Sheffield Steelers
Encyclopedia
The Sheffield Steelers are a British
ice hockey
club, from Sheffield
, England
. They were formed in 1991 (see 1991 in sport) and play their home games at the Sheffield Arena. They are currently members of the Elite Ice Hockey League
. The clubs main (title) sponsor is Unison.
, and is a sizeable stadium originally seating 8,500 and located close to the city centre. Ronnie Wood and David Gardener-Brown were at the helm as the Marketing
Director
at the club and set about promoting ice hockey to a city raised on the footballing
success of Sheffield United
and Sheffield Wednesday. Wood had a specific target, seeking to attract children and families to the city's new sporting Arena. As he stated in an interview in Liam Sluyter's A Game of Three Halves (Mainstream Publishing, 1998) "we were sending guys around schools. We wrote to all the schools in Sheffield and said "Bring the kids, see the Arena, sit down, experience the whole thing" ". They also began taking players to local football matches and parading them around the ground with mascot
s in an attempt to pull in football fans too. Another marketing ploy was to give certain players nicknames to help the crowd associate with the new (and as yet unknown) players. This was an idea hatched by the announcer Dave Simms.
The Steelers were named in honour of Sheffield's industrial past, much like the American football team of the same name
based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
, and the sharing of nicknames are merely a coincidence. The American football
team actually predates Sheffield's team by 58 years and was already popular worldwide due to their dominance in the National Football League
in the 1970s. Sheffield and Pittsburgh are considered sister cities.
The Sheffield Steelers were the first ever fully professional ice hockey team in Great Britain, and O'Brien suggested that there was a lot of resentment from the followers of other hockey teams who saw them as a "cheque book hockey club" able to buy whoever they chose. Likewise, Sluyter questions the authenticity of the majority of Steelers fans in the club's early days. Though he admitted that it was a generalisation, Sluyter suggested hockey fans of teams like Cardiff
, Fife
and Nottingham
were ice hockey fans first and foremost, while Steelers' supporters were only Steelers fans, and knew very little of ice hockey outside of Sheffield. However, it made little difference as Sheffield began breaking several British ice hockey attendance records, and in March of that year added an extra 1,200 seats to the Arena to meet the growing demand.
Sheffield Steelers had begun their first ever season in English Division One of the British Hockey League
. One year later Sheffield Steelers won promotion into the British Premier League, before going on to win this in 1995 — the last team to do so before the formation of the new British Ice Hockey Super League
(ISL) that year.
On Sunday 3 December 2006, the Steelers played in their 1000th ever game. The game was against the Basingstoke Bison
at the Hallam FM Arena, for which special orange jerseys had been made for the match. The Steelers lost the game 3–2 and the jerseys were all auctioned off at the game.
, Challenge Cup
and Playoff Titles
. The only other team to win all four trophies in one season were the Ayr Scottish Eagles
who completed this feat in the 1997–98 season.
The Challenge Cup Final was held in the new Odyssey Arena
in Belfast
in front of a full house of 7,300. Ayr were the opponents and Steelers won 4–2.
The Steelers are the only team to have won 7 trophies in the Superleague era.
The teams playoff success came against the London Knights
who they defeated 2–1 in a very tight game at the National Ice Centre in Nottingham
to take the Playoff crown.
. This failed to separate the teams so penalties
were required. Steelers netminder, Ryan Bach
, saved all five Manchester attempts whilst Brad Lauer
was successful for the Steelers. This was again played at the National Ice Centre in Nottingham in front of a full house. This victory made the Steelers the only club to successfully retain the Superleague title.
, Matsos. However Matsos made a very difficult decision to cut fan-favourite and enforcer Brett Clouthier
to bring in Ryan Finnerty who also became a fan favourite with his fiery and skillful play. Coach David Matsos completed his rookie
year taking the Steelers to a fourth place finish in the league and a place in the Challenge Cup Finals.
Although it was an unsuccessful season in terms of silverware for the Steelers, the club made strides off-ice and broke an Elite League Attendance record against the Manchester Phoenix
with an attendance of 7,339.
Team Owner Bob Phillips and his wife sold their other Elite League club the Cardiff Devils in order to concentrate on building the Steelers.
Matsos made a quick start in the off-season resigning his core of British Players, which were, Captain
Jonathan Phillips, Defenseman
Mark Thomas, and forwards
Warren Tait and Jason Hewitt.
Matsos also snapped up two imports from the previous season, Goaltender
Jody Lehman and the coaches player of the season Ian Manzano.
Rumours were that the other British Forward Phil Hill would not be returning and these rumours were almost clarified when Matsos signed top British forward Ashley Tait
(brother of Warren) who had captained the Coventry Blaze
in the previous season and lifted the League and Challenge Cup; as well as runners-up in the British Knockout Cup and the semi-finals of the Elite League Playoffs.
The Steelers re-signed fan favourite Ryan Finnerty and two days later announced the signing of Steve Munn from the Norfolk Admirals
(AHL
) and Munn was the first player to take advantage of the Steelers links with the Sheffield University
where he will study for an MBA
during his two year stay at the club.
Jeff Legue was announced as a new Steelers signing, shortly followed by Randy Dagenais who will be the second player to study for an MBA while at the Steelers. Rod Sarich's return was confirmed and Joe Talbot was revealed as a Steelers player, leaving Matsos with just one spot left to fill on his roster. Jeremy Cornish was announced as the final Steelers signing on 16 July and would fit into the Steelers third line
and become the club's new enforcer
.
On 18 July 2007 it was announced that Liberata would the club's title sponsor for the 2007–08 season.
On 18 January 2008 Sheffield Steelers announced the signing of former fan favourite Dan Tessier
who last season scored 99 points. Dan left Sheffield at the end of last season tho pursue a career in Germany's DEL with Duisburg Foxes but was released after only 19 games with a very poor points record of only 6 point. he then went back to Canada with the Kalamazoo K Wings of the IHL, but then asked for his contact to be terminated to join a team in England.
On 12 March the Sheffield Steelers announced that they had secured head coach Dave Matsos to a 2 year contract extension which would keep him at the club until at least the end of the 2010 season.
The Sheffield Steelers won the Elite League Playoff Championship after beating the Coventry Blaze 2–0 in the final with goals from Johnathan Phillips and Dan Tessier. The Steelers beat Manchester Phoenix 5–4 and drew 4–4 in the Quarter Finals to win 9–8 on aggregate. The Steelers then beat the Cardiff Devils in the Semi Final 2–1 before progressing to the final.
Rumours were circulating that Jody Lehmann would not be offered a new contract, and that the Steelers were looking at bringing Christian Bronsard
back to the club for his second stint.
On 6 May the Steelers announced British Defenceman Mark Thomas had signed a new 1 year contract, this would be the first of two announcements for the Steelers in this week. The second announcement was announced on Thursday and it was Assistant Player/Coach Doug Sheppard who was announced as the returnee after signing a new 1 year deal.
The club announced they had started contract negotiations with Goaltender Jody Lehmann about a return but had set him a deadline for his answer. A few days later it was announced Jeff Legue would be the latest of last years team to sign a new deal.
Goaltender news arrived, but not on the starting goalie front, it was announced by the club that backup goaltender Davey Lawrence would not be returning, instead he would be signing for Telford Tigers
in the English Premier League in order to gain a place as a starting goaltender.
Matsos continued his resignings and the club announced Jason Hewitt had signed to return for the 2008–09 season. On the same day the Sheffield Star published an article stating that Robert Dowd had signed a full time contract with the Steelers from the Sheffield Scimitars, after playing 14 games for the club last term.
The club later confirmed that Jody Lehman would return to Sheffield for another season, tasked with the job of bringing the league trophy back to Sheffield.
The Sheffield Star reported that a return for Joey Talbot was looking less likely after contract negotiations were stalling, and later reported that a return for Dan Tessier, was also unlikely.
