steelers had agreed a 100 compensation deal for around 190 Sheffield fans who
had flown over to the Province for a game on Friday October 23, which was cancelled to accommodate a One
Direction concert.
DEC
07
Chris Lawrence is no longer a Sheffield Steeler - Steelers confirmed that they
released the import forward this afternoon - allowing other Elite League clubs to consider what Sheffield
would not...giving him a contract until the rest of the campaign.Lawrence joined the club as injury cover
for Colton Fretter having been released himself from the Coventry Blaze after a difficult phase there.
14
Sheffield Steelers have rewarded Zack Fitzgerald with a ground-breaking two-year
new deal...after just 30 games with the club.The contract extension secures the 30-year-old skater s future
and is a unique investment by the club s ownership.Coach Paul Thompson said: Wearing my general manager s
hat we have a player that everyone from fans to ownership adore, a player who represents our club in the
most professional and respected way possible.He is committed to the club and most of all to winning.
22
Sheffield Steelers' north American goalie Tyler Plante has left the club for
Germany - meaning Marek Pinc will be the man entrusted to help them retain the League title. Plante recently
sustained a high ankle sprain and has missed the last month with injury - but it was always thought he would
be the favourite to regain his position at Sheffield. "With Tyler back fully fit and Marek playing so well
I was going to have to make a difficult decision" said head coach Paul Thompson."Marek's current deal is up
in two weeks and at that time one would stay and one would have to leave us."I was honest and explained this
position to Tyler. I couldn't guarantee him anything. In the mean time a deal has come up in Europe and
having spoken at length with Tyler we agreed it was best he moved on and took the deal on offer.
YEAR 2016
JAN
05
A forty-year-old winger, who started his ice hockey career back in 1992, will
get the chance to prove age is just a number after signing for Sheffield Steelers.Swedish veteran Conny
Stromberg will be the oldest player to have donned the Steelers kit since coach Mike Blaisdell came out
of retirement to play four games in the 2000-1 season.But, with Colton Fretter out for a month or more,
Thompson has given the six-foot forward the opportunity to prove he can do the business.He has put pen to
paper on an initial one month trial.
23
Sheffield Steelers went into tonight's game against league leaders Cardiff Devils
with a worrying catalogue of injuries - and they added goaltender Marek Pinc to that list in the second
period.Rob Dowd and Colton Fretter are out for weeks and Guillaume Desbiens is not likely to be available
for another two weeks.
27
Statement on Steelers Website---"The Sheffield Steelers will play the Nottingham
Panthers in the semi final of the 2016 Challenge Cup.The date of the fixtures will be as follows.Steelers
vs. Panthers (ICE Sheffield) Tuesday 23rd February. Panthers vs. Steelers (NIC) Wednesday 24th February.The
Steelers tried everything possible to accommodate this fixture at the Sheffield Arena. The Arena, Ice
Sheffield and the Manchester Storm all did everything possible to make this game take place at the Arena
with Manchester even prepared to move one of their home games to assist us. We thank them all for their
efforts.We accept that Nottingham have the rights to the 2nd leg at home after being drawn out of the bag
first. In the past the Steelers have accommodated such requests when they have had home rights when other
clubs have struggled with ice availability. The Steelers have even played second legs of cup finals on the
road after play off games when other teams couldn t arrange suitable home ice."This hasn t gone down well
with Steelers Fans, the Elite League set the rules out when the competition started i.e The semi-final
line-up is an open draw, with the highest-ranked team from the group getting the choice of if they want to
play the first leg at home or away. Then changed them to Nottingham have the rights to the 2nd leg at home
or away after being drawn out of the bag first. and forget to tell the fans.
FEB
26
Steelers leading point scorer Tyler Mosienko has signed a year-long extension
to his contract at Sheffield. After a difficult week in which the club were twice shut-out by Nottingham
Panthers, It s a boost for the defending league champions. As a club we have moved forward, the way the club
is progressing on and off the ice excites me. We are making big steps forward from the way things were last
year to this. Having Thommo back for another year is going to keep building us in the right direction."
MAR
02
Robert Dowd was today thrilled to sort out his future for the next 3 years,
especially when the player has missed much of the season due to a knee injury. Head coach Paul Thompson
said: We wanted to tie Robert in and he didn t want to go anywhere else as he is an adopted Sheffield lad."
Earlier this week, Guillaume Desbiens was confirmed back with the club next year.These two are added to Ben
O Connor, Mathieu Roy and Tyler Mosienko all already under contract for season 2016/17.
03
Jonathan Phillips will compete in his 11th season for Sheffield next year after
the club confirmed he had signed another one year contract. Head coach Paul Thompson said: Jonno brings so
much leadership and he always positive. He doesn t take any nonsense, this is his club."
17
Steelers have signed GB youngsters Cole Sudra - son of Steeler legend Ron -and
Liam Kirk on three year full-time apprentice contracts.Shudra, aged 17 and Kirk, 16, have risen through the
junior ranks and broken into the Steeldogs side. For the past three months both have been training with the
Steelers under the supervision of coach Paul Thompson. We have been very impressed with these two boys. We
have worked them hard. They have shown that not only do they have ability but also the hunger to become
professionals. They both possess size, skill and talent.
24
Jason Hewitt and Jeff Legue will retire at the end of the campaign, which means
Arena fans will say goodbye to them on Sunday at the Play-off quarte-final against Coventry. Legue will leave
the image of a top-class import forward who forged several excellent partnerships at the club - none better
than his link with Joey Talbot. Hewitt is the British Bulldog, the heart-on-the-sleeve player who gives his
all. Hewitt holds the club s all-time appearance record (680) while Legue is Steelers all-time Elite League
goal and points record-holder (266 goals, 608 points).
APR
12
Levi Nelson, who was second-leading scorer for Sheffield Steelers in his debut
season, has been rewarded for his contribution with a new two-year contract.Coach Paul Thompson said: Levi
is in his prime. He had a fabulous season for us, he was our second top point scorer (behind Tyler Mosienko)
and he and Dowd have great chemistry it is something there we want to continue.
13
Rod Sarich has followed fellow Steeler veterans Jeff Legue and Jason Hewitt into
retirement. Sheffield s 10-season defencemen hangs up his skates on a high after winning back-to-back
championships.Coach Paul Thompson said it was a huge loss: What a servant to the club Rod has been. We talk
about players giving their all for a club, Roddy almost ended up giving his life for the Steelers
(a reference to Sarich s injury in 2013 where he lost part of a kidney.) Rod didn t want the fanfare of
leaving us and asked us to not include him in the post-season celebrations that included Hewey and Leggy.
That s the kind of guy Rod is, we wanted to wave the flags for him because he has been an exceptional player
and a huge part of this organisation.
21
Sheffield s ruthless pursuit of success and growth claimed another victim today
when the club parted company with assistant coach Darrell Hay, Hay had wanted to return. He has been replaced
by 56-year-old year old Jerry Andersson, Thompson s former boss whilst at Swedish club Troja Lundby.
Andersson s brief will be to work with younger players, the team and to help Sheffield win the League for a
third consecutive season.
27
Sheffield Steelers have finally landed the man they believe can give them
goaltending stability and consistency - a factor that eluded them for some of their championship winning
season.And the signing they have unveiled today is none other than Ervins Mustokovs, who led them to the
Elite League title six years ago and was their number one recruitment choice last season.
MAY
12
I can confirm that Paul Thompson has never been so excited about a player signing in
as he is over young Liam Kirk. The Steelers decision to sign both Kirk and Cole Shudra [who, by the way,
helped the Sheffield Scimitars lift the national U20s championship last weekend - great job boys] Kirk and
Shudra skated a lot with the Steelers last year and Paul knows that they have a lot to do before they are
regulars in the team. Physically they need to grow, and mentally they need to learn about the game.
16
Steelers have signed an experienced sharp shooter with NHL, AHL and German league
pedigree. Right winger Jesse Schultz, who had two games with Vancouver Canucks, arrives from German second
division side SC Riessersee, in Bavaria.
31
Steelers head coach Paul Thompson has confirmed the signing of 27 year old D-man
Anders Franzon. His size and mobility is what attracted us towards him. I watched a lot of video and instanly
thought he would be an ideal fit. He sees the ice well, (has) good vision and a good first pass. I like his
decision making. He is also a right hand shot, something I wanted to add to the group of six on the blue
line."said Thompson.
JUN
03
Sheffield Steelers head coach Paul Thompson has confirmed the signing of
28-year-old American defensemen Mike Ratchuk. He will give us great mobility on the back end. His strength
is his skating, he is good on the puck and will support the rush.
15
John Armstrong, a 6ft 3ins right shot, was picked by coach Paul Thompson partly
because of his size and range, which last season saw him score 50 points in 31 league games for Odense
Bulldogs in Denmark. His tally, mainly assists, was almost double what he achieved the previous season at
Lillehammer in Norway.
JUL
21
Sheffield Steelers have completed their roster for the coming season by signing
a third Swedish player. Coach Paul Thompson went for a forward who had anything but his best season, last
year. But Thompson, having coached against Andreas Valdix, knows what the 31-year-old centre is capable of.
On paper, Valdix s form took a dip at HC Innsbruck of the Austrian EBEL, (46 games; eight goals and eight
assists, a minus 20 ratio.) But Thompson says: Don t be fooled by his point output last year, we have
signed a very complete player and centre.
AUG
24
On Saturday we will see a glimpse of the future hopefully. A sign of where we
want the Sheffield Steelers to be in years to come. People have questioned whether teams from the Elite
League should participate in the CHL after the Steelers suffered two defeats in Sweden and Austria last week
.The people of Sheffield should not shy away from this game on Saturday, they should cancel all appointments
and come and watch how good it can be. How we are aspiring to make Steelers of the future says Dave Simms.
27
Sheffield Steelers fans face a whopping rise in car parking fees at Sheffield
Arena tonight. Fans wanting to watch their favourite ice hockey team will now have to pay 7 on the night,
or 5 if they have pre-booked on line...10 days in advance, according to club supporters.It was 4 on the
night, 3.50 in advance last year, they say. - so a 43 per cent rise for many who will arrive this evening.
The Star understands the move was made without consultation with the Steelers.
SEP
02
Sheffield Arena have responded to complaints from ice hockey fans raised in The
Star about poor ice conditions.Last weekend, when Steelers were taking on Swedish giants HV71 in a televised
match, there were alarming puddles on the pad and at least one dangerous hole.Today, Rob O Shea, general
manager of Sheffield Arena, said: We recognise there were issues with the quality of the ice at Sheffield
Arena for the Sheffield Steelers fixture against HV71 and, unfortunately, this was exacerbated by the warm
outside temperatures. "We are working hard to rectify the situation for this weekend" he said, a reference
to Sunday's Challenge Cup game against Manchester Storm"
11
Steelers pulled off one of the most impressive wins of their 25-year history on
Sunday night. Sheffield turned the hockey world order upside down by beating multi-million pound aristocrats
of Red Bull Salzburg 5-2. Despite going out of the Champions Hockey League qualifying group their players
proved themselves every bit as good the speed merchants of Europe, on the night. Salzburg are a team as
sleek and powerful as a Formula One car. But they came adrift against the heart and desire of a determined
Steelers side. While Steelers do not progress in the tournament, it was still an outstanding achievement
and a potential sign of progress being made in this elite European competition.
OCT
28
Tyler Mosienko - the forward Sheffield Steelers took a gamble on hiring after
he was embroiled in a spot-fixing scandal - dramatically left the club today.Thompson said: Tyler came to
see me earlier in the week and explained that he wished to leave and head back to mainland Europe. His
decision came as a surprise as we were happy with him and certainly wished him to remain as a part of out
team going forward. As a club we have tried everything within reason to retain him as a Steelers but his
wish is that he leaves us and returns to the mainland. Tyler has a clause in his contract allowing him to
facilitate a move conditional upon a transfer / release fee being paid by his new club, as we stand we are
still awaiting that.
NOV
01
Steelers are savouring a tremendous stroke of good fortune today as they snapped
up a player they tried in vain to sign in the Summer. Yared Hagos, a Swedish born centre of Ethiopian
heritage, will take the import slot vacated by Denmark-bound Tyler Mosienko.We were very fortunate to pick
up such a quality player at short notice said coach Paul Thompson. We tried to bring Yared to Sheffield
in the Summer but he was hoping for a return to Germany. That move didn t come off and he was happy to
accept our advances.
02
Most nights I eat a Cornetto to put a few pounds on says the lean Maltby
Academy pupil, who is still on cloud nine after scoring his first goal for Sheffield Steelers on Saturday,
against Coventry Blaze. I used to watch Dowdy and Jono (team-mates Dowd and Phillips) in their younger years
- so scoring a goal with a team you have grown up watching...there are no words to explain it he said. I
just threw it (the puck) on net, hoping! I thought the goalie had saved it. It just bobbled over the line,
and before I knew everybody was screaming at me, I don t know what to think. It s crazy to think at such a
young age, that I was able to bag one, says Liam Kirk.
DEC
14
Jace Coyle made first appearance of the season after flying in after a 14-game
spell at Quad City Mallards in the ECHL. The 26-year-old Canadian will go straight on to the team s blueline,
allowing coach Paul Thompson to allow the smooth-skating Ratchuk on to the wing.Centreman Andreas Valdix
remains out of the picture for the next month but the arrival of Coyle will mean that Sheffield will be at
full strength and able to rotate four full lines of 12 forwards and six defencemen
30
Sheffield Steelers have today sacked one of their top imports - as coach Paul
Thompson finally ran out of patience with his misfiring attack. Jesse Schultz has paid the price for recent
Steeler malfunctions in front of goal, a weakness that has seen them fail to keep up with league-leading
Cardiff Devils.Coach Paul Thompson agreed that alone sent a signal to the other skaters that poor results
would not be tolerated.
YEAR 2017
JAN
11
Steelers Statement:The Steelers have also made a request to the SSSC to stop
selling away travel for the remainder of the season, again Smith felt the combination of away travel sales
and live streaming could be affecting revenue into the Arena. In his match night programme notes tonight he
commented I have no concrete evidence the two are affecting our arena income so for now I have asked our
Supporters club not to sell in the arena obviously I cannot stop away travel from continuing and fans
have the choice to organise this themselves. I apologise for any inconvenience or upset this has caused but
can only do what I feel is right for the club
13
Steelers Statement:The Sheffield Steelers wish to advise their fanbase that they
are taking on board much of the constructive correspondence that they have received regrading their
statement earlier in the week on the issues of webcasting and away travel via the SSSC.We have certainly
heard the sensible arguments made by many Steelers fans regarding away travel, especially many disabled
supporters who obtain their tickets for away fixtures through the SSSC.After much consideration and dialogue
with the clubs ownership, management, supporters club and travel partners we confirm that we will be
advising the SSSC to immediately commence their away travel organisation once again.We note that our
earlier position did cause concern to many supporters whose opinions we value strongly. MD Tony Smith said
I got it wrong and apologise to our fan base for the upset I have caused.We trust that this statement is
met with supporters approval
15
Sheffield Steelers overcame the frustration of an hour long face off delay to
prevail over Coventry Blaze this evening.A partial lighting failure had meant the game was late starting.
FEB
16
He may be just a shade under 36 years old - but Rod Sarich is heading back for
yet another chapter in the Sheffield Steelers story book.The champions need injury cover after defenceman
Christoffer Bjorklund activated an option in his contract and quit for a higher paid job at a Swedish team.
And Sarich, who lives on the Steeler doorstep and played for the club in the Champions Hockey League has been
offered a role to play when one of the imports is absent.
MAR
08
Sheffield Steelers today bowed to pressure after "homophobic" remarks were made
by match night announcer David Simms - calling him "foolish and thoughtless." Senior members of Sheffield
Council and SIV have made strong representations to the club since Simms made his off-the-cuff remarks at
the Steelers V Coventry Blaze game at the Sheffield Arena last Saturday.Simms later insisted he had been
joking when he'd stated it was "disgusting" that two men had embraced each other on the big screen
" kiss cam. He apologised for remarks in a video on our website when it became obvious he had angered
some supporters and others outside the sport.
10
Sheffield Steelers' mascot was ejected from the arena as passions boiled over
during their ice hockey cup final defeat by Cardiff Devils.Police in Wales are investigating following
complaints by the man inside the Steeler Dan costume and a Sheffield fan who was also thrown out, about
their treatment by security guards at Sunday's EIHL Challenge Cup Final.The Devils defended the guards,
saying they acted appropriately and had no choice but to kick Steeler Dan out as he was 'yelling' at fans
and 'trying to interfere with' the goal judges.
APR
06
On Saturday, in the play-off semi final Jonathan Phillips will make his 682nd
appearance for the Sheffield Steelers. will equal the all time Steelers appearance record presently held by
his good friend Jason Hewitt what an achievement for perhaps the most respected player in the EIHL.On
Tuesday the Steelers confirmed Phillips would return for a 12th season with the club, his 10th as captain.
Already he has lifted more league title trophies and more play-off championships than any other captain in
Elite League history, let alone Steelers.
09
Sheffield Steelers came back from the dead to become Play Off champions tonight.
They went 3-1 down in the first period to league champions Cardiff Devils, two of the goals conceded on the
penalty kill.But they romped to a 4-1 second period to seize the advantage after 40 minutes. After an epic
34 minutes of overtime, Levi Nelson lashed the puck high to win the trophy. It ruined Cardiff's plans to
become Grand Slam winners.
12
Play off winning partners Paul Thompson and Jerry Andersson will be back at the
helm at Sheffield Steelers for the next two seasons.The head coach and his right hand man confirmed they had
signed fresh contracts which should add to the feeling of stability and ambition at the club.Owner Tony
Smith said: Paul and Jerry are the right men to have at our club. Changing either was never an option. We
have become a more professional club and Paul has been instrumental in that.
14
Mathieu Roy has signed on for two more years at Sheffield after being bitten by
the Steelers bug.The indestructible left winger - who probably takes more punishment than any other team player
- says the hunger for trophies is infectious. His contract extension means the fans own King of Sheffield
will have had five-year reign by 2019. The 30-year-old French Canadian said: It s fun to win here with
this organisation and I m happy to commit for another two seasons.
18
The best goaltender in the Elite League will be a Sheffield Steeler again next
season.Latvian stopper Ervins Mustukovs aka The Moose - has committed to a new one year contract with the
club.The former Grenoble and Aalborg Pirates man led EIHL goaltending averages last season playing 51 of 52
league games with a saves percentage of 91.3% He is a top goalie and he is a winner said coach Paul
Thompson.
27
Ben O Connor - who hinted he d return to Steelers minutes after helping his side
win the Play Off final - has confirmed that intention, by signing a fresh deal,now he has put his name on a
two-year contract.O Connor said: The experience of the play offs brought it home to me how good it is here
and how I want more of the same with the great group of team mates.There is no better feeling than knowing
we are settled here long term.
MAY
26
Steelers may have signed three new players in Mark Matheson, Jonas Westerling,
and Tim Wallace this week, but there is only one talking point. That is with Guillaume Desbiens decision to
retire from ice hockey.To say that everyone at the club was gutted would be an understatement. From
ownership to the car park attendant everyone loved Desy. Especially his fellow team mates inside the holy
grail that is the dressing room. Because of the respect Paul, Jerry, Tony and all of us have for Desbiens
we accepted it. We all know what a tough decision it was for him.
30
Sheffield Steelers will take their fans back in time in a special night at the
Arena on August 26.The club will charge just 5 - 1993 prices - for a Retro Night friendly against
Manchester Storm.They will raise the 2017 EIHL Play Off Championship Banner prior to the game, the first of
the new season. We wanted to do something a little bit different said operations manager Shaun Smith.
We thought we would come up with a 5 ticket for our first game back at the arena this year, we will be
wearing a special Retro Steelers shirt with all 22 of them raffled off to fans on the night. Our 50-50 draw
will also have an additional 2,500 added to the final prize fund, someone could walk away with 7,000
on the night.
JUN
01
So, the Steelers have moved quickly in replacing Guillaume Desbiens. In his
place come another big power-winger with AHL experience, Matt Marquardt. Marquardt played last season in
Coventry and showed Paul Thompson enough in the games between the two sides that he was an able replacement
for Desbiens.One player who knows Marquardt well is the King of Sheffield, Mathieu Roy. The two played
together in Florida when they won the Kelly Cup back in 2012. Roy s voice was one that recommended
Marquardt very highly.
05
Coach Paul Thompson has signed Joonas R nnberg - who will become one of very few
number of Finns to have donned the Sheffield shirt.Ronnberg, 34, follows in the skating footsteps of the
likes of Timo Willman (2002-03) and Ilpo Salmivirta, who made a cameo appearance in 2013-14.Thompson had
wanted a bigger d-corps than last year and 6ft 3ins Ronnberg fits that criteria. He arrives on a one year
deal after a single season at Storhamer in Norway.
08
Kieran Brown is the boy who turned his back on the American dream - to be a
Sheffield Steeler.The 16-year-old forward had two seasons learning his craft in the junior system run by
Iowa Wild, a US franchise in the AHL which is affiliated to NHL giants Minnesota Wild. There was much less
chance of progressing as quickly over there than here said Bradford-born Brown, who will commute to
Sheffield every day. I wanted to come back and try to play in the Elite League, rather play against
players of just my own age.
14
A young Canadian firebrand, know more for his penalty minutes than his goals and
assists, has been signed by Sheffield Steelers,Brady Ramsey, a 5ft 11ins right winger or centreman, scored
just 11 goals in his last 108 games for Indy Fuel and Tulsa Oilders in the East Coast Hockey League, but
sat out 183 minutes in the box in that time. I was looking for some energy said coach Paul Thompson. And
Brady will bring that in bundles. We ve done a lot of work on him as a player and his character.
JULY
28
Sheffield Arena is stepping up security measures, which it has warned ice hockey
fans will slow down entry to the venue.Visitors have been asked to arrive as close to the advertised doors
opening time as possible and asked to keep personal belongings to a minimum, with backpacks, rucksacks and
any bags larger than A4 size not permitted.The arena said the measures had been introduced in the wake of the
Manchester Arena bombing, which killed 22 people.
AUG
09
If it went a little dark in Sheffield this week, don t worry. It wasn t the
weather. It wasn t clouds over head it was probably just Steelers new signing Joonas Ronnberg walking
by.Jonathan Phillips said to me: Simmsey, he has a pole vault as a stick and you do giggle when you see
all the sticks lined up, Ronnberg s are the easiest to find as they stand head and shoulders above the rest.
Paul Thompson said he wanted a little more size at the back end, well Ronnberg certainly brings that. I
didn t see too many getting past him tonight Thompson said to me after Tuesday s second day of training
camp.
25
Ben O Connor was a starry-eyed youngster when he first heard of the concept of
raising the banner at an ice hockey game.That s because his dad was a successful player who won
championships with Sheffield Steelers.Now Ben is looking forward to the same feeling of pride as he awaits
Saturday s ceremony at Sheffield Arena, celebrating last season s Play Off final win. Ben s Dad Mike was a
defenceman - in the same way Cole Shudra s dad Ron was, in the Steelers side of yesteryear. Both will feel
a family link when the flag is hoisted into the rafters. O Connor Jr said: The banners mark the club s
history and in Sheffield that s a very successful history. You see those you watched as a kid and then those
you helped win with your team mates.
27
Sheffield Steelers have demanded an explanation over 'totally unacceptable'
delays before and during yesterday's clash with Manchester Storm. Fans faced delays getting into Sheffield
Arena, with reports of long queues at security, and the match was then held up as repairs were needed to the
ice ahead of the third period.But Steelers owner Tony Smith apologised to fans and called for an explanation
from those running the venue. "I'm sorry to all the fans who were delayed entering the building before the
game, and for the further delays before the start of the third period," he said in a statement on the club's
website. "Both delays were, in my opinion, fully avoidable and I will be seeking an early appointment with
the Arena management. This is totally unacceptable."But several fans criticised the arrangements on the day,
claiming there were too few security staff and not all bags were checked despite people queuing outside for
up to 45 minutes.
SEPT
8
Sheffield Steelers fishing expedition to find an injury replacement has landed
them a big catch - a forward straight out of the Finnish Elite League.The club says Juha Koivisto is joining
them on an initial four week contract - so they will reassess whether they keep him after that time.This
will be an interesting challenge for a player who has spent his entire career in Finland and the last four
seasons with one club, H meenlinnan Pallokerho.Thompson said: I think we are extremely lucky to find someone
with over 300 Liiga games at such short notice.
OCT
6
Sheffield Steelers unveiled another Scandinavian signing today as they seek to
force themselves out of the doldrums. Mixed results and performances recently, and the decision of Finnish
winger Juha Koivisto to leave, meant coach Paul Thompson had to find one or more new players quickly - and
the first man signed is Swede Andreas Jamtin, 34.
18
The Steelers, after all these years playing out of the Sheffield Arena, finally
had a sign erected confirming that this great building was officially our home.To many of you it s just a
sign, but to Steelers fans is much more than that. It s a sign of belonging and a sign that our landlords
at long last respect us and consider us a major part of their business.Steelers fans aren t concert goers.
They don t see the Arena as a simple venue that is attended maybe once in a blue moon for one of the great
shows they have there. To Steelers fans the Fly DSA (Sheffield) Arena is HOME.
22
For was the fifth time this season Fretter had been hit from behind. The cheapest
penalty in hockey. On the four other occasions the culprit has had his original penalty upgraded by the
Department of Player Safety after a request by the club. Imagine the frustration as a player when you aren t
being protected out there on the ice.Then on Sunday it happens again, by the same player who has already done
this to you twice this season already.So the mist comes down and he charges towards Spiro Goulakos
fortunately releasing his stick well before making contact with the Giants player. Colton will get suspended
and no one can argue against that. However, if the original incident had been called then the retaliation
penalties would never happen.
27
Colton Fretter will miss six games for Sheffield Steelers after his punishment
for attacking a Belfast Giants player Spiro Goulakas was upgraded.The EIHL had asked for an independent
review of the incidents that occurred in a game between the teams last Sunday October 22. After it was
completed today, Fretter was hit by the extended suspension and Simon Kirkham, Elite League Head of Referees,
was ditched as Head of the Department of Player Safety.Their ruling stated: "Fretter Suspension is now 6
games instead of 1 game. Goulakos Suspension is now 2 games instead of 3 games. Penalty for 5+ Game for
Checking from behind is removed from his record."
NOV
20
Sheffield Steelers have progressed through to a potentially lucrative Challenge
Cup final series - maybe at their own rink. On Sunday in Denmark, they won a nerve-shredding 4-2 win over
Kurbads Riga, with an empty netter from Ben O Connor only confirming the win with four seconds left.They go
through as second placed team in the three-member qualification group. Steelers owner Tony Smith has now got
to go to work to bring the finals stage to Sheffield Arena. He has already had behind-the-scenes talks with
SIV about using their main home facility for training on January 11 and then two Continental Cup games a day
over 12-14.