Rod Sarich was also subject to rumours that he would not be returning, However Radio Sheffield were reporting he had re-signed, and the paperwork was just being completed before an official announcement was made.
The announcement of top scorer Joey Talbot returning to the club was announced on the same day the club announced Dan Tessier would not be returning to the club.
Joey Talbot was the club's top scorer in the previous season racking up 39 goals and 36 assists for a total of 75 points.
Dan Tessier had previously returned for his second spell at the Sheffield club and the previous season it was announced he would be present for the 2008–09 season, however the club had decided to go in a different direction, which was expected to be in the size department.
A day later the club confirmed Ian Manzano would also leave the club as they looked for some more strength and grit in the defence department. Coach Dave Matsos stated the league was shifting towards more size again and this led to his decision to release Manzano.
After weeks of negotiating the club finally made a deal with Rod Sarich to return for the upcoming season after he rejected offers from clubs in Denmark. This left the Steelers with only 2 more positions to fill, an import forward and an import defencemen, who would be the replacements of Dan Tessier and Ian Manzano.
Nathan Gillies was announced as the Steelers last forward signing for the upcoming season, having played the last four seasons in the East Coast Hockey League for the Charlotte Checkers and Phoenix Roadrunners.
The signing for the Steelers was announced as Scott Basiuk from Elite League Rivals Manchester Phoenix. Basiuk joins the club on a two-year contract and will study for an MBA as part of the clubs partnership with the Sheffield University.
David Matsos announced a 10th forward as a final signing for the upcoming season, The tenth forward would be Andrew Sharp, who signed a two-way contract with the Sheffield Scimitars. Sharp would take the enforcer role for the upcoming season.
Brad Cruikshank was signed by the Steelers after Nathan Gillies suffered a hyper extended elbow putting him out of action for roughly 6–8 weeks, Cruikshank had played in Basingstoke for the previous 3 seasons and had scored 30+30 for 60 points in the 2007–08 seasons along with 260 penalty minutes. Gillies returned to Canada in January 2009 to continue his playing career, after turning down a coaching job with the Steelers for the rest of the season.
The Steelers endured a slow start to the season and were knocked out of the Knockout Cup and Challenge Cup early, but kept to a simple game plan relying on their strong set of defencemen and good goaltender Jody Lehman. Eventually this strategy paid off as the Steelers moved up the league table, and then grabbed 1st place after a league campaign that has seen them lose just 3 times in regulation. It is this same dogged style that has seen them outplayed in many of their matches by other teams, but the defence has kept them in it and the offence has grabbed a late winner.
Towards the end of February following the All-Star game (to which 5 Steelers players and their coach were selected) the Steelers hold an 11 point gap over 2nd place with under 10 games to play, which leaves their hopes of winning the league championship in their own hands.
On March 8, The Steelers beat the Newcastle Vipers 4–1, taking their points tally to 83 after 50 games. The Coventry Blaze were in action at home to Hull, and nothing less than a win would be enough to keep their title hopes alive. Coventry lost the game 4–1, handing the league title to the Sheffield Steelers.
After winning the league title, the Steelers turned to the Playoffs, the title they won the previous year. In the Quarter Finals they managed to see off the Edinburgh Capitals and make it through to the Finals Weekend. The Semi-Final was played against the Cardiff Devils, which was a physical affair and the Steelers managed to see off the Devils by winning 5–3.
The final was to be contested between the Steelers and their rivals the Nottingham Panthers, as expected it was an excellent physical battle with the Steelers running out 2–0 victors and doing the double.
Jody Lehman was the first Steelers player to announce his departure for the more lucrative European leagues, signing in Denmark for Aalborg. Many more rumours of the departing stars started, with Jeff Legue, Joey Talbot, Steve Munn, Rod Sarich and Randy Dagenais were the favourites to find new clubs abroad. Legue and Talbot both resigned for the Steelers, joining assistant coach Doug Sheppard, and imports Brad Cruikshank and Scott Basiuk, along with the British core of Captain Johnathan Phillips, defenceman Mark Thomas, Jason Hewitt, Rob Dowd, and British goaltender Dan Green.
The rumours of returnees continued, with rumours stating fans favourite Ryan Finnerty would not be offered a new deal, although the local media were reporting an offer had been made that did not meet Finnerty's demands. Finnerty later claimed no deal had been offered and he was looking for a new club. The Steelers top scorer from the previous season British forward Ashley Tait
also stalled on a new deal before taking up an offer to play in Italy, leaving the Steelers without one of the leagues top British players. Matsos moved quickly to snap up 21 year old Sheffield lad Ben Morgan who would play Defence to conclude the British core. This would leave the Steelers with two British defencemen.
The goaltending position was also a topic of much debate as to who would fill the massive shoes left by Jody Lehman. Trevor Koenig and Kevin Reiter were the favourites, both being offered deals, before Kevin Reiter was announced as Jody Lehman’s successor.
Rod Sarich was the next man to commit his future for the Steelers, after four seasons at the House of Steel and an outstanding year earning him the leagues Defenceman of the Year, Sarich received lucrative offers from both Europe and North America before signing for the Steelers. Coach Dave Matsos stated he had a new role in mind for Sarich this year, which would involve more playing as a forward as opposed to a defenceman.
The Steelers then announced Dan Green as returning as back up goaltender which was found strange by a majority of the fans as it was made public by the local media several weeks before. The club also announced that Canadian Centre Chad Hinz would not be joining the club, this reignited rumours of a possible return for fan favourite Ryan Finnerty. Randy Dagenais was the latest announced returnee, another import who turned his back on lucrative European offers to return to the Sheffield Arena for a third season.
Kevin Bolibruck was announced as returning to the Steel City for a second stint having played for the club during the 2003–04 season. Speculation had been ongoing for months that Bolibruck was about to return to the club. Bolibruck, who has many years experience in the AHL is regarded by many Steelers fans as the clubs best ever defenceman. Two days later the club announced the final signing to conclude their roster. The signing was Jeff Hutchins, who had played for Elite League rivals Newcastle Vipers in the previous season. Hutchins had been a resident of the UK since 2005, playing for other rivals such as the Coventry Blaze and the Belfast Giants.
On August 10 it was announced that the club would drop 'Sheffield' from their name, and using their title sponsor before the Steelers brand. Therefore the Steelers would become 'The Field Electrical Steelers' for the next two seasons. The club later announced that after upsetting a large proportion of the fan base they would reinstate Sheffield into the clubs name.
After a bad start to the season which saw the Steelers pick up a mere 7 points from 10 games, three new faces were introduced to the lineup. Ex Newcastle Viper goalie Andrew Verner was brought in to replace the injured Kevin Reiter who was sidelined for an estimated two months with a groin strain and hernia. Ex-AHL Defenceman Stephen Wood was brought in to replace Scott Basiuk who was also out with an injury. Matt Hubbauer was the third new face to be introduced; a Centre who played the last three seasons in the German second tier would replace Jeff Hutchins who was released by the club after joining in the summer.
As the Steelers continued to struggle at the bottom of the table, an opportunity for a break from the League came along in the form of the Continental Cup. The Steelers travelled to Bolzano for the third round group stage of the competition. The Steelers came out of the group stages with 3 wins from 3 games, beating The Hague, Maribor, and Bolzano, winning all three games by one goal.
The Steelers will now travel to Grenoble in January for the Euro Finals.
It was announced Scott Basiuk was fit and ready to return to action in early January after being sidelined since September through injury, this meant the club would have to release an import to make room for Basiuk to return to fit their budget, Randy Daganais was looking like the likely candidate to be cut from the Steelers Roster after it emerged earlier in the season he had been told he could leave the club after Joe Dustin was drafted in to replace him until Dustin received a late injury. However, it emerged Stephen Wood would leave the club due to personal issues back in the United States.