29
Andre Deveaux's seemingly negative affect on Sheffield Steelers continues after
his exit. Coach Paul Thompson ended the forward's stay this week after just 11 games. But his behaviour
during his penultimate game caught up with him - and the club today. In Saturday's 7-2 defeat at Milton
Keynes Lightning, the ex NHLer, amongst other things, took a run at an opponent and caught him high. Today
the EIHL banned him for six games - even though he'd left the club.
DEC
21
Tuesday s game at the Arena might go down as one of the most important in the
clubs history. The result, a 6-1 win over Dundee was a good one, but that isn t to what I am referring. The
13-3 aggregate in the Challenge Cup quarter final was important, but nothing to do with what I am thinking.
Steelers took a huge risk they offered a 5 ticket for a mid week game with the overall outcome already
pretty much decided after last weeks 7-2 road win. Just over 4,000 turned out for the game against the Stars
on a cold Tuesday night just before Christmas and this is why this game may go down in the history books
because this could be the game that sees the end of competitive hockey for us at iceSheffield.
31
Sheffield Steelers have moved fast to replace injured centreman John Armstrong.
American Eric Neiley was confirmed as the new boy this evening.The 25-year-old right shot leaves Adirondack
Thunder in the ECHL to join the South Yorkshire club. He steps in to the berth left by Armstrong who has a
badly injured hand and will be out for weeks.
YEAR 2018
JAN
01
Sheffield Steelers goaltender Ervins Mustukovs ended 2017 on an incredible high.
His four straight shut-outs for the club smashed all records and earned him a place in Steeler folklore.
Today, that was recognised across the British sport of ice hockey when he was named Elite League Player of
the Week for the period ending December 31, 2017.
14
Sheffield Steelers sealed a bronze medal finish to their Continental Cup series
this afternoon. Having lost the chance to win the tournament with two previous defeats this weekend, they
were anxious to finish on a high at the Chizhovka Arena, in Minsk, Belarus, against Ritten Sport, of Italy.
And while third-place was a consolation in terms of reward, it was something to take back to England and
build on in domestic play.
23
Ben O Connor used the perfect phrase to sum up hat-trick scorer Cole Shudra s
achievement. You wait for a single goal to come along - and then three come all at the same time! Steelers
teen Shudra collected his first goal (and two more) for Sheffield at Edinburgh Capitals last Sunday. And
team-mate O Connor was as chuffed as anybody at the unexpected return.Cole, son of Steelers most popular
ever franchise player Ron, said his Dad gave him a hug after becoming the youngest Steeler to net a hat-trick
.
25
Well that was a surprise wasn t it? The return of Joonas Ronnberg (again). It
happened quickly, the calls between Joonas and coach Paul Thompson, the owner s approval and the flight was
booked, all inside a few hours.It s a massive boost for the Steelers to have the big man return. The pressure
put on the Steelers D in recent weeks playing back-to-back games with five defencemen has been a strain.
Having a spare that comes in to the line-up when injuries and suspensions take place will give the team a
massive boost with all the games coming up.
FEB
03
Sheffield Arena will remain Steelers' home for a minimum of five more years, it
was announced today. Both sides have entered into a new partnership taking them into 2023 - which should
produce better facilities, including ice quality.The deal replaces previous short contracts and the parties
says such a long term commitment will allow both "to build and grow the partnership."
23
Sheffield Steelers' captain Jonathan Phillips is preparing for an amazing
achievement - 900 appearances in all competitions. The 35-year- old will be the first ever player to hit
that milestone in Elite League history on Saturday when his Steelers team take on Belfast Giants.
MAR
26
Steelers will be quick to offer Mark Matheson a new deal to stay in Sheffield.
Paul Thompson is the first to admit the Elite League season has not panned out how he wanted - and to put
it politely - some imports have made more of an impact than others.Sheffield's second top points performer
- behind only fellow defenceman Ben O'Connor - has not made it clear what his intentions are. Thompson
declined to comment in detail on the Canadian but said: "Mark has been fantastic for us however we are a
couple of weeks away from making decisions.
APR
04
Sheffield Wednesday boss Jos Luhukay is following in the footsteps of Rotherham
United counterpart Paul Warne and becoming a fan of ice hockey club Sheffield Steelers!The Dutch manager,
who joined the Owls in January, started to show an interest in the defending Play Off champions as soon as
he d got his feet under the table at Hillsborough.He hails from the city of Venlo, which has its own hockey
side. Warne has been captivated by the speed of the game - and is a frequent Arena and iceSheffield guest.
09
Nine import players were released by Sheffield Steelers this afternoon - 24 hours
after their season finished empty-handed.The following players will be moving on and will not be returning
to the club next year: Ervins Mustukovs, Jonas Westerling, Andreas Valdix, Joonas Ronnberg, Colton Fretter,
Tim Wallace, Matt Marquardt, Andreas Jamtin and Zack Fitzgerald.
13
Sheffield Steelers mass departure took a surprising turn today when it was
announced the club s assistant coach Jerry Andersson had resigned. Immediately after the Play Off final last
Sunday, the 58-year-old told The Star he planned to return to business next season in Sheffield and try to
repay the fans with a trophy.But within a few days the situation had changed with the club published a
statement saying he: wishes to return home to Sweden after three years away from his family (one in Romania
and two with the Steelers.)
MAY
04
Eric Neiley is the TENTH import to leave Sheffield Steelers - although he has
departed under his own steam. The American forward was one of a handful of overseas players who escaped coach
Paul Thompson s cull after the end of the 2017-18 season.Neiley had previously said he d enjoyed his
half-season with Sheffield, at the beginning of last month he said he would like a full season with the club.
But the 26 year old former ECHL and AHL forward has been offered a non-hockey job back home and decided to
accept.
08
Jonathan Phillips will once again lead the Sheffield Steelers next season after
agreeing to return to the club for a 13th season.Phillips and Day join Ben O Connor, Robert Dowd, Davey
Phillips, Cole Shudra and Kieran Brown as the core of the clubs home grown talent. The Steelers do expect
forward Liam Kirk to be playing in North America next season.
23
A crack team in Kazakhstan have snapped up Sheffield Steelers brilliant
defenceman Ben O Connor.The 29-year-old GB star will be released from a remaining one year contract to make
his fortune with Barys Astana in the KHL. Ben and (owner) Tony Smith quickly agreed the terms of the move and
said We can look for a quality import defenceman to fill Ben s place on the team." He will have to be a hell
of a player because that is what we are losing in Ben.
JUN
9
Ben O'Connor's lucrative deal with Kazakh side Barys Astana in the KHL has
collapsed. A change in management at Astana has meant a change of direction - and the club has en decided
against employing the Great Britain defenceman.
15
Fans favourite Levi Nelson has hung up the skates and will not play for
Sheffield Steelers again.After three dynamic seasons at the Elite League club, Nelson - whose dramatic goal
won the Play Off final the season before last said I have decided to retire, it s something I have been
thinking about for a while and now that I have made a decision I am at ease with it".
16
A new era has begun at Sheffield s ice hockey academy after members voted in
changes they hope will improve their chances of finding the next Liam Kirk-style prospect.They were conflict
between then-chairman Joe Walker and some members, leading to suspensions being dished out. Walker, a haulage
boss, was replaced after last Wednesday s election by Worksop company manager Neil Rushby, 45.Rushby said
Ron Shudra has agreed to assist the academy and help out with training. He has been a valuable club member
for years and we welcome the chance to continue to work with him and the children will benefit hugely from
his experience.
20
Injury-hit Mathieu Roy has sensationally quit Sheffield Steelers saying he can
barely hold a pen in his hand, let alone an ice hockey stick.Roy said: "I didn't expect the retirement to
come so soon. The reality is that my body isn't responding to the injuries I have. I get up in the morning
and struggle to walk." To everyone in Sheffield I can't thank you enough" said the player nicknamed 'The King
of Sheffield.'
JUL
4
Sheffield Steelers owner Tony Smith feels some of the team s misfiring stars
probably should have moved on last year, rather than play a final season with the club.Coach Paul Thompson
is overseeing an almost complete transformation of import players ahead of the 2018-19 campaign.And part of
that process could have started earlier, in the owner s view.The current turnaround in players was good
for Sheffield he said. We d probably got to the end of a four-year cycle and maybe one of two players were
kept a year too long. It s time for a freshen-up and the fans will be excited about that.
25
This week the Steelers have added the two Rupert brothers. Identical twins in
fact. Ryan a talented centre and his brother Matt a goal scoring winger. Ryan has the slightly better
resume having already played 150 AHL games.
27
Aaron Johnson will join a very exclusive club when he arrives to take his place
on Sheffield Steelers roster. The Canadian will be in the top four Sheffield players when it comes to
numbers of NHL appearances.Johnson s CV resembles a Who s Who of some of the best clubs in the world, listing
Columbus Blue Jackets, New York Islanders, Chicago Blackhawks, Edmonton Oilers, Calgary Flames and Boston
Bruins.
AUG
7
Mark Matheson has been confirmed as Sheffield Steelers assistant coach for this
coming season. Matheson will be the club's first player assistant since Ashley Tait in 2013. Coach Paul
Thompson said: "He is a guy who is very well respected in the locker room and knows what it takes every day
to bring a positive performance.
SEPT
7
Sheffield FlyDSA Arena has announced a free new public Wi-Fi system to get
everyone online - up to 13,600 concert-goers. It coincides with the launch of its SIVLive app, which includes
a unique function to fast track food and drink queues by ordering via the app during Arena events to collect
at pre-paid pick up areas.And future plans are to have food and drink delivered direct to your seat, says
Dom Stokes, Head of SIVLive, in charge of entertainment and events at SIV, which owns and runs the Arena,
Sheffield City Hall and other venues.
21
A veteran winger who will turn 40 in November is being drafted in as a potential
saviour for Sheffield Steelers. Like last season, Sheffield have struggled to find the net this year, axing
the Rupert brothers as part of the fix.As one of the twins' replacements, coach Paul Thompson today signed
GB player Brendan Brooks, who played the last three seasons with Braehead Clan and Fife Flyers, scoring 75
goals and 163 points in 182 games.
OCT
1
Sheffield Steelers coach Paul Thompson has quit the club. Poor results and a
revolt by some of the fans built the pressure on the former GB boss and he walked away from the club to
an uncertain future. Asst coach Mark Matheson takes over in the short term. Thompson made huge changes in the
Summer but his recruitment has not worked so far and two of his new crop have already been axed. Sunday s 2-5
loss at Coventry Blaze was the final straw for a man who has grown tired of the pressure and occasional abuse
directed at him. Sheffield owner Tony Smith is now looking for a full tie replacement who can take stock of
the roster many of whom were staunchly loyal to Thompson.
4
Sheffield Steelers fans who wanted to see Swedish centre Jonas Westerling back
after last season have belatedly got their wish. The workhorse forward, 36, has been resigned and is flying
to the UK tonight from Hungary. I m thrilled to be coming home to Sheffield said Westerling. I loved my
time there and was delighted to know that the club wanted me back. I can t wait to hook up with the guys
tomorrow at the arena and see everyone at the game on Saturday. I m so excited. Westerling will take the
place of Ryan Martindale. The Canadian is going home for family reasons - but the club has insisted that
there is no suggestion of any bereavements or illnesses, as suggested in some quarters.
9
Sheffield Steelers have hired a new coach - and told him he has a big job on his
hands to convert the present team into a winning side. Tom Barrasso takes over as new team boss, from Italian
side Asiago. He was briefed about the team's short-comings and while a quick fix is unlikely, he will do his
best to get the best out of the squad...and fast. The American father of three should be on the bench at
Nottingham Panthers on Saturday. Steelers' owner Tony Smith said: He knows the issues we have at the present
time and that he has a big job on his hands. Tom has my assurances that the entire club will be here to
support and assist him in turning our season around.
NOV
21
Eric Neiley, who quit the club last year to start a new career in north America,
is back at the House of Steel.It is likely that behind-the-scenes talks with the 26-year-old right
wing/centreman have been going on for a while, but consent was clearly needed from MKL.A Steelers statement
read: "Eric is presently in Sheffield and will skate with his new team mates this morning, he will also be in
the line up for Sunday s home game against Manchester Storm at the Fly DSA Arena (face off 4pm)."
DEC
16
Tom Barrasso came in - and the close-season deconstruction Thompson had conducted
was re-engineered and, to some small degree, put back together again. Jonas Westerling, Ben O'Connor and
Eric Neiley, having left, returned. And then on Saturday, it was announced that a fourth member of the
2017-18 squad, John Armstrong was also on his way back. The public declaration of Armstrong's return came
after Steelers had been shut-out for the first time in this campaign, dipping 0-2 at home to Coventry Blaze.
YEAR 2019
JAN
14
Steelers are in a tail-spin after losing their fifth consecutive match. Their
plunge down the standings to second from bottom was hastened by Sunday s 6-1 defeat at Dundee, who started
the night as one of just three teams below Sheffield.Goaltending has suddenly become an issue, with Matt
Climie being hooked in Scotland while Jackson Whistle was under scrutiny in Saturday's disastrous 3-6 home
loss to the same opposition. Sunday was bad enough. But it's worth pointing out that Saturday's relatively
routine home game, drew 6,256 through the door. The huge following witnessed their team lose the personal
duels, amongst other sins.
15
Sheffield Steelers sent out a ruthless signal today by cutting three imports from
the roster. Goaltender Matt Climie and forwards Justin Buzzeo and Stefan Della Rovere were all told this
morning their services were no longer required.Fans may feel that the three selected for the cut were unlucky
- there are plenty of others who have under-performed as the team slipped to next to bottom.
17
Steelers have asked a 34-year-old veteran to help supercharge their faltering
season. Croatian born Tom Zanoski started his career in Junior "A" hockey in Canada back in 1999, three years
before Sheffield squad member Jordan Griffin was born.Zanoski has played in 11 different countries and brings
a wealth of experience. The 5ft 11ins forward iced for Troja-Ljungby in Sweden in the season that ex-Steeler
Paul Thompson was their coach.
FEB
157
The untimely injury to Mark Matheson has robbed him of a place in a special
Sheffield Steelers' club-within-a-club.Until breaking a bone in his foot last Saturday, against Nottingham
Panthers, the defenceman was one of only five skaters to have been ever-presents in the squad.He'd joined
Josh Pitt, Tanner Eberle, Jonathan Phillips and Ryan Martinelli in the 'always-available' set.
APR
07
Sheffield Steelers owner Tony Smith has delivered an icy blast to fans who have
criticised him despite spending "many hundreds of thousands of pounds" on the club.Some supporters are
pointing the finger after a poor showing in the league - the side ended seventh."If I sound a little annoyed,
I'm sorry but my family and I have put eight years of our lives into this club. We took it when it was a mess
and had no money, no fans (1,800 at our first game) and 750 season tickets to honour he wrote in Saturday's
match night programme.
16
Aaron Fox is the new head coach of Sheffield Steelers.He was introduced to fans
at a meeting at the Holiday Inn, tonight.The American quit his job at Medvescak Zagreb in Croatia last
December and has been courted by Steelers for some time.He embarks on a crusade now to take Sheffield for a
seventh-place team to challenging Belfast Giants and Cardiff Devils.
18
Marc-Olivier Vallerand would be a happy man if he was to become Sheffield
Steelers top scorer at the end of next season.After all, that was a feat he's achieved in his last two clubs,
EHC Lustenau and Coventry Blaze in the Elite League.But Steelers' first big name signing of the close-season
says the most important factor will be helping the team climb up the standings and compete for silverware.
MAY
21
Jonathan Phillips pride at 50th outing as Great Britain skipper ends in glory
Sheffield Steelers forward Jonathan Phillips declared his pride at captaining Great Britain, who marked his
50th outing of skipper by securing their status among the elite of world ice hockey.The British side came
back from 3-0 down to beat France 4-3 in overtime at the World Championships in Slovakia. The victory keeps
Britain in the top division despite losing their first six matches in the competition.Phillips was presented
with a special momento from Ice Hockey UK general secretary Andy French to mark his 50th game as captain
prior to the dramatic win over France,
JUN
06
Centreman Brendan Connolly, 33, has signed from Glasgow Clan, the team that beat
Steelers five times out of six in 2018-19.Clan humiliated Steelers 6-0 and 6-1 at the House of Steel, in
January and February. Brendan is a guy who has proven that he can really produce at this level said the
coach Arron Fox. The intangibles he brings on a nightly basis is what I love most about his game. He plays on
the edge and is super competitive.
06
Steelers we would like to wish The Star s Head of Sport Bob Westerdale all the
very best in his retirement from the paper he has served so well for many, many years.Bob is retiring from
the Star but he is remaining on Steelers and boxing duties.Bob and The Star played a huge role in Steelers
progress, and wouldn't be any doubt or contradiction that it wouldn't be the club we are today without both
of their involvements.
20
Today the club announced the impending arrival of 32-year-old Michael Davies.He
will be new to the Elite League but has played alongside ex Steelers Mark Matheson, Guillaume Desbiens, Matt
Climie, Devin DiDiomete and Mike Duco, at Chicago Wolves in the AHL, and Mathieu Roy at Hamburg Freezers - so
he has had no shortage of people to ask about hockey in South Yorkshire.Davies, who is just 5ft 9ins, is a
creative right shot who can play on either wing or centre and is being thought of as an asset on the first
or second line.
JUL
01
Steelers have emerged victorious in the chase to sign Moscow "game-changer"
Nikolai Lemtyugov.The left winger actually inked a contract with Aaron Fox several weeks ago, but the
Sheffield coach said he would ditch the EIHL paperwork if a Kontinental Hockey League club came in for him.
He is Steelers' first ever Russian and comes with a strong r sum .At 33, he is yet another wise head to add
to the other veterans in the roster for 2019-20.
18
Eric Meland has joined the club on a one-year contract and, at 29, has several
years left in his ice hockey career.Coach Aaron Fox has been designing a team built on balance and
versatility, amongst other qualities.Meland is known to Fox from his season and a half in the Erste Bank
Eishockey Liga with Hungarian team Feh rv r AV19; Fox was in charge at rivals Medvescak Zagreb for some of
that time.
27
Canadian-Kazakhstani centre Martin St. Pierre is the latest veteran to join
Steelers' class of 2019-20.The centre, who will turn 36 next month, is effectively a replacement for Evan
McGrath.He was recruited by Sheffield coach Aaron Fox from Kunlun Red Star in the KHL where he played 27
games last season. The 5ft 9ins forward scored 12 points for Red Star.
AUG
07
Sheffield Steelers have made a swoop for TWO Czech goaltenders..and are in the
happy position of not knowing who their "No. 1" will be in the coming weeks.Kantor, 27, has had three loan
spells in the last two seasons and is ready to claim a spot for himself.His countryman Duba, is 38, an
experienced figure who will be hard to displace if he gets a decent run.
SEP
28
Martin St Pierre's was today axed. Martin St. Pierre - who played 39 games in the
NHL - was the top-notch forward who was supposed to lead Sheffield Steelers out of the championship
wilderness.Ironically, there was no better face off winner in the EIHL.But while he shone in the circle duels
, he went missing when it came to goals and assists.In his import slot comes a gritty, hard-nosed Swede in
the form of Lucas Sandstr m, another player short on physical stature, but should be higher on intensity.
We have decided to replace him with a gritty high energy two way forward in Sandstr m" said Fox.
OCT
02
Another week and another new face for the Steelers with confirmation that Marek
Troncinsky will coming in.Reports are very strong on our new arrival with the scouting feedback suggesting
he will bring some grit and presence as well as an offensive upside.The injury jinx has hit hard and Steelers
owner Tony Smith had no choice but to dip his hand into the well once more for cover, as both Johnson and
Lewing are expected to be out for six to eight weeks.
18
Mikko Kuukka says he has come to Sheffield Steelers to win games and trophies.
The Finnish defenceman has helped his new team the victory over the last three games, two on the road.He said
his former team JYP had won the Champions Hockey League in 2017-18 and he wanted to be successful with his
new club in the EIHL
23
Sheffield Steelers have axed under-fire goalie Pavel Kantor.The 28-year-old
netminder was at fault for some of the goals in the last two games he started, both at Manchester Storm. We
have decided to part ways with Pavel Kantor, said Fox "We will still be looking for an import goalie to
come in at some point soon to support Duba as part of a goalie tandem and we wish Pavel nothing but the
best and thank him for his time and effort here.
DEC
9
Jonathan Phillips is a cool, placid kind of guy.But if there is one thing that
gets on his wick, it's Sheffield Steelers record in the Challenge Cup. Or rather people talking about it.
Since the Elite League era started in 2003, Sheffield have failed every time they have appeared in the finals
.In that first EIHL season of 2003-4, they lost to Nottingham Panthers. In 2006-7, Coventry Blaze were the
underdog winners over them.Panthers collected the cup at Steelers' expense in 2007-8 and 2012-13 - Nottingham
have landed the trophy more than any other team. All of these matches were over two-legs.But when the format
changed to a single event, Sheffield lost finals to Cardiff Devils in 2014-15 and 2016-17 seasons, while
Belfast Giants have had the pot on their mantelpiece for the past two seasons.
16
Josef Hrabal and Janne Kolehmainen may be phonetically-challenging names for
Sheffield ice hockey fans to wrap their gums around.But the players themselves are going to be a whole lot
more demanding for opposition skaters who will be taking on this ever-changing Steelers' team.Czech defenceman
Hrabal, 34, and Finnish winger Kolehmainen, 33, are new to the club and coach Aaron Fox thinks both will play
a major role as Sheffield try and win major honours.
YEAR 2020
JAN
06
Sheffield Steelers coach full of praise for forward Brendan Connolly as
points-scoring run ends. An astonishing points-scoring run has come to an end for Sheffield Steelers' forward
Brendan Connolly.But coach Aaron Fox believes the fact that the win-at-all-costs skater clocked up at least
a point in 21 consecutive League outings marks him out as something special - and deserving of praise rather
than the criticism he received from some quarters earlier in the 2019-20 campaign.Connolly wasn't on the
scoresheet for Sunday's smash-and-grab 5-3 win at Glagow Clan, which saw Steelers retain their position as
five points clear at the top of the EIHL table.
13
Aaron Fox has admitted he'd been stunned by Eric Meland's decision to leave after
45 games with Sheffield Steelers - and wanted him to stay.But the unexpected move from the skater at least
prevented, or delayed, the necessity to fire any other import, as the club conforms to requirements for the
number of overseas-players on the ice.Meland's decision to return to America to train to be a dentist will
also trim the wage bill, without Fox having to sacrifice anybody.
31
An infection and second operation to Robert Dowd's shoulder means the luckless
Sheffield forward might miss not only the rest of the Steelers' season but also Great Britain's World
Championship adventure against the likes of Canada and Sweden.Dowd was hurt after careering into the boards
in an Arena game against Glasgow Clan on December 22.He underwent surgery but there were complications and he
needed to go under the knife again...which could now spell curtains for the rest of his domestic and
international season.
FEB
06
The Sheffield Steelers are delighted to welcome the news this morning announced
by our friends at SIV and the Fly DSA Arena.Over 1.5m will be invested in the Steelers home shortly and this
includes a new ice plant ensuring our team will have the best ice to practise and play from the start of next
season.Steelers owner Tony Smith thanked Dom Stokes and all those involved in the decision to invest in this
incredible building saying It is only with the help of those at the arena that we have been able to push
ahead with many different marketing initiatives and ideas that have seen our attendances increase over the
last two years.
17
Aaron Fox: Steelers need to turn around dip in form immediately to stand any
chance of winning league.Four consecutive losses - the last two against the EIHL's bottom two clubs - have
seen their position at the top looking on very shaky ground.Coach Fox admits it's gone sour. "It is tough
when you are in a hole like we are right now."It is hard to find a way out of when you are not playing good
hockey."We have got to figure out our game real quick here if we really want to compete for the title."
26
Eric Meland may be 4,000 miles away - yet he has had a peculiarly positive effect
on Sheffield Steelers' over the last two matches.The utility skater's last match had been a 7-3 win over
Manchester Storm and the club went on to embark on a feel-good winning streak of six games.But when results
started to go against them, Fox came up with a plan.Fox said"I actually did make a phone call to Eric. I
asked him to send me a video of the starting line up and I sent him who the starters were."He sent the boys
a little video of the starting line up before the game on Saturday."As they won, the same process was
repeated for the last match, a win over Belfast Giants."I think the boys are enjoying the videos that Melly
is sending at the moment for us, they have been pretty good."He said the new ritual would be continued until
the team loses: "He is not getting off the hook on this one!"
MAR
08
Coach Aaron Fox collected his - and the season's - first EIHL trophy after a nail
-biting, breathless Cup Final, in the finest traditions of sport.Some 1,500 Sheffield fans celebrated in
Wales after the first Challenge Cup Final victory since 2002/03.Hard work and ruthless finishing was doing
the trick. And Sheffield were adopting the play off mentality that has been missing of late, finishing their
hits and winning individual battles.No frills Steelers defended if as if their lives depended on it.Sheffield
held out - and unforgettable celebration scenes began.
13
Sheffield Steelers season ends with Challenge Cup triumph as Elite League clubs
cancel all matches due to coronavirus Sheffield Steelers' Challenge Cup win will be the last meaningful Elite
League game this season.This morning bosses at the 10 Elite League clubs opted to cancel all matches with
immediate effect.It has not yet been decided what will happen about awarding the League trophy - Cardiff
Devils are a point ahead of Steelers at the top and will probably represent the UK in the Champions Hockey
League next year.Steelers' immediate task is to send home all their imports as soon as possible.
26
Elite League bosses have agreed the final part of the jigsaw to formally close
off the 2019/20 season.As the season did not reach its conclusion, it has been decided that no league trophy
will be awarded and no national champion will be declared for 2019/20.However, It was agreed that the Cardiff
Devils, as the team in first place and with the highest winning percentage of 70% when the league s remaining
games were cancelled, are to be allocated the EIHL's Champions Hockey League place.Head of Hockey operations
Mike Hicks said: With the title race as close as it was and five teams realistically still able to win the l
eague, we felt that awarding a league trophy on the basis of probabilities just was not the correct thing to
do. This was especially so as a lot of the remaining games involved many of the teams still in contention
being scheduled to play against each other.
MAY
26
The Sheffield Steelers are delighted to confirm that club captain Jonathan
Phillips has signed a new one year contract with the club.It will be Phillips 15th season with the
Steelers, his 14th as captain.
JUL
01
The Sheffield Steelers have confirmed that Ben O Connor will not be returning
to the club next season.During his time with the Steelers Ben has helped the club win league titles,
play off championships and of course was a part of last season s Challenge Cup side.Head coach Aaron Fox
said It s an unfortunate part of the hockey business when a player leaves a club, especially one who has
been in Sheffield for so long.
22
A new ice plant, has now arrived at the Arena. The state-of-the-art machinery had
been built off-site and transported to the venue where the preparatory works for its arrival have been taking
place over the past few months. This plant will replace the existing plant that is now nearly 30 years old
and well over its working life.Of the new Ice Plant Sheffield Steelers Managing Director and owner Tony Smith
said :- We are delighted at the commitment shown by Sheffield City Council with the investment they have made
at the Arena with the installation of the new Ice plant.This long-term commitment is welcomed by all of us at
the Steelers as we all look forward to an exciting and lengthy future partnership .