The Steelers poor form continued throughout the New Year, although the team showed signs of quality with an 8–0 thrashing of Edinburgh, as well as claiming a Bronze medal at the IIHF Continental Cup in Grenoble. As well as the highs, there was plenty more lows, including a 5–2 home defeat at the hands of the Hull Stingrays, which was the first time the Stingrays had beaten Sheffield in Sheffield in the clubs history, a performance coach Matsos labelled as 'the most embarrassing performance he had witnessed' as the head coach of the club. He promised more Roster changes to improve the team, and also stated in the local media he hoped the club bosses would keep him around a little longer as he would turn things round.
Jonathan Zion was signed as a replacement for the injured Rod Sarich who was sidelined with a broken foot. A week later the Steelers announced that Mike Sgroi had been signed, a no nonsense power-forward that could score points, fight, and entertain. Brad Cruikshank
was released to make way for Sgroi, and was subsequently signed up by the Coventry Blaze to replace their injured Captain, Adam Calder.
In a season the Steelers will want to forget, what moment which will live long in the fans memory will be the retirement of fan favourite Ron Shudras #26 jersey at the Arena on the final home game of the regular season against rivals Nottingham Panthers.
The good news continued to flow for the Steelers and on 16 March the club announced that fan favourite, league winner and two time playoff champion Steve Munn would return to the club after spending a year playing in the Asia League Ice Hockey
On 20 March in the Steelers final home league game of the season Ron Shudra's number 26 shirt was retired and raised to the roof, in a game the Steelers would go on to win 6–2 and also break the Elite League attendance record with an attendance of 8634
The Steelers season ended in the Quarter Finals of the Play-offs after being knocked out by the Cardiff Devils. The Steelers lost 4–2 in Cardiff, before being beaten 5–3 in Sheffield the following evening.
The first signings which had been signed and announced during the 2009–10 season were Kevin Bolibruck, Rod Sarich, Steve Munn, and Jonathon Phillips
April the 6th saw the Steelers announce what was regarded as the worst kept secret in British Ice Hockey, the return of Ashley Tait to the club who signed a 2 year contract. Tait is a huge step forward in the Steelers rebuilding process, a top quality brit who finished second in the clubs scoring during the 2008–09 campaign and a player the club failed to replace after he signed in Italy.
The club later announced Jerramie Domish had signed an initial 1 year deal with the Sheffield club after a solid first year in the country with the Newcastle Vipers. The club fought off interest from other Elite League and European clubs for Domish's signature, a signing which excited coach David Matsos and received the seal of approval from returning Steve Munn.
The clubs re-signings took a further boost as the club announced young British forward Robert Dowd had resigned for the 2010–11, Dowd had a stand out first year for the club in 2008–09 scoring 44 points in 50 games (23+21) but had a noticeably harder year in 2009–10. Dowd was the centre of speculation linking him to a move to the Belfast Giants, the news of his resigning is sure to be a relief to the Steelers supporters who see him as a quality young British player full of potential.
On 18 May the Steelers announced Jason Hewitt would return for his 6th season with the club, after weeks of speculation that the new Braehead Clan were interested. The Steelers later announced completion of their defence with the return of British Defence man Mark Thomas, who will also be in his 6th season with the club next year.
Matsos then announced he had re-signed Joey Talbot, who stated he was ready to put last years miserable season behind him and help the club reach the top again and win more silverware. Talbot stressed the importance of resignings such as Steve Munn and Ashley Tait, who were with the Steelers for 2 years prior to last season, and both part of the Steelers double winning team.
After weeks of speculation in local media that the Steelers were trying to sign Brad Voth from Elite League rivals, Cardiff Devils, the Steelers attempts failed as it was announced Voth had re-signed for the Devils for the upcoming 2010–11 season which would be his 6th for the Cardiff club. Voth had been public enemy number one with the Steelers fans for various incidents during the past few years.
On 27 May, the Steelers announced that 'associate' company Yorkshire Sports Ltd. had gone into liquidation, due to being unable to pay debts due to unpaid sponsorship fees from the past two years, most notably from the 'title' sponsor Eurologix during the 2008–09 season. The club announced that a new management company would be set up, and the Steelers future would remain stable.
The following day the Steelers announced their new starting goaltender, a signing coach Dave Matsos called 'a big gamble' as the club looked to rectify last years poor performance. The new goaltender was 25 year old Latvian, Ervins Mustukovs, who had played the previous season as the back-up goalie in the KHL, which is noted as one of Europes best leagues. Mustukovs also was the back up goalie for the Latvian Olympic team during the 2010 Winter Olympics.
The Steelers completed their defensive core, by announcing British goaltender, Geoff Woolhouse, would become the Steelers backup netminder. Ironically, the Steelers sign Woolhouse from rivals Nottingham Panthers, as their back up goalie Dan Green goes the opposite way. Woolhouse was born in Sheffield and a Steelers fan, before moving to Nottingham to play for the Nottingham Lions in the ENL in 2001. Since then Woolhouse has moved up the ranks and joined the Panthers in 2003 and has been there for the past six seasons.
After a few weeks without any further announcements on player signings, Dave Matsos announced there would be three signings in a week. The first of these signings was the return of Jeff Legue, who was seen as a pivotal part of the Steelers in previous seasons, and was one of the few players who avoided any serious negative comments in the clubs previous poor season. The club announced the next two signings would be new imports to the club, Matsos also announced that following the two imminent announcements, the club would have one more roster spot to fill, leading fans of the opinion he would go with only 10 import players, when other top clubs were filling the league quota of 11, fans were of the view this would be detrimental to the Steelers performances in the upcoming year.
The Steelers next two signings, were Derek Campbell and Neil Clarke. Campbell was signed from rivals Coventry Blaze, after also having stints at other English clubs including Manchester Phoenix (during their Elite League seasons) and the Newcastle Vipers. Neil Clarke had a split year during the 2009–10 campaign in the American Central Hockey League, scoring 19 points in 48 games as well as 134 penalty minutes. Coach Dave Matsos also quashed rumours of the club only going with 10 imports, stating the club would fulfil the 11 import roster slots and were just taking their time looking for the right players.
On 14 July 2010 the Elite League published an announcement stating the Steelers had been put up for sale by Phillips, and they were assisting in finding new investors and aiding with the transaction. The announcement came after insistence by Phillips that he would not sell the club, although after much anger and upset from supporters, including many cancelling cheques for season tickets and talks of boycotts it appeared Phillips was ready to relinquish control over the club.
Ragan said of his purchase “Sheffield Steelers, much like the Devils, have enjoyed mammoth success in the British game and my intention is to provide this great club with the organisation and commercial processes it needs to return to the glory days. I am an entrepreneur at heart and my speciality is acquisition, fast growth and returning companies to profit. My focus at Cardiff has been to stabilise, structure and develop the commercial side of the business whilst giving our Head Coach the best possible chance to bring on-ice success to the club.”
Ragan announced that his first job as owner was to secure Head Coach Ben Simon for the 2011-12 season, which was quickly done the following day. Simon, who previously played 81 NHL games as well as 469 in the American Hockey League, has been well received by all Steelers staff, players and fans since arriving at the Motorpoint Arena club in August.
Ragan said "I have spoken with Ben and told him that I want him as my first signing for next season. I've been very impressed with him both on and off the ice this season. He is a quality player but more so a quality leader and individual. I want Ben to mould a Steelers team on his vision and work ethic. Whilst we haven't sat down and signed pieces of paper, we have agreed that the Steelers is where Ben will be next season. We need stability here and knowing that we have Ben as our coach up until a minimum the end of next season is fantastic news for all at the club."
Simon, who at the time of writing had scored 12 goals and 21 assists before Christmas, said "I've spoken with the new owners and they seem to be very happy with the job I am doing which is always nice to know. I'm delighted that they want me to return. I've told them I'm happy to do so and after the holiday period we will sit down and move forward."
Steelers fan must have been thinking Christmas had come a few days early in 2010; not only had the club got a new owner and their Head Coach back for at least another year, Mr. Ragan topped everything by announcing that the Steelers legendary match night announcer David Simms would be returning to his 'spiritual home in the Whitehouse' at the top of the Arena, starting with the Boxing Day battle against arch rival Nottingham. Simms had been match night announcer for the club every season since 1991, and was a founder of the club. ‘Simmsey’ accepted an offer from Ragan to return to the club as both announcer and media liaison officer and will start working for the club once again with immediate effect. Since leaving the club in the summer, Simmsey had expanded his role as a TV Commentator for Sky Sports, by presenting live games and weekly highlights of the games around the League. Simms will continue to do this throughout the rest of the season.
Simmsey, who was part of the walkout in the summer in protest of previous owner Bob Phillips, said "It's been a horrible 4 months away. This is the best Christmas present I have ever had and I can't thank Paul and his team enough for giving me the opportunity to return. The job is now a simple one - create the best atmosphere in the League on game nights. We will do that and it will start Boxing Day for the game against the Panthers, what a great day to return.
The Steelers were at the top of the league for the majority of the season, battling it out with the Cardiff Devils who appeared unstoppable at one point. The Belfast Giants had struggled with injuries but after returning to full health put together a strong challenge and left all three teams in with a chance of winning the league on the final day of the season.
The Sheffield Steelers had back to back games against the Braehead Clan and won the league after a 7-2 victory at the Motorpoint Arena. The Steelers were tied on points with Cardiff but won the league having more regulation time wins.
In the previous months new owner Paul Ragan had announced ticket prices for the upcoming season would rise, and the wage budget decrease, upsetting many of the club's fans. Ragan attempted to strike a new deal to bring Ben Simon back to Sheffield, but after several rounds of negotiations, Simon decided he would not be renewing his contract and announced he would be leaving Sheffield, stating the reduced wage budget would not allow him to bring in the right standard of players. Paul Ragan stated the contract offer would have made Simon the highest paid player in British Ice Hockey, and Simon stated this would reduce the amount of budget allocated to other areas of the team.
Within a matter of days the Sheffield Steelers announced their third coach in as many seasons, Ryan Finnerty a club favourite would return to become the new player/coach after spending past two seasons in Cardiff. Finnerty was not in the hot seat long before star British player Robert Dowd announced he would be leaving the club to play for Belfast in the next season. Dowd was the 4th highest points scorer in the British players in the league in the 2010/11 season, and would be a big blow to the Steelers team.
After the loss of Robert Dowd, Finnerty was quick to secure the re-signings of the remaining British players on the Steelers team, and announced the return of Ashley Tait, Jonathan Phillips, Jason Hewitt and Mark Thomas in a week. The following week Finnerty re-signed rookie forward Tom Squires who would return to the club for his second season.
number 7 and Tim Cranston
's number 4 have been retired. Tony Hand
's number 16 and Ken Priestlay
's number 9 were retired on 21 January 2003 at a challenge
match against the Dundee Stars., with Ron Shudra's number 26 retired in Summer 2009.
Eight people who have been associated with the Steelers have been inducted to the British Ice Hockey Hall of Fame. Alex Dampier
, who coached
the Steelers from January 1993 to the end of the 1997–98 season, was inducted in 1995 and Mike Blaisdell
, who coached and occasionally iced for the Steelers between 1999 and 2004, was inducted in 2004. On the player front, Chris Kelland
was inducted in 2002, Rick Brebant
in 2004, Paul Adey
in 2006,Scott Neil
in 2007, and most recently, legendary players Tim Cranston
and 'Rocket' Ron Shudra
in December 2010.
The Steelers started their own Hall of Fame in 2005 in which honoured members are voted for by the fans. There are two Hall of Fames: The Players Hall of Fame and the Backroom Staff Hall of Fame. Ken Priestlay, Tommy Plommer
, Scott Allison
and Tim Cranston
were inducted to the Players Hall of Fame in 2005 and Ron Shudra
and Mike Blaisdell were inducted in 2006. David Simms, responsible for Press and Media at the club, and Andy Akers, Equipment Manager, were inducted to the Backroom Staff Hall of Fame in 2006 and Mike O'Connor, General Manager, was inducted in 2007.
Play Off Championships
Autumn Cups
Challenge Cup
s
20-20 Hockeyfest Tournament
Player of the Year Trophy
Coach of the Year Trophy
The Ice Hockey Annual Trophy
(Leading British points scorer)
First Team All-Star
Second Team All-Star
and the playoffs
. In the 2000–01 season
they won the Benson & Hedges Cup, the Challenge Cup
, the league championship and the playoffs. The players who played for the Steelers those seasons were:
s
Defenders
Forwards
Defenders
Forwards
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
ice hockey
Ice hockey
Ice hockey, often referred to as hockey, is a team sport played on ice, in which skaters use wooden or composite sticks to shoot a hard rubber puck into their opponent's net. The game is played between two teams of six players each. Five members of each team skate up and down the ice trying to take...
club, from Sheffield
Sheffield
Sheffield is a city and metropolitan borough of South Yorkshire, England. Its name derives from the River Sheaf, which runs through the city. Historically a part of the West Riding of Yorkshire, and with some of its southern suburbs annexed from Derbyshire, the city has grown from its largely...
, England
England
England is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Scotland to the north and Wales to the west; the Irish Sea is to the north west, the Celtic Sea to the south west, with the North Sea to the east and the English Channel to the south separating it from continental...
. They were formed in 1991 (see 1991 in sport) and play their home games at the Sheffield Arena. They are currently members of the Elite Ice Hockey League
Elite Ice Hockey League
Several competitions fall under the jurisdiction of the Elite League. In 2006–07, the EIHL ran a total of four competitions: the league, playoffs, Challenge Cup and Knockout Cup. The league consists of a single division, each team playing three home games and three away games against the other...
. The clubs main (title) sponsor is Unison.
History
Ice Hockey existed in amateur form in Sheffield, but the sport began its return to an era of arenas and stadium size crowds with the opening of the Sheffield Arena in 1991 and the creation of the Sheffield Steelers — the ice hockey team that was to occupy the new arena. The Sheffield Arena was built as part of the city's facilities for the staging of the World Student GamesUniversiade
The Universiade is an International multi-sport event, organized for university athletes by the International University Sports Federation . The name is a combination of the words "University" and "olympiad"...
, and is a sizeable stadium originally seating 8,500 and located close to the city centre. Ronnie Wood and David Gardener-Brown were at the helm as the Marketing
Marketing
Marketing is the process used to determine what products or services may be of interest to customers, and the strategy to use in sales, communications and business development. It generates the strategy that underlies sales techniques, business communication, and business developments...
Director
Board of directors
A board of directors is a body of elected or appointed members who jointly oversee the activities of a company or organization. Other names include board of governors, board of managers, board of regents, board of trustees, and board of visitors...
at the club and set about promoting ice hockey to a city raised on the footballing
Football (soccer)
Association football, more commonly known as football or soccer, is a sport played between two teams of eleven players with a spherical ball...
success of Sheffield United
Sheffield United F.C.
Sheffield United Football Club is a professional English football club based in the city of Sheffield, South Yorkshire.They were the first sporting team to use the name 'United' and are nicknamed 'The Blades', thanks to Sheffield's worldwide reputation for steel production...
and Sheffield Wednesday. Wood had a specific target, seeking to attract children and families to the city's new sporting Arena. As he stated in an interview in Liam Sluyter's A Game of Three Halves (Mainstream Publishing, 1998) "we were sending guys around schools. We wrote to all the schools in Sheffield and said "Bring the kids, see the Arena, sit down, experience the whole thing" ". They also began taking players to local football matches and parading them around the ground with mascot
Mascot
The term mascot – defined as a term for any person, animal, or object thought to bring luck – colloquially includes anything used to represent a group with a common public identity, such as a school, professional sports team, society, military unit, or brand name...
s in an attempt to pull in football fans too. Another marketing ploy was to give certain players nicknames to help the crowd associate with the new (and as yet unknown) players. This was an idea hatched by the announcer Dave Simms.