AUG
09
Steelers head coach Aaron Fox has confirmed that the club will have a new back up
goaltender next season with Ben Churchfield joining the club.The surroundings will be familiar for the much
travelled 24 year-old who spent many years watching the Steelers from the stands and playing in the junior
development programme at Ice Sheffield part of me feels like I will be coming home said Churchfield I
spent the first few years of my life in Sheffield and then after time away returned. By that time, I had
fallen in love with hockey and almost lived inside Ice Sheffield. In recent years Ben has been away again,
in the United States where his junior hockey career has taken off. He presently lives in Wilkes-Barrie,
Pennsylvania, the home of his first American side back in 2014.
SEP
15
On Monday s video conference call, the 10 teams of the Elite Ice Hockey League
unanimously agreed that they cannot commit to a 2020-21 league season starting on December 5th as previously
planned, and the season will be suspended.League Chairman Tony Smith spoke on behalf of the ten member
teams: We ve been very open that we need to have fans back in our arenas for us to begin playing again. We
operate around 75% to 100% capacity at our venues and this is the level of crowds we would need in order to
go ahead at any point, which isn t a realistic option right now.
OCT
07
Steelers' attacking stars Robert Dowd and Marco Vallerand have signed for an
Italian club - and, bizarrely, that is great news for Sheffield.With the Elite League suspended from action
by the coronavirus pandemic, the wing duo have signed for the same club, HC Eppan Pirates in South Tyrol.It
means two things:*The forwards will play, draw a much-needed wage and keep fit during the EIHL lockdown.
15
The success of British-born Steelers players finding employment overseas is not
going to turn Ben O'Connor's head.The 380-game Steeler has opted to join Sheffield Steeldogs in the
domestic second-flight and he doesn't regret it for a minute.
22
Shudra was recruited by the relatively-unknown Nittorps IK when the EIHL and
NIHL went into deep freeze in England."I will be staying here for the whole season until February or March,
when it ends," says the 22-year-old, whose all-round game will doubtless develop in his first taste of
foreign league hockey.
NOV
05
Sheffield Steelers' duo Jonathan Phillips and Anthony DeLuca have both
signed up for a German third-tier ice hockey club hoping the covid 19 rules and regulations in that
country will allow them to see out the rest of the season.The wingers are due to play in the Oberliga
for Passau Black Hawks, after flying out this week.It was only recently that the government issued formal
confirmation that the Oberliga is classed as elite sport - similar to the second-tier NIHL in the UK
- meaning games can be played over there under controlled circumstances.
DEC
10
Two Steelers' stars have lost their jobs in Germany.Sheffield captain
Jonathan Phillips and fellow-winger Anthony DeLuca paid the price for a poor run of form at Passau Black Hawks.
Both forwards had uprooted from their respective homes in England and Canada to find work after the
coronavirus pandemic brought the EIHL to a standstill.On the other hand, DeLuca was the team's top scorer
with three goals and two assists in seven outings.Phillips recorded a goal and an assist in eight games, in
the third tier of ice hockey in Germany.
15
Sheffield Steelers star back home from Covid-hit club Davey Phillips is home from
an eventful, eight week ice hockey experience at a covid-hit club in Hungary with his health intact and some
money in the bank.The defenceman swapped the Steelers for the Steel Bulls - going from Challenge Cup winners
to the rock bottom of the Ersta League.His Hungarian team Duna jv rosi Ac lbik k- which he joined after
coronavirus halted the sport in the UK - parted company with him last week and Phillips is now hoping the
British scene will resume again soon.
21
Hopes for January start for Sheffield Steelers and Sheffield Steeldogs look to be
dashed. Hopes of a January start for English ice hockey teams in the top two flights look like being dashed
- with sights now being set on February instead.
YEAR 2021
JAN
11
Deal or No Deal? With Sheffield Steelers and EIHL hovering on the brink Nine
months have passed since Sheffield Steelers' owner and EIHL chairman Tony Smith commenced negotiations
with those holding the Government's sporting purse strings.Smith and other Elite League bosses had been
hoping the administration would finance a mini ice hockey season, behind closed doors, but which fans
could watch on the web.Elite standard ice hockey was supposedly in line for 4m.It still is - but the
process of qualifying and then accessing the funds is moving at a snail's pace.And that could be too
slow to make the tournament a reality.
24
Sheffield Steelers still hope to join mini-season for Elite League clubs
despite Guildford Flames' departure Guildford Flames' decision to pull out of plans for a condensed ice
hockey season has not extinguished hopes of a planned tournament starting in the next few weeks.At first
it seemed to some fans that the decision had sounded the death knell on the planned campaign, featuring
the remaining English EIHL teams.But that's not the case."Guildford's decision was unfortunate but not
totally unexpected and does not really affect things, we are just carrying on. Really not a lot has
changed.
FEB
02
Attempts to start a mini-season of top-tier ice hockey collapsed today after
the Elite League admitted the Government's offer of support could ultimately lead clubs into a financial
abyss.On several occasions, Sheffield Steelers had made it publicly clear that a pure loan would not be
a feasible option for them and the remaining English clubs.Nevertheless discussions continued on and off
until today, when the EIHL published a statement saying that the much-vaunted lifeline would only be in
the form of a loan.Tellingly, the league said the Government proposal could actually kill off the elite
hockey status in the UK, if implemented.
04
Sheffield Steelers' focus is now on winning the title next year, and owner
Tony Smith says the recruitment skills of coach Aaron Fox, who is secure on a three year contract with
the Challenge Cup winners, will be a massive advantage for the club.He believes that having a coach
installed for the comparative long term, living in Sheffield, and working on the blueprint even as early
as at this stage, will be a considerable asset."We will be back bigger and better than ever," says
Smith.
MAR
02
Sheffield Steelers team for EIHL mini-series - Kirk and Connolly lead the
charge.Coach Aaron Fox is hoping to have pulled off a coup by persuading Brendan Connolly (Canadian, but
dual national) to leave Greenville Swamp Rabbits in the ECHL to return to South Yorkshire where he was
Steelers' leading points scorer last term with 55 points in 48 games.And if that wasn't enough, it
became clear that Liam Kirk had already re-signed for Steelers after his term with Peterborough Pirates
(Ontario Hockey League) had ended.Kirk is scheduled to play for Steelers in 2021-22, but will be allowed
to return to north America if the call comes.Monday night saw Steelers, Manchester Storm, Nottingham
Panthers and Coventry Blaze select players
16
Sheffield Steelers reveal their first import signing for EIHL Cup.Sheffield
Steelers will install a 6ft 3ins tall no-nonsense Norwegian at the heart of their defence for April's
EIHL mini series.Adrian Saxrud Danielsen joins the club from Austrian side HC Innsbruck.He is the first
import to be announced this year by Sheffield, who have yet to confirm which of last season's overseas
crop will return.It seems likely winger Tanner Eberle will be back though.
APR
1
Steelers owner Tony Smith has echoed the words of Elite Series Tournament
Director Todd Kelmen over Saturday evening s webcast issues during the Nottingham Panthers, Sheffield Steelers
game.The Elite Series webcast couldn t be shown on the platform the tournament was using and had to be moved
over to YouTube at short notice, causing fans inconvenience as well as a drop in quality.Earlier today Kelman
issued a statement apologising to fans and offering all that logged in for the game a FREE Elite
Series match in the weeks that follow. So, I again apologise on behalf of the Series and to fans of all clubs
not just you at the Steelers. Let s now look forward to a great five weeks of Elite Series hockey .
27
Goalie John Muse is back between the pipes for the Steelers in their first
play-off semi-final against the Manchester Storm.Muse was confirmed on the Steelers official line up sheet
handed to the league at 7.30pm this evening.The clubs import goalie has only played 34 minutes in the
2021 EliteSeries after being injured mid-way through the team s first game against Nottingham on the opening
day of the competition.
MAY
02
Sheffield Steelers' mini season ended in disappointment on Sunday night,
losing their second play off final game in consecutive evenings to Nottingham Panthers, who were
justifiably crowned the 2021 champions.Losing a final in Nottingham leaves a sour taste for Sheffield's
veteran players, their guest homegrown skaters drafted specially for the EIHL tournament, and the new
imports alike.The side bristling with the most explosive firepower, had run out of bullets.But on the positive
side, the Sheffield club can be proud of what they achieved off the ice - they played a huge part in
persuading the Government to allow a return-to-play - and on the ice, in reaching the final.
23
A Sheffield Steelers' star has been found dead in his home country of the
Czech Republic.Precise details of how Marek Troncinsk died have not yet been made public.But it is
thought the 32-year-old had not been physically ill and there was no criminal aspect to his death.Nobody
else was involved.Troncinsk did not speak a lot of English, but he had been a popular team-member in
the Sheffield Arena dressing room.He liked socialising and frequently had a smile on his face, say
clubmates.
JUN
16
Sheffield have released details of their return to Broughton Lane, with
mini-series play off winners Nottingham Panthers the visitors on Sunday 19th September, in a pre-season
exhibition game.The upcoming home date will be game-two of the weekend, with Panthers hosting Steelers the
night before.
22
Age is no barrier to glory for Jonathan Phillips as Sheffield Steelers' skipper
signs new deal.He will be 39 when Sheffield Steelers face off their new EIHL season in September.And that
super-conditioning is just one of the reasons why Phillips will be returning for a jaw-dropping 16th Steeler
season at the Arena...and possibly beyond.
25
Medal-hunter back for Sheffield Steelers.Hockey hasn't always provided a stable
home for Great Britain international Brendan Connolly.But Sheffield Steelers, for whom he initially signed
for a year in 2019, is as close as he has got to a home for some time...and he has underlined that by re-sign
ing for a second full season.With Marco Vallerand and Robert Dowd already signed up, Steelers can have
confidence that they have made a positive start to the quest of icing an offensively-explosive team once more
.
30
Sheffield Steelers have sent out a signal of title-winning intent with the
signing of former NHL forward Justin Hodgman, announced today.The extensively-travelled Hodgman comes
into the side for the upcoming season as Czech centreman Josef Mikyska moves on elsewhere.It will be a
case of second-time lucky for the 33-year-old Canadian new boy.He had initially signed a deal for the
2020-21 season at Sheffield Arena, but Covid 19 put paid to a full EIHL season so he went to Hungary
instead
JUL
07
DeLuca comes back to "crazy" Sheffield fans. Anthony DeLuca's explosive
offensive skills will be on show for Sheffield Steelers' fans this coming season.Coach Aaron Fox could
not find room for 'DeLucs' in the shortened EIHL season in April, but has brought the player back for
the full term of 2021-22.
14
GB pair Davey Phillips and Sam Jones are back for Sheffield Steelers.
Sheffield Steelers have made strides in filling the empty slots on their defensive roster. Of the team
that played in the April EIHL mini series, only Adrian Saxrud Danielsen had been confirmed as a returnee until
today.
26
Rumours continue to link O'Connor with Cardiff Devils, a team that will rival
Sheffield, Nottingham Panthers and Belfast Giants for the league title in 2021-22.Steelers' official Dave
Simms said: "The word on the street seems to be that Ben's off to Wales and Cardiff. If that's true then good
luck to him."There isn't anyone at our club who doesn't wish Ben well. As we said over 12 months ago when he
left he has been a great servant here and we thank him for everything he helped us achieve whilst wearing
orange."Simms admitted it would feel "strange seeing him in a different uniform."
27
Travis Oleksuk: new Sheffield Steelers star wants dynamic start to his EIHL
career. The EIHL club's latest signing has been used to a career where the play-offs are the main target.But
in the UK, it's the League title that is treasured most - and Steelers haven't won that since Paul Thompson
was at the reins in 2016.
29
He's won trophies at Nottingham Panthers and Cardiff Devils - now Evan Mosey is
heading to Sheffield Steelers hoping to complete a domestic clean-sweep.In 210 games in the EIHL's regular
competition and post-season, Mosey, 32, has won the playoffs twice (Nottingham 2015-16 and Cardiff 2018-19)
as well as the Challenge Cup with Panthers.
AUG
10
Sheffield Steelers will unleash a big, physical defence on EIHL rivals this
coming season after adding 6ft 5ins Keaton Ellerby to their roster.He joins a blue line that already includes
Adrian Saxrud Danielsen and Davey Phillips, both of whom are 6ft 3ins.Ellerby has a big frame and an even
bigger reputation.
18
Feisty goaltender Barry Brust signs for Sheffield Steelers.A netminder makes or
breaks a team s candidacy for championship status - and Barry Brust now bears that responsibility.His pedigree
suggests he should have more than enough experience to handle pressure at EIHL level.He is said to be hot-
tempered and aggressive. Brust once described his own style as out there - which should be fun for the fans
to watch from the Sheffield Arena stands.
SEP
01
New Sheffield Steelers' signing Daine Todd puts injury behind himThe offensive
defenceman - who represents the finishing touch to coach Aaron Fox's squad - saw his career temporarily put
on hold by surgery and the pandemic.But Todd, aged 34, says his knee is now completely fixed and he is
looking forward to proving that on Sheffield ice."No player likes taking a year off (2020-21) but looking
back it probably wasn't the worse thing for me. I had that time to get completely healthy.
OCT
11
Sheffield Steelers' teenager Alex Graham has not given up on North American
dream. Alex Graham says he hopes to return to North America and prove himself at the top level.The
Dronfield forward was cut from the roster at Niagara IceDogs in the OHL, recently.It was a blow - but
the 18-year-old stuck his chin out, returned to Steelers, scored on his return to Sheffield Arena, and
is ready to do his best for both Steelers and Sheffield Steeldogs.
15
The fascinating puzzle of Sheffield Steelers' goaltending.Goaltending
continues to be the primary talking point among Sheffield Steelers' fans.Barry Brust played his first
full EIHL game last Saturday, conceding six to Guildford Flames. Many of the fans remain puzzled about
a goalie that has played just five periods in six games so far.The 'other' import is Rok Stojanovic, the
31-year-old Slovenian, whom the club said had arrived "on trial."Stojanovic has won every game he's
played in, doing a huge amount to nullify Manchester Storm, Cardiff Devils, Coventry Blaze, and
Guildford, away.
21
Ben Churchfield will 'earn his way' into Sheffield Steelers' starting spot
If anyone thinks Ben Churchfield is disillusioned with two import goalies now ahead of him in the
Steelers' pecking order, then think again.When the 25-year-old Brit signed for his first full professional
season at Sheffield fans assumed that would mean a battle with the starting, import netminder.That
number one turned out to be former Los Angeles Kings NHL'er Barry Brust, whose pedigree automatically
suggested he'd be considered the main man in the Arena crease.But that competition became even hotter
when Slovenian Rok Stojanovic arrived, soon to make a considerable impact in goal."I am here to support
both of the guys, Rok and Brusty," he said.
22
One Out and One In for the Steelers as Oleksuk Departs.Travis Oleksuk is
moving on to Austria with immediate effect after the Steelers agreed compensation with EBEL side EC
Villach.Replacing Travis is former Cardiff Devil Matias Sointu, the player arrived in the UK last night
and will skate with the Steelers today.Head coach Aaron Fox confirmed Unfortunately, Sometimes this
is the hard side of the business as he informed us he had an offer back in Austria to finish the season.
With his wife due in the next couple weeks mentally they were having a hard time here and really wanted
to go back and have the child there. We were able to agree on a deal with Matias on Tuesday and we think
he will come in and make a positive impact immediately.
NOV
06
Ben Churchfield quits Sheffield Steelers.Ben Churchfield has become the second
player to leave the Sheffield Steelers class of 2021-22.The third-choice netminder has headed back to his
north American home."We had a few conversations the last couple weeks about his situation and he was really
hoping for more game time," said Fox."With our situation currently it s not something I could promise him
so he wanted to see what his options are."We had the option to get him games with Leeds this weekend but he
decided against that option.
10
Sheffield Steelers: 100 up for coach Aaron Fox.Aaron Fox becomes a Sheffield
Steelers centurion on Saturday.The Challenge Cup group match might not have a lot on the line, but try
telling that to a coach ringing up 100 games in charge of the Sheffield ice hockey's Elite League roster.
In his first 99 games, he has chalked up a 67 win, 31 loss and one draw record, according to steelersstats.
co.uk.
21
A step too far as tired Steelers crash out.Fatigue and stretched resources
finally told on Sheffield Steelers in their third Continental Group game in three nights in Denmark.After
wins over Danish and Lativan rivals, the game against Gomel was a bridge too far.Steelers' defeat,
allied to Aalborg's Sunday evening win over Olimp Riga, means Sheffield tumble out of the tournament.
25
Brendan Connolly could miss rest of Sheffield Steelers' season.Brendan Connolly
is facing an operation and will be out for months On Thursday morning, Connolly was placed on the EIHL
official Injury Reserve list and said he was out "long term."Later, the club said Marco Vallerand had also
been placed on the list, but could be back in a week's time
27
Sheffield Steelers forward Anthony DeLuca tests positive for banned substance
Anthony DeLuca has been banned for alleged drug-taking.DeLuca has "tested positive for a banned substance and
is currently suspended with immediate effect," said a Steelers spokesman.The EIHL team was advised about the
test result at 5.30pm on Friday.DeLuca's future at the club is now in jeopardy.
DEC
29
Sheffield Steelers on enforced break after eight players test positive for
Covid.Three players have been unwell for several days - Barry Brust, Mathias Sointu and Andreas Valdix.
But, not surprisingly, the virus has spread its tentacles further across the close knit dressing room.
YEAR 2022
JAN
21
Brandon Whistle did not pull up many trees when he first played for Sheffield
Steelers.At 21, he wasn't in great shape and mentally seemed ill-prepared for the quality of hockey needed.
In short, Brandon Whistle had to grow up.And that, he most certainly did.He lost a shed-load of weight and,
the following season, did so well for NIHL side Telford Tigers that it started to put his name back on the
EIHL radar.For Sheffield fans expecting to see the Whistle they remembered, he came back as quite a surprise
Package.
FEB
02
Steelers have re-opened their doors to Maltby's Liam Kirk, the NHL hopeful
injured while playing in America, earlier this season.Kirk tore his anterior cruciate ligament skating
for American Hockey League outfit Tucson Roadrunners and is now rehabilitating.Coach Aaron Fox said:
"He is coming in, in the morning, before the guys get in, and using the facilities here (Sheffield Arena
) and going through some stuff."He is a Steeler so when he reached out to ask if he could come in and use
the facilities it was absolutely a no-brainer."
22
Sheffield s ice hockey crowds are booming, say officials and bosses at
Sheffield Arena are delighted.The club has seen a run of 22,891 fans through the doors in just three
games and hope to make it four straight home matches with over 7,000 fans when they take on Cardiff
in the Challenge Cup Semi-Finals. They have gone over the 7,000 mark eight times already this season.
25
For the first time in an otherwise sparkling season, the champagne form has
gone flat at Sheffield Steelers.Question marks about performance levels, injuries, and silverware
potential have suddenly popped up.This may all sound overly dramatic, given the fact Sheffield are two
points clear at the top of the EIHL table with a game in hand over Belfast Giants.But there are
underlying facts here that cannot be dismissed.After a sensational streak of one loss in 17 games,
Fox's men have lost three of their last four outings.
MAR
14
A Sheffield Steelers star today has thanked his club and its fans for their
amazing gesture to support family of his Ukranian wife, who were forced to flee their war-torn country.
Club official David Simms came up with the idea of a shirt raffle for Martin L tal's jersey a few days
ago - and sold 5,000 tickets at 2 each in less than eight hours.The cash will be used to help 13 members
of Martin's wife Iryna's family who are now safe but have become penniless refugees in his own home
country, the Czech Republic.
22
An unprecedented era of stability was ushered in for Sheffield Steelers,
today.They signed a contract with the City Trust for seven more years at Sheffield Arena.On top of the
current deal, it means Steelers are guaranteed to play at the location until 2030."This will be honoured
until 2030. Who wouldn't want the Steeler organisation in this building?" he asked, during a press
conference.He said he had no idea who would run the operation, going forward, though.The deal gave
"certainty" to the fans and general public and shows "we are going to be investing off and on the ice."
25
It's been a memorable week, off the ice, for Sheffield Steelers.They tied
the knot with the Arena's owners for another seven years and agreed three-year contracts with Aaron Fox
and Carter Beston-Will, the coaching partners.
APR
15
Sheffield Steelers' Elite League programme ends on Friday evening on Belfast
Giants' ice pad.People will say it is sour grapes if you mention the injuries and misfortunes that
Sheffield have suffered over the campaign.But the truth of the matter is that the Steeler team which
started the season had a different look to the one that ended it.The second line was Marco Vallerand,
Brendan Connolly, and Anthony DeLuca.Vallerand is the last man standing from that unit, although he has
missed 12 games through injury and is bravely playing through issues.Connolly suffered a season-ending
injury in Aalborg, Denmark after just one game in the Continental Cup.Anthony DeLuca failed a drugs test
in November and headed back over the Pond.Daine Todd, one of the smartest defencemen Steelers have had
for a long time, flew back home last month after a season-ender in February.Of those who departed,
Connolly and Todd are missed the most.
27
Steelers confirm Sam Jones will remain a Steelers for 2 more years.The
Sheffield Window Centre Sheffield Steelers have confirmed their first re-signing of the summer with the
confirmation that Sam Jones will be returning to the club after signing a new 2-year contract.Confirming
the deal head coach Aaron Fox said He s shown some good offensive ability and got his minutes extended as
the season went on, he s also shown he s willing to stick up for his teammates whenever needed. We think
he s a great long term defensemen for us .
MAY
05
Fox Confirms Dowd s Continuation as a Steeler.Forward Robert Dowd signed a
multi year contract with the Steelers ahead of the 2021-22 season, something head coach Aaron Fox agrees was
good business.Fox confirmed We extended Dowdy before the 21/22 season to a 3 year contract so he will still
have 2 years remaining on that deal. We have seen how important his game is to us as a team. Dowdy gives you
a high end top 6 guy that can play all 3 F positions.
06
Big John Armstrong has announced that he is hanging up the skates after an
unbelievable career that has seen him ply his trade across North America and Europe.Steelers Head Coach Aaron
Fox commented John is a guy who played the game the right way. A very responsible two way player who I counted
on in key situations.
18
The Sheffield Steelers wouldn t be the Sheffield Steelers without Davey
Phillips patrolling our blue line, so the club are delighted to confirm that the GB International,
presently in Finland with the National team has agreed a further season in Orange.
23
Forward Jonathan Phillips is set to become the most-capped player in Great
Britain history this evening as GB face Austria in the World Championship in Finland.Phillips will move
onto 111 caps one ahead of Ashley Tait when the two sides meet the Nokia Arena in Tampere at 20:20
(18:20 UK).The 39-year-old made his World Championship debut in 2003 and this is his 22nd tournament as
a GB player. He s been captain since 2012.
30
After playing 107 games for The Steelers, scoring 63 goals and 133 points
Marco Vallerand has confirmed to head coach Aaron Fox that he has decided to move on from the club to
mainland Europe for season 2022-23.
JUN
01
Steelers head coach Aaron Fox has confirmed the re-signing of forward Martin
Latal.Fox confirmed the signing saying I m Extremely happy we are able to get Lats back for another year.
He s a player with next level speed that can change a game in a hurry. Martin impacts the game on both
ends of the ice and plays in all our key situations.
06
As you are aware, should you purchase your Steelers Season Ticket you will
have your seat reserved for 25 prime date fixtures, including the Boxing Day and New Year games.This
season we are also able to reserve your seat for any NON Season Ticket games, such as the pre season
exhibition games, 8 mid-week fixtures and our play off home leg at the end of the year.However, all
relevant information has to be passed to the Arena / Ticketmaster next Monday morning by the club, thus
meaning that this facility is only available to those who have already purchased season tickets and
those submitting their application before Friday this week (10th June).
07
The Sheffield Steelers are delighted to confirm that Brandon Whistle has
signed a new two-year contract with the club.
10
The Sheffield Steelers are delighted to confirm that Captain Jonathan
Phillips has signed a new 1-year contract with the club.
15
Aaron Fox has confirmed the re-signing of Evan Mosey for a second year as
a Steeler.Mosey played 64 games in Orange last year as both a forward and a defenseman scoring 20 goals
and 54 points.
17
Kevin Schulze will be back for his third spell with the Sheffield Steelers
after signing a new one year contract extension with the club.
JULY
01
The Steelers are delighted to confirm that 27 year old Czech centre Adam
Raska has joined the club for the 2022-23 EIHL season.
08
Scott Allen, a 32 year old from Edmonton, Alberta is the latest member of
the Steelers 2022-23 squad after head coach confirmed his signing today.
13
Steelers head coach Aaron Fox has confirmed the signing of 29 year old
Niklas Nevalainen from Nakkila, Finland.Nevalainen played four straight seasons in Liiga before heading
to Norway last year to play for Frisk Asker.
29
In his maiden campaign in Europe, the defenceman, now aged 30, was on the
receiving end of a cowardly, vocal attack in Slovakia.Yet Petgrave has a refreshingly candid take on the
issue."You hear rumours that stuff like that can happen in eastern Europe but I'm not going to let that
ruin my whole experience there.Petgrave, who started his hockey off with Toronto Titans U18 AAA in 2008,
will bring an intelligent game to Sheffield."People describe me as a defensive-minded Dman but I like to
think of myself as a pretty solid two-way," he said.
AUG
01
Sheffield Steelers today unveiled what could be a new, 'oven ready' forward line
for the upcoming EIHL season.They have recruited wingers Daniel Ciampini and Brandon McNally as well as
centreman Brett Neumann.
09
S bastien Pich has signed for Sheffield Steelers - and the first few months will
be a life-changing experience for him, whatever happens on the ice.The skater's fiancee Madina is expecting
their baby in October.And his decision to uproot from Slovenia, where he played last year, was partly
influenced by the desire to be part of a family-orientated club.
10
Anthony DeLuca admits he was hurt that Steelers did not want him back for the upcoming
season, insists he still loves Sheffield, but may be lining up against the EIHL team soon.He admits using cannabis
(legal in Canada) last Summer and angrily denies online speculation that he had used cocaine.He said the truth was
he had taken marijuana in the off-season for medicinal benefits and it had stayed in his system.
12
The 30-year-old Swede Oskar stlund.signed for Steelers in June, but his name has only
just been confirmed.He says he is excited to start his maiden season in the EIHL and was attracted by positive
comments from his pal Adrian Saxrud-Danielsen, who was a blue liner for Sheffield.
16
Greenfield, 27, whose signature for the club was announced on Tuesday, was on the
same Kansas City Mavericks team that handed 16 appearances to Matt Petrgave, another new defensive signing for
Sheffield.And the goaltender is keen to renew acquaintances with the experienced 30-year-old.