The Steelers were named in honour of Sheffield's industrial past, much like the American football team of the same name
Pittsburgh Steelers
The Pittsburgh Steelers are a professional football team based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The team currently belongs to the North Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League . Founded in , the Steelers are the oldest franchise in the AFC...
based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Pittsburgh is the second-largest city in the US Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the county seat of Allegheny County. Regionally, it anchors the largest urban area of Appalachia and the Ohio River Valley, and nationally, it is the 22nd-largest urban area in the United States...
, and the sharing of nicknames are merely a coincidence. The American football
American football
American football is a sport played between two teams of eleven with the objective of scoring points by advancing the ball into the opposing team's end zone. Known in the United States simply as football, it may also be referred to informally as gridiron football. The ball can be advanced by...
team actually predates Sheffield's team by 58 years and was already popular worldwide due to their dominance in the National Football League
National Football League
The National Football League is the highest level of professional American football in the United States, and is considered the top professional American football league in the world. It was formed by eleven teams in 1920 as the American Professional Football Association, with the league changing...
in the 1970s. Sheffield and Pittsburgh are considered sister cities.
The Sheffield Steelers were the first ever fully professional ice hockey team in Great Britain, and O'Brien suggested that there was a lot of resentment from the followers of other hockey teams who saw them as a "cheque book hockey club" able to buy whoever they chose. Likewise, Sluyter questions the authenticity of the majority of Steelers fans in the club's early days. Though he admitted that it was a generalisation, Sluyter suggested hockey fans of teams like Cardiff
Cardiff Devils
The Cardiff Devils are a Welsh ice hockey team who play in the British Elite Ice Hockey League. The team currently plays in the temporary Cardiff Arena...
, Fife
Fife Flyers
The Fife Flyers, established in 1938, are the oldest ice hockey team in Scotland, and also in the United Kingdom, beating the Nottingham Panthers by 8 years...
and Nottingham
Nottingham Panthers
The Nottingham Panthers are a British professional ice hockey club based in Nottingham, England. They are members of the Elite Ice Hockey League...
were ice hockey fans first and foremost, while Steelers' supporters were only Steelers fans, and knew very little of ice hockey outside of Sheffield. However, it made little difference as Sheffield began breaking several British ice hockey attendance records, and in March of that year added an extra 1,200 seats to the Arena to meet the growing demand.
Sheffield Steelers had begun their first ever season in English Division One of the British Hockey League
British Hockey League
The British Hockey League was the top-flight ice hockey league in the United Kingdom from 1982 until 1996, when it was replaced by the Ice Hockey Superleague and the British National League...
. One year later Sheffield Steelers won promotion into the British Premier League, before going on to win this in 1995 — the last team to do so before the formation of the new British Ice Hockey Super League
Ice Hockey Superleague
The Ice Hockey Superleague was a professional ice hockey league in the United Kingdom between 1996 and 2003. Formed in 1995, it replaced the Premier Division of the British Hockey League, it was the highest level of ice hockey competition in the United Kingdom...
(ISL) that year.
On Sunday 3 December 2006, the Steelers played in their 1000th ever game. The game was against the Basingstoke Bison
Basingstoke Bison
The Basingstoke Bison are an English Ice Hockey club from Basingstoke. They currently compete in the English Premier Ice Hockey League and have previously been members of the Ice Hockey Superleague and its successor the Elite Ice Hockey League- History :...
at the Hallam FM Arena, for which special orange jerseys had been made for the match. The Steelers lost the game 3–2 and the jerseys were all auctioned off at the game.
2000–2001
In the 2000–01 campaign the Steelers completed a memorable Grand Slam, comprising the Benson & Hedges Cup, LeagueBritish ice hockey league champions
The British ice hockey league champions are the winners of the highest ice hockey league in the United Kingdom, currently the Elite Ice Hockey League...
, Challenge Cup
Challenge Cup (UK Ice Hockey)
The Challenge Cup, hosted annually by the Elite Ice Hockey League, is a cup competition for ice hockey clubs in the United Kingdom. It is one of three competitions ran each season by the Elite League, the others being the league championship and the playoff championship...
and Playoff Titles
British Championship
The British Championship is the most prestigious ice hockey cup competition in the United Kingdom, and also the longest established ice hockey competition. It has been run under various formats and titles since 1930 and contested annually since 1966...
. The only other team to win all four trophies in one season were the Ayr Scottish Eagles
Ayr Scottish Eagles
The Ayr Scottish Eagles were a professional Scottish ice hockey club, from Ayr, Scotland. They were formed in 1996 and played their home games at the Centrum Arena. The team competed in the Ice Hockey Superleague and the club's main sponsor was Barr Construction...
who completed this feat in the 1997–98 season.
The Challenge Cup Final was held in the new Odyssey Arena
Odyssey (Belfast)
The Odyssey Arena is a large sports and entertainment centre situated in Titanic Quarter, Belfast, Northern Ireland. It was jointly funded by the Millennium Commission, the Laganside Corporation, the DCAL, the Sheridan Group and the Sports Council for Northern Ireland. The Arena opened in 2000 with...
in Belfast
Belfast
Belfast is the capital of and largest city in Northern Ireland. By population, it is the 14th biggest city in the United Kingdom and second biggest on the island of Ireland . It is the seat of the devolved government and legislative Northern Ireland Assembly...
in front of a full house of 7,300. Ayr were the opponents and Steelers won 4–2.
The Steelers are the only team to have won 7 trophies in the Superleague era.
The teams playoff success came against the London Knights
London Knights (UK)
London Knights were an English ice hockey team based in London. They first played in the UK's Ice Hockey Superleague in September 1998 and finally folded in April 2003....
who they defeated 2–1 in a very tight game at the National Ice Centre in Nottingham
Nottingham
Nottingham is a city and unitary authority in the East Midlands of England. It is located in the ceremonial county of Nottinghamshire and represents one of eight members of the English Core Cities Group...
to take the Playoff crown.
2001–2002
After a turbulent start to the 2001–02 season, the players managed to turn things around and go on to retain the playoff title they had won the previous season. They overcame the London Knights (3–2) in the semi-final after going 0–2 down early on and beat the Manchester Storm (4–3) in the final. With time running out the Steelers were losing 2–3 before Chris Lipsett tied the game to send it to overtimeOvertime (sports)
Overtime or extra time is an additional period of play specified under the rules of a sport to bring a game to a decision and avoid declaring the match a tie or draw. In most sports, this extra period is only played if the game is required to have a clear winner, as in single-elimination...
. This failed to separate the teams so penalties
Penalty shootout
The shootout is a method of determining a winner in sports matches that would have otherwise been drawn or tied. The rules for penalty shootouts vary between sports and even different competitions; however, the usual form is similar to penalty shots in that a single player takes one shot on goal...
were required. Steelers netminder, Ryan Bach
Ryan Bach
Ryan "Bacher" Bach is a former professional hockey player in the National Hockey League. Bach was drafted by the Detroit Red Wings in the 11th round of the 1992 NHL Entry Draft. He played college hockey at Colorado College before going to play for NHL in the 1990's.-External links:...
, saved all five Manchester attempts whilst Brad Lauer
Brad Lauer
Brad R. Lauer is a Canadian ice hockey coach and former professional ice hockey player. Lauer was drafted 34th overall in the 1985 NHL Entry Draft by the New York Islanders and played in the National Hockey League for the Islanders, Chicago Blackhawks, Ottawa Senators, and Pittsburgh...
was successful for the Steelers. This was again played at the National Ice Centre in Nottingham in front of a full house. This victory made the Steelers the only club to successfully retain the Superleague title.
2006–2007
The 2006–07 season had highs and lows, as well as a long unbeaten run, it also included a long losing streak which had some fans questioning the CoachCoach (ice hockey)
Coach in ice hockey is the person responsible for directing the team during games and practices, prepares strategy and decides which players will participate in games....