19
Steelers have strengthened the depth of their squad by signing Brits Alex Graham and
Cole Shudra on two-way deals.Both will play mainly in the NIHL, Graham, 19, with Sheffield Steeldogs and Shudra,
24, with Leeds Knights.The players are ambitious and want to play at the highest level they can, but opportunities
will depend on their regular clubs and roster sizes at the EIHL, where there is a limit of 20 (goalies and skaters.)
22
New signing Mason Mitchell has been hurt training in Canada and is unlikely to be
match-ready until late October or early November.He has been placed on the Injury Reserve List and his place will
go to yet another newcomer Tom Pitule.
24
Brendan Connolly will play his first competitive ice hockey game in 281 days, on Saturday
.Steelers' coach Aaron Fox says the 36-year-old warrior will wear the Sheffield shirt at Nottingham Panthers, for
the first time since injuring his anterior cruciate ligament against Aalborg in Denmark last November.
SEP
07
Team coaches have to put up with a lot at the start of a season, especially when half of
their squad is new to the club.It always takes a while for new recruits to gel with existing players and understand
and apply the boss's game plans and philosophies.But what a coach cannot accept is when their players are not working
hard enough.
14
Steelers' coach Aaron Fox is expecting great things from Alex Graham this year, even if
the teenage prospect hasn't seen any EIHL ice so far.The 19-year-old Dronfield lad is on a two-way arrangement with
Sheffield Steeldogs and scored twice for them in a 4-2 win over Hull Seahawks at iceSheffield, last weekend.
OCT
01
Robert Dowd broke his nine-game scoring drought to give Steelers the edge in a 2-1 victory
over Nottingham Panthers in Saturday's Challenge Cup group game.
03
Sheffield Steelers have stood by their coach after stormy scenes during the 3-2 win at
Coventry Blaze on Sunday.Several items were apparently hurled at the team boss as he directed operations from the
bench.And Sheffield say a "barrage of abuse" came his way for much of the evening.
06
Steelers surprised the British ice hockey top flight today by bringing in forward Danny
Kristo, a friend of Sheffield forward Daniel Ciampini.The club initially suggested they would not be replacing injured
Evan Mosey, who is out for more than a month.Kristo arrived in Sheffield last night and will play this evening against
Guildford Flames should the club get the paperwork completed in time.
23
Davey Phillips Suspended for 2 Games. Steelers Defenceman David Phillips was assessed a
penalty for an Illegal Check to the head on Storm forward Jesper Ohrvall, which caused an injury removing Ohrvall from
the game.
NOV
03
In last weekend's programme notes, owner Tony Smith acknowledged supporters' concern over
temperatures at the Arena."Some may say it's fine (it's an ice rink) but a number are telling me it's cold" he wrote.
Generally, it's accepted that a rink's ambient air temperature should aim for between 50-60 F (10-15 C) while the ice
temperature should be around 24 F (-4,4 C.)A spokesman said: "We will find the right balance. We don't want our fans
sitting in a fridge but on the other hand, it can't be like a beach in Benidorm."
07
Tomas Pitule will remain with the Steelers for at least the remainder of the 2022-23 season
after signing an extension to his injury cover contract last week.Pitule arrived at the beginning of the season as injury
cover for Mason Mitchel but has impressed Aaron Fox and his team mates with his play to date
29
Oskar stlund's lengthy absence explained as Sheffield Steelers stars left off 'top players'
list Oskar stlund's 12-week absence from the Sheffield Steelers' roster was explained today.The Swedish goaltender, who
was hurt before a friendly game against Coventry Blaze on September 3, has re-injured the same problem area during
practice.It put paid to coach Aaron Fox's expectations that by now he would have been able to challenge Matt Greenfield
for the starting netminder role.The goalie's injury issue had lasted longer than envisaged, he said.
DEC
07
Sheffield Steelers and Steeldogs' forward Alex Graham has been sent home from the Great Britain
Under-20s squad in Lithuania after a breach of team discipline.It is understood his conduct on the flight from the UK
concerned airline personnel.He was then spoken to by GB staff who told him he would be returned home and replaced in the side.
He will now have to rebuild his reputation the only way he can - on the ice
12
Jonathan Phillips has revealed how the evolution of ice hockey into a faster-skating sport has
suited his personal style - and may have helped him stay at the top of his game.The Steelers' captain clocked up 1,000
performances in a Sheffield short last weekend.It is a mind-blowing achievement, but one he takes in his stride...Phillips only
ever seems to focus on the game ahead.The winger is one of several super-fast skaters in the current Steelers' side - Martin
Latal, Brett Neumann and Evan Mosey are all speed kings.
22
Over 8,000 people witnessed the presentation of a Steelers 1000 framed shirt
to captain Jonathan Phillips ahead of Wednesday s game against Dundee Stars.Club owner Tony Smith made the
presentation to the club captain, his first appearance back in Sheffield since his incredible milestone was
achieved in Glasgow almost two weeks ago.
27
What a reception Jeff Legue and his family received upon his return to the Arena on Boxing Day.
Just before face-off 9,368 fans cheered as Legue was introduced onto the ice I had tingles running through me said Legue afterwards
looking at the guys warming up brought back so many incredible memories, then walking out and hearing this crowd cheer was something
I will remember for ever It was great for the kids to come on the ice and see where Dad used to play, it was an incredible night and I
can t thank everyone, the club, players and especially all the fans for the welcome home
YEAR 2023
JAN
17
Steelers sell-out attendance on Saturday evening against Guildford Flames, 9,368 helped the club break a
27-year-old attendance record.Over the last four home games 35,248 fans have enjoyed supporting the club at the Utilita Arena.
Only 3 other times in our history have we had over 35,000 across 4 consecutive home games.
Mar/Apr 1992 36,434,
Feb/Mar 1994 35,885,
Feb/Mar 1996 35,858,
Club owner Tony Smith said We can t thank our fans enough for their loyal support, it was a shame a great night s entertainment and
fantastic game of hockey didn t end in a Steelers victory, but we are still in a title race
31
Steelers' owner Tony Smith was holding talks with his coaching staff today The club proprietor
was particularly upset with the way his players performed in the 3-5 loss at Belfast Giants on Friday. And he is calling
on them to "step up" and "stop taking nights off."Smith admitted: "I didn't see us going down to Belfast in the way we
did, I thought we'd get something more than a point out of that weekend.
FEB
13
Steelers have confirmed the signing of 32 year old defenceman Carl Ackered.Ackered previously
played 3 seasons with the Guildford Flames between 2017 and 2020 where he scored 54 goals and 140 points in 167 league
and play off games.After leaving the Flames, Ackered joined HC Dukla Trencin in Slovakia where he scored over a point a
game (52 in 50) before moving to Graz99ers last season in the ICEHL This season Ackered moved back to Slovakia with
Slovan Bratislava before the transfer today to the Steelers
23
Steelers club captain, Jonathan Phillips, has confirmed his intention to retire at the end of
the season.Phillips who is the all time Steelers most decorated player and captain has played 1,023 games for the club
scoring 177 goals and 486 points.As club Captain Phillips has lifted more trophies than any other.Four Times Phillips has
lifted the league title, 3 times the play off championships and in 2020 he completed the trio of prizes when lifting his
first Challenge Cup.
MAR
27
Steelers' game on Saturday won't just feature a league farewell to Arena fans from Sheffield
captain Jonathan Phillips - Brendan Connolly will be bidding a home ice goodbye to the EIHL's main competition, too.
Connolly will be retiring from ice hockey to further career opportunities in South Carolina, USA.Connolly says it will be
a moving moment to play his last league game at the Arena, although there will be a Play-Off Quarter Final First Leg there
on April 8.
28
Over 3,000 fans turned up at the Arena for Robert Dowd s testimonial.Four teams, Steelers Orange,
Orange Black, Team GB and Steelers Legends dressed in a terrific nights entertainment as we celebrated the career of Robert
Dowd As well as the returning Colton Fretter and Levi Nelson, many other former players turned out including Ron Shudra,
Liam Kirk, Ben O Connor, Jason Hewitt, Rod Sarich, Mark Thomas, Paul Sample and Ben O Connor.
APR
26
Steelers are delighted to confirm the return of starting netminder, Matt Greenfield after head
coach Aaron Fox secured the 28 year old American to a new one year deal in Sheffield.Greenfield had a majestic first season
with the Steelers after signing late in the summer of 2022 from the Kansas City Mavericks of the ECHL. He not only scooped
up all of the clubs internal awards (Player of the year, players player of the year and coaches player of the year), he was
also voted the leagues netminder of the year, as voted for by all ten Elite League coaches.
MAY
12
Following the decision of the Guildford Flames to withdraw from their position in the forthcoming
seasons Continental Cup the Steelers have been afforded the opportunity to enter the competition.Unfortunately the club have
decided against entry to this years cup competition after taking into account ice time availability and the schedule ahead in
this seasons EIHL competitions.A club spokesman said With the addition games to be played in a shorter period of time to fit
in to the schedule, it would just not have been sensible for the club and our playing staff
23
The Steelers wish to go on record thanking Davey Phillips for his outstanding service to the club
over the last 7 seasons Davey has recently re-signed for the Belfast Giants who he has previously played for in 2008-09 and
then between 2012-15 In total Davey played 395 games for the Steelers, our 9th most capped player, scoring 12 goals 78 assists
for 90 points
26
After playing 81 games over four seasons whilst on a two way contract, Alex Graham has today signed
a new deal with the Steelers promoting him to a full time position on the team.Alex has already scored 8 goals and 17 points
with the team whilst on his two-way deal including an important strike against Aalborg in the Continental Cup This is my club,
as a fan, a junior and then breaking into the team, I want to play here and I want to win here.
JUN
07
The first of several new faces in the Steelers line up has today been confirmed by head coach Aaron
Fox.30 Year old defenseman Kevin Tansey joins from Danish side Herning Blue Fox. Kevin is a big 2 way Dman that likes to play a
physical game defensively said Fox. He skates extremely well for his size and is a guy who can activate very well from the
back end in transition.
11
In addition to those players already signed and announced, head coach Aaron Fox today confirmed that
Robert Dowd, Sam Jones and Brandon Whistle would be playing in Orange next season as they were previously under contract with
the club.The Steelers trio Join Matt Greenfield, Alex Graham, Brett Neumann and Kevin Tansey as part of the clubs 2023-24 EIHL
squad
19
Steelers are delighted to welcome home Marco Vallerand for a 4th season with the club Vallerand has
already played 127 games for the Steelers scoring 68 goals and a further 78 assists and was instrumental in the clubs last trophy
win the Challenge Cup Announcing the news head coach Aaron Fox said I m really excited to have Valley back for a full season. I
expect him to come in to camp healthy, in good shape and with a bit of a chip on his shoulder
21
The Steelers got a lot bigger today as 6 5 centre Mark Simpson was confirmed as a member of next years
side by head coach Aaron Fox Simpson played last season is Asiago (Italy) and before that two seasons in the AHL with Stockton Heat
Mark prides himself on his two way play and plays every shift the right way. He skates extremely well for his size which I think
will cause real problems in this league
24
Head coach Aaron Fox said I m Really excited to get Champ back to build off last years season. We felt
he was one of those important core pieces that was very important for us to get back. He ended up finishing the year with 65 points
in 66 games, 24 of which were goals and was tied for team lead in regular season points.
26
The Steelers are devastated to advise that Alex Graham sadly passed away this weekend.Everyone at the
club is heartbroken by the news and wish to pass on our thoughts and condolences to Alex s family, friends and teammates.Graham,
20, had only recently signed his first professional contract with the Steelers after making 81 appearances since his debut in 2019
and was regarded as an outstanding talent about to make his mark on the professional game.
JULY
07
Cole Shudra is returning to the Sheffield Steelers after signing a full time contract with the club
earlier this week.The move comes about following the tragic circumstances surrounding the passing of Alex Graham two weeks ago,
it s something Cole is more than aware of I fully understand the pathway of my return said Cole It s something both Alex and I
used to talk about non stop when we were driving in the car to and from the rink, that story though was of us both playing for the
Steelers together and being a big part of the clubs future
12
6 2 Defensemen Brien Diffley has been added to the Steelers roster for the 20-23-24 EIHL
season.Announcing the deal head coach Aaron Fox said Brien is a 6 2 two way defenseman that will make a huge impact in our group.
He plays a very solid game in his own end and he has got a physical edge to him.
19
Both Matt Petgrave and Niklas Nevalainen will be back in Orange for a second season after agreeing new
contracts with the club for the 2023-24 Elite League season.
26
Steelers can confirm the signing of 6 1 right winger Kameron Kielly for the 2023-24 Elite League
Season.Aaron Fox said He s extremely motivated to come in and be an impact player for us.Kam is coming off an injury that cut his
season short last year but his healthy and can t wait to get started.
AUG
05
An agreement has been reached for Sheffield Steelers to acquire Sheffield Steeldogs, and that agreement
will allow Sheffield Steeldogs to fully participate in the Planet Ice National Ice Hockey League in the 2023 season and beyond.
The Planet Ice National Ice Hockey league is pleased to confirm that 11 teams will compete in the 23 /24 season. The Steeldogs
organisation needed to evaluate some financial and operational restructuring options, resulting in Tony Smith taking ownership of
the Steeldogs. Tony has confirmed that the Steeldogs will be sustainable and compliant moving forward.
16
Steelers have confirmed the signing of 25 year old winger Mikko Juusola from HC Energie Karlovy Vary
in Czechia Previously Juusola had only played in his home country, Finland, playing 75 times in Liiga and 109 appearances in
Mestis as well as representing his County at the U20 level.Announcing the deal head coach Aaron Fox said "Mikko is a dynamic
skilled dynamic winger who skates very well and will play a very creative game."