, Matsos. However Matsos made a very difficult decision to cut fan-favourite and enforcer Brett Clouthier
Brett Clouthier
Brett Clouthier is a Canadian professional ice hockey player, signed to the Allen Americans of the Central Hockey League....
to bring in Ryan Finnerty who also became a fan favourite with his fiery and skillful play. Coach David Matsos completed his rookie
Rookie
Rookie is a term for a person who is in his or her first year of play of their sport or has little or no professional experience. The term also has the more general meaning of anyone new to a profession, training or activity Rookie is a term for a person who is in his or her first year of play of...
year taking the Steelers to a fourth place finish in the league and a place in the Challenge Cup Finals.
Although it was an unsuccessful season in terms of silverware for the Steelers, the club made strides off-ice and broke an Elite League Attendance record against the Manchester Phoenix
Manchester Phoenix
Manchester Phoenix are a professional ice hockey team from Altrincham, Greater Manchester, England. The club was formed in 2003 as a result of the efforts of supporters group Friends of Manchester Ice Hockey to bring top-level ice hockey back to Manchester after Manchester Storm folded in...
with an attendance of 7,339.
2007–2008
After a trophyless season the Sheffield Steelers looked on towards the 2007–08 season. They tied Coach David Matsos down to stay for another year, and preparation began for the new season.Team Owner Bob Phillips and his wife sold their other Elite League club the Cardiff Devils in order to concentrate on building the Steelers.
Matsos made a quick start in the off-season resigning his core of British Players, which were, Captain
Captain (ice hockey)
In ice hockey, each team can designate an official captain for each game. The player serving as captain during the game wears a "C" on his or her jersey...
Jonathan Phillips, Defenseman
Defenceman (ice hockey)
Defence in ice hockey is a player position whose primary responsibility is to prevent the opposing team from scoring...
Mark Thomas, and forwards
Forward (ice hockey)
In ice hockey, a forward is a player position on the ice whose primary responsibility is to score goals. Generally, the forwards try to stay in three different lanes, also known as thirds, of the ice going from goal to goal. It is not mandatory however, to stay in a lane. Staying in a lane aids in...
Warren Tait and Jason Hewitt.
Matsos also snapped up two imports from the previous season, Goaltender
Goaltender
In ice hockey, the goaltender is the player who defends his team's goal net by stopping shots of the puck from entering his team's net, thus preventing the opposing team from scoring...
Jody Lehman and the coaches player of the season Ian Manzano.
Rumours were that the other British Forward Phil Hill would not be returning and these rumours were almost clarified when Matsos signed top British forward Ashley Tait
Ashley Tait
Ashley Tait is a British ice hockey forward who currently plays for the Sheffield Steelers of the ELITE Ice Hockey League EIHL. During Tait's career he has also played for Nottingham Panthers , Kingston Hawks , Coventry Blaze and Ritten Renon...
(brother of Warren) who had captained the Coventry Blaze
Coventry Blaze
Coventry Blaze are an ice hockey team based in Coventry, England. They currently compete in the British Elite Ice Hockey League .-Club history:...
in the previous season and lifted the League and Challenge Cup; as well as runners-up in the British Knockout Cup and the semi-finals of the Elite League Playoffs.
The Steelers re-signed fan favourite Ryan Finnerty and two days later announced the signing of Steve Munn from the Norfolk Admirals
Norfolk Admirals
The Norfolk Admirals are a minor professional ice hockey team in the American Hockey League, and are affiliated with the Tampa Bay Lightning. The Admirals play in Norfolk, Virginia, at the Norfolk Scope.-History:...
(AHL
American Hockey League
The American Hockey League is a 30-team professional ice hockey league based in the United States and Canada that serves as the primary developmental circuit for the National Hockey League...
) and Munn was the first player to take advantage of the Steelers links with the Sheffield University
University of Sheffield
The University of Sheffield is a research university based in the city of Sheffield in South Yorkshire, England. It is one of the original 'red brick' universities and is a member of the Russell Group of leading research intensive universities...
where he will study for an MBA
Master of Business Administration
The Master of Business Administration is a :master's degree in business administration, which attracts people from a wide range of academic disciplines. The MBA designation originated in the United States, emerging from the late 19th century as the country industrialized and companies sought out...
during his two year stay at the club.
Jeff Legue was announced as a new Steelers signing, shortly followed by Randy Dagenais who will be the second player to study for an MBA while at the Steelers. Rod Sarich's return was confirmed and Joe Talbot was revealed as a Steelers player, leaving Matsos with just one spot left to fill on his roster. Jeremy Cornish was announced as the final Steelers signing on 16 July and would fit into the Steelers third line
Line (ice hockey)
A line in ice hockey is a term used to describe a group of forwards that play in a group, or shift, during a game.A complete forward line consists of a left wing, a center, and a right wing, while a pair of defensemen who play together are called a "defensive pairing." Typically, a team dresses...
and become the club's new enforcer
Enforcer (hockey)
Enforcer is an unofficial role in ice hockey. The term is sometimes used synonymously with "fighter", "tough guy", or "goon". NHL players regarded as enforcers include Tiger Williams, Tony Twist, Bob Probert, Dave Semenko, Dave Schultz, Tie Domi, Dave Brown, Joey Kocur, Clark Gillies, Stu Grimson,...
.
On 18 July 2007 it was announced that Liberata would the club's title sponsor for the 2007–08 season.
On 18 January 2008 Sheffield Steelers announced the signing of former fan favourite Dan Tessier
Dan Tessier
Dan Tessier is a retired Canadian professional ice hockey centre who last played for the Nottingham Panthers of the British Elite Ice Hockey League ....
who last season scored 99 points. Dan left Sheffield at the end of last season tho pursue a career in Germany's DEL with Duisburg Foxes but was released after only 19 games with a very poor points record of only 6 point. he then went back to Canada with the Kalamazoo K Wings of the IHL, but then asked for his contact to be terminated to join a team in England.
On 12 March the Sheffield Steelers announced that they had secured head coach Dave Matsos to a 2 year contract extension which would keep him at the club until at least the end of the 2010 season.
The Sheffield Steelers won the Elite League Playoff Championship after beating the Coventry Blaze 2–0 in the final with goals from Johnathan Phillips and Dan Tessier. The Steelers beat Manchester Phoenix 5–4 and drew 4–4 in the Quarter Finals to win 9–8 on aggregate. The Steelers then beat the Cardiff Devils in the Semi Final 2–1 before progressing to the final.
2008–2009
After winning the Playoff trophy in April, Dave Matsos started his recruitment for the coming season with the goal of winning the league title. Captain Johnathan Phillips was first to put pen to paper on a new contract for the coming season, which will be his third with the club. This signing was followed by the announcement of the return of Ryan Finnerty, as well as confirmation of Steve Munn and Randy Dagenais returning to complete their 2nd year of 2 year deals, as well as their University Course.Rumours were circulating that Jody Lehmann would not be offered a new contract, and that the Steelers were looking at bringing Christian Bronsard
Christian Bronsard
Christian Bronsard is a German-born Canadian former professional ice hockey goaltender. Bronsard played the 1997–98 season with the Canada men's national ice hockey team....
back to the club for his second stint.
On 6 May the Steelers announced British Defenceman Mark Thomas had signed a new 1 year contract, this would be the first of two announcements for the Steelers in this week. The second announcement was announced on Thursday and it was Assistant Player/Coach Doug Sheppard who was announced as the returnee after signing a new 1 year deal.
The club announced they had started contract negotiations with Goaltender Jody Lehmann about a return but had set him a deadline for his answer. A few days later it was announced Jeff Legue would be the latest of last years team to sign a new deal.
Goaltender news arrived, but not on the starting goalie front, it was announced by the club that backup goaltender Davey Lawrence would not be returning, instead he would be signing for Telford Tigers
Telford Tigers
The Telford Tigers are an English Premier League ice hockey team that formed in 2001 under the name Telford Wild Foxes.A previous Telford Tigers team had existed between 1985 and 1999.- Early history :...
in the English Premier League in order to gain a place as a starting goaltender.
Matsos continued his resignings and the club announced Jason Hewitt had signed to return for the 2008–09 season. On the same day the Sheffield Star published an article stating that Robert Dowd had signed a full time contract with the Steelers from the Sheffield Scimitars, after playing 14 games for the club last term.
The club later confirmed that Jody Lehman would return to Sheffield for another season, tasked with the job of bringing the league trophy back to Sheffield.
The Sheffield Star reported that a return for Joey Talbot was looking less likely after contract negotiations were stalling, and later reported that a return for Dan Tessier, was also unlikely.
Rod Sarich was also subject to rumours that he would not be returning, However Radio Sheffield were reporting he had re-signed, and the paperwork was just being completed before an official announcement was made.
The announcement of top scorer Joey Talbot returning to the club was announced on the same day the club announced Dan Tessier would not be returning to the club.
Joey Talbot was the club's top scorer in the previous season racking up 39 goals and 36 assists for a total of 75 points.
Dan Tessier had previously returned for his second spell at the Sheffield club and the previous season it was announced he would be present for the 2008–09 season, however the club had decided to go in a different direction, which was expected to be in the size department.
A day later the club confirmed Ian Manzano would also leave the club as they looked for some more strength and grit in the defence department. Coach Dave Matsos stated the league was shifting towards more size again and this led to his decision to release Manzano.
After weeks of negotiating the club finally made a deal with Rod Sarich to return for the upcoming season after he rejected offers from clubs in Denmark. This left the Steelers with only 2 more positions to fill, an import forward and an import defencemen, who would be the replacements of Dan Tessier and Ian Manzano.
Nathan Gillies was announced as the Steelers last forward signing for the upcoming season, having played the last four seasons in the East Coast Hockey League for the Charlotte Checkers and Phoenix Roadrunners.
The signing for the Steelers was announced as Scott Basiuk from Elite League Rivals Manchester Phoenix. Basiuk joins the club on a two-year contract and will study for an MBA as part of the clubs partnership with the Sheffield University.
David Matsos announced a 10th forward as a final signing for the upcoming season, The tenth forward would be Andrew Sharp, who signed a two-way contract with the Sheffield Scimitars. Sharp would take the enforcer role for the upcoming season.
Brad Cruikshank was signed by the Steelers after Nathan Gillies suffered a hyper extended elbow putting him out of action for roughly 6–8 weeks, Cruikshank had played in Basingstoke for the previous 3 seasons and had scored 30+30 for 60 points in the 2007–08 seasons along with 260 penalty minutes. Gillies returned to Canada in January 2009 to continue his playing career, after turning down a coaching job with the Steelers for the rest of the season.
The Steelers endured a slow start to the season and were knocked out of the Knockout Cup and Challenge Cup early, but kept to a simple game plan relying on their strong set of defencemen and good goaltender Jody Lehman. Eventually this strategy paid off as the Steelers moved up the league table, and then grabbed 1st place after a league campaign that has seen them lose just 3 times in regulation. It is this same dogged style that has seen them outplayed in many of their matches by other teams, but the defence has kept them in it and the offence has grabbed a late winner.
Towards the end of February following the All-Star game (to which 5 Steelers players and their coach were selected) the Steelers hold an 11 point gap over 2nd place with under 10 games to play, which leaves their hopes of winning the league championship in their own hands.
On March 8, The Steelers beat the Newcastle Vipers 4–1, taking their points tally to 83 after 50 games. The Coventry Blaze were in action at home to Hull, and nothing less than a win would be enough to keep their title hopes alive. Coventry lost the game 4–1, handing the league title to the Sheffield Steelers.
After winning the league title, the Steelers turned to the Playoffs, the title they won the previous year. In the Quarter Finals they managed to see off the Edinburgh Capitals and make it through to the Finals Weekend. The Semi-Final was played against the Cardiff Devils, which was a physical affair and the Steelers managed to see off the Devils by winning 5–3.
The final was to be contested between the Steelers and their rivals the Nottingham Panthers, as expected it was an excellent physical battle with the Steelers running out 2–0 victors and doing the double.
2009–2010
The 2008–09 season was a great success for the Steelers, recording the League and Playoff double and Dave Matsos was keen to build a team that could emulate the seasons success, and retain many of last years stars.Jody Lehman was the first Steelers player to announce his departure for the more lucrative European leagues, signing in Denmark for Aalborg. Many more rumours of the departing stars started, with Jeff Legue, Joey Talbot, Steve Munn, Rod Sarich and Randy Dagenais were the favourites to find new clubs abroad. Legue and Talbot both resigned for the Steelers, joining assistant coach Doug Sheppard, and imports Brad Cruikshank and Scott Basiuk, along with the British core of Captain Johnathan Phillips, defenceman Mark Thomas, Jason Hewitt, Rob Dowd, and British goaltender Dan Green.
The rumours of returnees continued, with rumours stating fans favourite Ryan Finnerty would not be offered a new deal, although the local media were reporting an offer had been made that did not meet Finnerty's demands. Finnerty later claimed no deal had been offered and he was looking for a new club. The Steelers top scorer from the previous season British forward Ashley Tait
Ashley Tait
Ashley Tait is a British ice hockey forward who currently plays for the Sheffield Steelers of the ELITE Ice Hockey League EIHL. During Tait's career he has also played for Nottingham Panthers , Kingston Hawks , Coventry Blaze and Ritten Renon...
also stalled on a new deal before taking up an offer to play in Italy, leaving the Steelers without one of the leagues top British players. Matsos moved quickly to snap up 21 year old Sheffield lad Ben Morgan who would play Defence to conclude the British core. This would leave the Steelers with two British defencemen.
The goaltending position was also a topic of much debate as to who would fill the massive shoes left by Jody Lehman. Trevor Koenig and Kevin Reiter were the favourites, both being offered deals, before Kevin Reiter was announced as Jody Lehman’s successor.
Rod Sarich was the next man to commit his future for the Steelers, after four seasons at the House of Steel and an outstanding year earning him the leagues Defenceman of the Year, Sarich received lucrative offers from both Europe and North America before signing for the Steelers. Coach Dave Matsos stated he had a new role in mind for Sarich this year, which would involve more playing as a forward as opposed to a defenceman.
The Steelers then announced Dan Green as returning as back up goaltender which was found strange by a majority of the fans as it was made public by the local media several weeks before. The club also announced that Canadian Centre Chad Hinz would not be joining the club, this reignited rumours of a possible return for fan favourite Ryan Finnerty. Randy Dagenais was the latest announced returnee, another import who turned his back on lucrative European offers to return to the Sheffield Arena for a third season.
Kevin Bolibruck was announced as returning to the Steel City for a second stint having played for the club during the 2003–04 season. Speculation had been ongoing for months that Bolibruck was about to return to the club. Bolibruck, who has many years experience in the AHL is regarded by many Steelers fans as the clubs best ever defenceman. Two days later the club announced the final signing to conclude their roster. The signing was Jeff Hutchins, who had played for Elite League rivals Newcastle Vipers in the previous season. Hutchins had been a resident of the UK since 2005, playing for other rivals such as the Coventry Blaze and the Belfast Giants.
On August 10 it was announced that the club would drop 'Sheffield' from their name, and using their title sponsor before the Steelers brand. Therefore the Steelers would become 'The Field Electrical Steelers' for the next two seasons. The club later announced that after upsetting a large proportion of the fan base they would reinstate Sheffield into the clubs name.
After a bad start to the season which saw the Steelers pick up a mere 7 points from 10 games, three new faces were introduced to the lineup. Ex Newcastle Viper goalie Andrew Verner was brought in to replace the injured Kevin Reiter who was sidelined for an estimated two months with a groin strain and hernia. Ex-AHL Defenceman Stephen Wood was brought in to replace Scott Basiuk who was also out with an injury. Matt Hubbauer was the third new face to be introduced; a Centre who played the last three seasons in the German second tier would replace Jeff Hutchins who was released by the club after joining in the summer.