23
31 Year old centre Josh Nicholls has been confirmed as the Steelers final summer signing as he joins
the club from Kunlun Red Stars of the KHL Playing for the Kunlun Red Star's, Nicholls has played 86 KHL games over the past four
years, where he also had stints with Storhamar (Norway) and Heilbronner Falken's (Germany).I'm excited to get over to the UK
and help contribute to a winning organisation,said Nicholls.After the time in Russia I wanted to come to a side wanting to win,
I need to compete every night and after speaking with Aaron, I decided that place was Sheffield.
SEP
03
With less than 24 hours before the Steelers squad joins up together for the first time tomorrow
morning the club has confirmed a new signing as Mitchell Balmas arrives in Sheffield.Balmas joins the Steelers from American Hockey
League side, Iowa Wild where he played 34 games last season.
22
The Sheffield Steelers, unfortunately, will be unable to play their end of season play off quarter final
at the Utilita Arena on the weekend of Saturday 13th or Sunday 14th April.Steelers will not have any home ice available at the arena
following their final scheduled league game against Cardiff Devils on Saturday 30th March with their final league games being played
on the road in Belfast on the 6th and 7th April.
29
The Steeldogs today confirmed the appointment of Stevie Weeks as head of prospects and development.“Stevie
knows Sheffield players well and will use his local knowledge to identify players who he thinks may one day make national or elite level
players
OCT
13
The biggest and most important name in Steelers history took another step forward today with the news that
Tate Shudra was leaving the Blackburn Hawkes to concentrate solely on his ice hockey career in Sheffield.Shudra, brother of Cole and son
of legend Ron Shudra had been playing between Blackburn and the Steeldogs on a two-way agreement
29
Nottingham Panthers player Adam Johnson died following a freak accident in a match against Sheffield Steelers on Saturday night.Johnson suffered a severe neck injury after he was caught by a blade in last nights Challenge Cup game between Nottingham and Sheffield Steelers at the Utilita Arena. The match was abandoned and screens were brought onto the ice as medical teams battled to save him before he was taken to hospital. Nottingham confirmed on Sunday morning the player had passed away.
NOV
11
Steelers were met with incredible support on the the first game back following the freak accident in the Nottingham Panthers Game when skating out on to the ice against the Manchester Storm in Challenge Cup action, a sold out rink with Orange the predominant colour.It was an incredible performance by the Steelers from the first shift to the last as they dominated play for the vast major of the game.Goals from Patrick Watling, Robert Dowd, Marco Vallerand and Daniel Ciampini secured another 2 points and a 100% record in the Challenge Cup.
18
Steelers are delighted to welcome Dominic Cormier to the club.The 25 year old Canadian arrives from Norway where he has been playing for Stjernen.
20
On Sunday the Steelers welcomed the 5,000,000 spectator that has watched a Steelers official home game.The Steelers first home game was played against the Chelmsford Chieftains back on the 6th October 1991 (3-3 draw with Messrs Shudra, Lee and Thompson scoring for the club) Dan Hungate had no idea he was that fan until the camera showed him on the big screen and he was met by Steeler Dan holding a special 5 Million Steelers shirt a one off.
22
The Sheffield Steelers can confirm that forward Kameron Kielly has left the club and returned to North America Kielly joined the club in the summer and has played 6 games in league and cup fixtures to date.
DEC
8
Head coach Aaron Fox has confirmed that Sam Jones has been placed on the Injury Reserve List following an incident in Belfast last Sunday.Jones picked up a lower body injury that will see him out of action for the short term
9
Steelers have confirmed the signing of Zach Vinnell, formerly of the Glasgow Clan Head coach Aaron Fox said He is a solid Defensemen that has also played some forward as well in his career so it gives us a nice swing option as well. With us losing Sam for a minimum of 6 weeks he will join us initially as his injury cover to our roster.
20
Steelers have confirmed the signing, on a two-way contact, of Finlay Ulrick.Ulrick, 23, remains with Hull Seahawks where he has scored a point a game already this season, but trains with the Steelers and is available to play when there is no crossover of games.
YEAR 2024
JAN
05
Steelers 5th goal in Glasgow at 57.05 on the power-play will go down in club history Assisted by Marco Vallerand and Colton Saucerman, Robert Dowdy cored his 330th goal for the club and in doing so, passed Ron Shudra 329 making him the Steelers all time 2nd highest goal scorer, just 26 shy of Steve Nemeth.
06
There is only once place to start and that is with Hannah Trevillion who was the winner of the biggest ever 50-50 prize in British Ice Hockey history.Yes, it was a roll-over, but still what an incredible prize to win.19,999 pounds
20
A frustrating night for the Steelers in Fife their incredible 14 (league games on the road) winning records ends
as the Flyers take this game 2-1 Steelers had the majority of the play against an understrength Flyers side but could not find a way past
Kevin Lindskoug in Fifes goal.
22
Russell Names Latest GB Squad for Olympic Qualifiers Steelers Captain Robert Dowd leads the Steelers contingent
into the Olympic Qualifiers Dowd is joined by Sam Jones Brandon Whistle and Cole Shudra
31
Steelers Sign Patrick Harper with Brett Neumann being side-lined the Steelers have moved to sign 25 year old
American Patrick Harper until the end of the season.
FEB
10
The Steelers welcome the return of former club captain, Jonathan Phillips tonight at the arena for the game
against Manchester Storm.Steelers are without their GB 4 (Messrs: Dowd, Jones, Whistle and Shudra) with Phillips and Sam Cooper added to
the line up.Daniel Crowe will also back up starting goalie Matt Greenfield with Angus Laing injured.
20
Steelers have confirmed that they will be wearing their Retro Shirt from the 1997 season for the home
games against Belfast Giants on the weekend of the 9th and 10th March.
27
ASM Global has been announced as the new operator for Utilita Arena Sheffield, as of January 2025.Operators
were invited to bid on the running of Utilita Arena Sheffield.Following a robust eight-month tender process, the Council has now selected
ASM Global as the successful bidder and the new operator for the Arena.Councillor Richard Williams, Chair of the Communities, Parks and
Leisure Committee at Sheffield City Council, said:I am really pleased to welcome ASM Global onboard as the new operators of Sheffield Arena,
this is a major step forward in our ambitious plan for the city and entertainment facilities.
28
Limited Opportunity to meet the Messiah on Sunday 10th March (Mothers Day)The demand was so good for the Meet
and Greet with Steelers legend Ken Priestlay for Saturday 9th March that it sold-out in just hours so we are having a second Meet
and Greet with the Messiah on Sunday 10th March between 2.30pm and 3.30pm
MAR
01
Robert Dowd will extend his 16-year relationship with the Steelers after signing a new two year contract
extension this week. It has been some season for the 35 year old who, as well as being made Steelers captain in September, was announced as the GB National sides captain earlier last month.
13
The Steelers lifted the Challenge Cup on home ice tonight, coming out victorious over the Guilford Flames by three goals to one.Damage done in the first two periods with Diffley finishing at the back door from a Dowd feed in only the second minute which was doubled late in the period via a Watling powerplay snipe.Cherry on the cake in second with the perfect tip from Mitchell Balmas sealed the deal as the first cup of the season in now in the hands of your Sheffield Steelers!
24
The Steelers held their nerve after the second period to bag three in both the first and third period as they came out victorious over the Guildford Flames and lifted the Elite League trophy on home ice tonight.Top point scorer in the league, Mitchell Balmas bagged five points throughout the contest with Marco Vallerand also picking up his 29th and 30th goal of the year as the Steelers were crowned Elite League Champions for the first time since 2016.
APR
14
Steelers have progressed to the semi finals of next weekends play off finals after beating the Fife Flyers 4-1 (13-5 on aggregate)Kevin Tansey, Mikko Juusola, Marco Vallerand and Brett Neumann all scored for Aaron Foxs side with Anthony Morrone picking up his 16th straight win in 16 starts between the pipes.
15
The Steelers will take on the Guildford Flames in next Saturday afternoons play off semi-final at the Motorpoint Arena, Nottingham.The evening semi final will between the Cardiff Devils and Belfast Giants.
21
Its Grand Slam glory for the Steelers who showed another side to their imperious game this evening to soak up pressure and fire home a brace in the first period to lift all three trophies available.Two goals on a major first period powerplay from Daniel Ciampini and Mikko Juusola was topped off with a Kevin Tansey 200ft Empty Netter to give the Steelers the two goal victory against a Giants team that kept coming for sixty minutes.
24
After an outstanding end to the year, Steelers forward Brandon Whistle has had to withdraw from the Team GB squad ahead of the world championships in order to undergo further treatment.
25
The Sheffield Steelers have confirmed their participation in next seasons Champions Hockey league.Tony Smith said Unlike in our two previous CHL experiences we wont be playing just two teams home and away, we will in fact face 6 sides, 3 at home and a different 3 on the road with the points being won added to a league table of all 24 competing sides with the top 16 progressing to the knockout stages.
26
Steelers can confirm that Brett Neumann has left the club in order to take up an opportunity in Switzerland with EHC Winterthur.Head Coach Aaron Fox said Brett came back as a core piece and was able to help us achieve our goals.Dealing with an injury the 2nd half of the year I think he gave us everything he could and appreciate everything hes brought to the club.
JUN
08
Lets defend our trophies says Simmer.Back to defend our titles says
Mark Simpson.Mark Simpson will be back with the Steelers this coming season after penning a new
deal with head coach Aaron Fox.
09
Head coach Aaron Fox has confirmed that Anthony Morrone has accepted
an offer of a position in mainland Europe for the 2024-25 season.Iam happy to see Tony get an
opportunity to be a starter in Europe.He came in last year and did an outstanding job when called
upon and fit perfectly in our group.
14
Rocket Ron, the original Steelers superstar, his eldest son, Cole
Shudra, the 2024 Grand Slam Steeler and now Tate Shudra (19) joins the ranks of Sheffields most
famous hockey family in signing a two-way contract with the Steelers and Steeldogs.
15
The Sheffield Steelers are delighted to confirm the return of Colton
Saucerman for a second season with the Grand Slam Champions.
20
It was the easiest decision to come back, I didnt have to think
twice the words of Mikko Juusola who today became the latest Grand Slam Steeler to confirm his
return next season.
29
The man that scored in the play-off final, ensuring the Steelers
lifted the 2024 Grand Slam is coming back to the club for a third season.Daniel Ciampini has signed
a new one year deal with head coach Aaron Fox in order that he can come back and defend the
clubs three championship titles
JUL
05
Steelers owner Tony Smith has confirmed that he has extended the
contracts of head coach Aaron Fox and assistant Carter Beston-Will for the next three seasons.
Both Fox and Beston-Will had one year remaining on their existing deals but Smith felt it was
time to reward his coaching staff with new deals We believe we have the best coaches in the
league and wanted to ensure that we retained them.
06
After playing 199 games for the Steelers, Sam Jones will leave the
club this summer as he embarks on a move to Europe.This door isnt closed and I hope he gets what
hes looking for out of his new opportunity
09
President of ASM Global Europe Chris Bray said the company had plans
to evolve and transform the citys live entertainment experience in order to deliver world leading
content. It was revealed that ASM Global would also be the new operator of the 13,600-capacity Utilita
Arena Sheffield.
11
Because he is worth it Another year for Brien Diffley One of the most
important cogs in the Steelers wheel has agreed to return and defend the Grand Slam. Brien Diffley, the
man who scored that all important first goal in the Cup Final is back after signing a new deal with
Aaron Fox.
12
Steelers Confirm Extra FREE Game for Season Ticket Holders and 8 pounds Games
for next Season However, its the change in the Challenge Cup format we now have 5 guaranteed homes
games to add to the 27 league games making 32 home games at the arena.Steelers have today confirmed
that they will honour the 32nd game in the season ticket at no additional cost.
16
Its a 5th Steelers season in Orange for Brandon Whistle after the forward
agreed terms with head coach Aaron Fox to come back and defend the Grand Slam
17
Head coach Aaron Fox confirmed the signing of Watling, who scored 27 goals
and 76 points in just 68 games last year, saying Watling came in and was an impact player for us last year.
He has the ability to change the game on his own. Plays with high pace and compete and is extremely hard
to handle on the rush.Patrick was a big part of our power-play being 1st in the league and a player that I
still think has more in the tank with being able to focus just on hockey.
22
The Elite Leagues Leading Points Scorer is Back in Orange.Mitchell Balmas is
returning to the Sheffield Steelers next season after signing a new one year contract that will also see
the sharpshooter further his education with Sheffield Hallam University.Balmas scored 38 goals and 90 points
in just 70 games in his first season with the club, helping the Steelers secure the 2024 Grand Slam.
AUG
01
Aaron Fox has added his first new import signing of the summer with the addition
of forward Angelo Miceli Miceli has played the last seven seasons in Bolzano, a town he now calls home.
Angelo has won a championship, played in the CHL and also for the Italian National team, now however, its
time for a change.
14
Head coach Aaron Fox has added skilled Finnish forward Joel Janatuinen to the Steelers
roster ahead of the new season.Steelers D Core Complete as Guimond heads to Sheffield.Aaron Fox has completed the
Sheffield Steelers defensive core with the addition of 33 year old blue liner Sacha Guimond.The Steelers import
net minder duo was completed today with the confirmation that Italian International Marco De-Filippo would be joining
Matt Greenfield between the pipes this season.Daniel Leavens wants to win his first professional championship and
Steelers head coach Aaron Fox hopes he will do that this coming season after confirming his signing this morning,
the final import signing ahead of the new season.
27
Season Ticket holders who require the lift to access the Season Ticket Lounge can do so
from Entry B as soon as the Lounge opens and this will continue to be 90 minutes ahead of face off.