As the Steelers continued to struggle at the bottom of the table, an opportunity for a break from the League came along in the form of the Continental Cup. The Steelers travelled to Bolzano for the third round group stage of the competition. The Steelers came out of the group stages with 3 wins from 3 games, beating The Hague, Maribor, and Bolzano, winning all three games by one goal.
The Steelers will now travel to Grenoble in January for the Euro Finals.
It was announced Scott Basiuk was fit and ready to return to action in early January after being sidelined since September through injury, this meant the club would have to release an import to make room for Basiuk to return to fit their budget, Randy Daganais was looking like the likely candidate to be cut from the Steelers Roster after it emerged earlier in the season he had been told he could leave the club after Joe Dustin was drafted in to replace him until Dustin received a late injury. However, it emerged Stephen Wood would leave the club due to personal issues back in the United States.
The Steelers poor form continued throughout the New Year, although the team showed signs of quality with an 8–0 thrashing of Edinburgh, as well as claiming a Bronze medal at the IIHF Continental Cup in Grenoble. As well as the highs, there was plenty more lows, including a 5–2 home defeat at the hands of the Hull Stingrays, which was the first time the Stingrays had beaten Sheffield in Sheffield in the clubs history, a performance coach Matsos labelled as 'the most embarrassing performance he had witnessed' as the head coach of the club. He promised more Roster changes to improve the team, and also stated in the local media he hoped the club bosses would keep him around a little longer as he would turn things round.
Jonathan Zion was signed as a replacement for the injured Rod Sarich who was sidelined with a broken foot. A week later the Steelers announced that Mike Sgroi had been signed, a no nonsense power-forward that could score points, fight, and entertain. Brad Cruikshank
Brad Cruikshank
Brad Cruikshank is a Canadian ice hockey winger currently playing for the Coventry Blaze of the Elite Ice Hockey League- Career :...
was released to make way for Sgroi, and was subsequently signed up by the Coventry Blaze to replace their injured Captain, Adam Calder.
In a season the Steelers will want to forget, what moment which will live long in the fans memory will be the retirement of fan favourite Ron Shudras #26 jersey at the Arena on the final home game of the regular season against rivals Nottingham Panthers.
The good news continued to flow for the Steelers and on 16 March the club announced that fan favourite, league winner and two time playoff champion Steve Munn would return to the club after spending a year playing in the Asia League Ice Hockey
On 20 March in the Steelers final home league game of the season Ron Shudra's number 26 shirt was retired and raised to the roof, in a game the Steelers would go on to win 6–2 and also break the Elite League attendance record with an attendance of 8634
The Steelers season ended in the Quarter Finals of the Play-offs after being knocked out by the Cardiff Devils. The Steelers lost 4–2 in Cardiff, before being beaten 5–3 in Sheffield the following evening.
2010–2011
The 2010–11 season would start early for the Sheffield Steelers, after finishing 5th place in the league in the previous year and being knocked out in the Quarter Finals of the play-offs, everyone concerned with the club wanted to move on.The first signings which had been signed and announced during the 2009–10 season were Kevin Bolibruck, Rod Sarich, Steve Munn, and Jonathon Phillips
April the 6th saw the Steelers announce what was regarded as the worst kept secret in British Ice Hockey, the return of Ashley Tait to the club who signed a 2 year contract. Tait is a huge step forward in the Steelers rebuilding process, a top quality brit who finished second in the clubs scoring during the 2008–09 campaign and a player the club failed to replace after he signed in Italy.
The club later announced Jerramie Domish had signed an initial 1 year deal with the Sheffield club after a solid first year in the country with the Newcastle Vipers. The club fought off interest from other Elite League and European clubs for Domish's signature, a signing which excited coach David Matsos and received the seal of approval from returning Steve Munn.
The clubs re-signings took a further boost as the club announced young British forward Robert Dowd had resigned for the 2010–11, Dowd had a stand out first year for the club in 2008–09 scoring 44 points in 50 games (23+21) but had a noticeably harder year in 2009–10. Dowd was the centre of speculation linking him to a move to the Belfast Giants, the news of his resigning is sure to be a relief to the Steelers supporters who see him as a quality young British player full of potential.
On 18 May the Steelers announced Jason Hewitt would return for his 6th season with the club, after weeks of speculation that the new Braehead Clan were interested. The Steelers later announced completion of their defence with the return of British Defence man Mark Thomas, who will also be in his 6th season with the club next year.
Matsos then announced he had re-signed Joey Talbot, who stated he was ready to put last years miserable season behind him and help the club reach the top again and win more silverware. Talbot stressed the importance of resignings such as Steve Munn and Ashley Tait, who were with the Steelers for 2 years prior to last season, and both part of the Steelers double winning team.
After weeks of speculation in local media that the Steelers were trying to sign Brad Voth from Elite League rivals, Cardiff Devils, the Steelers attempts failed as it was announced Voth had re-signed for the Devils for the upcoming 2010–11 season which would be his 6th for the Cardiff club. Voth had been public enemy number one with the Steelers fans for various incidents during the past few years.
On 27 May, the Steelers announced that 'associate' company Yorkshire Sports Ltd. had gone into liquidation, due to being unable to pay debts due to unpaid sponsorship fees from the past two years, most notably from the 'title' sponsor Eurologix during the 2008–09 season. The club announced that a new management company would be set up, and the Steelers future would remain stable.
The following day the Steelers announced their new starting goaltender, a signing coach Dave Matsos called 'a big gamble' as the club looked to rectify last years poor performance. The new goaltender was 25 year old Latvian, Ervins Mustukovs, who had played the previous season as the back-up goalie in the KHL, which is noted as one of Europes best leagues. Mustukovs also was the back up goalie for the Latvian Olympic team during the 2010 Winter Olympics.
The Steelers completed their defensive core, by announcing British goaltender, Geoff Woolhouse, would become the Steelers backup netminder. Ironically, the Steelers sign Woolhouse from rivals Nottingham Panthers, as their back up goalie Dan Green goes the opposite way. Woolhouse was born in Sheffield and a Steelers fan, before moving to Nottingham to play for the Nottingham Lions in the ENL in 2001. Since then Woolhouse has moved up the ranks and joined the Panthers in 2003 and has been there for the past six seasons.
After a few weeks without any further announcements on player signings, Dave Matsos announced there would be three signings in a week. The first of these signings was the return of Jeff Legue, who was seen as a pivotal part of the Steelers in previous seasons, and was one of the few players who avoided any serious negative comments in the clubs previous poor season. The club announced the next two signings would be new imports to the club, Matsos also announced that following the two imminent announcements, the club would have one more roster spot to fill, leading fans of the opinion he would go with only 10 import players, when other top clubs were filling the league quota of 11, fans were of the view this would be detrimental to the Steelers performances in the upcoming year.
The Steelers next two signings, were Derek Campbell and Neil Clarke. Campbell was signed from rivals Coventry Blaze, after also having stints at other English clubs including Manchester Phoenix (during their Elite League seasons) and the Newcastle Vipers. Neil Clarke had a split year during the 2009–10 campaign in the American Central Hockey League, scoring 19 points in 48 games as well as 134 penalty minutes. Coach Dave Matsos also quashed rumours of the club only going with 10 imports, stating the club would fulfil the 11 import roster slots and were just taking their time looking for the right players.
Management walkout
On 9 July 2010, Steelers fans were in shock at the morning press release. It was announced that there had been a "walk-out" of Steelers management and office staff, with the reason being a "Vote of no confidence" against Owner Bob Phillips. Coach David Matsos, General Manager Mike O'Connor and rink announcer David Simms were among these, as well as Office manager Betty Waring and Promotions assistant Luke MacDonald. As Steelers fans took in the breaking news, sadness turned to anger towards Bob Phillips, with many fans pleading for him to sell the club to another party. David Simms announced in his interview with BBC Radio Sheffield that if Phillips was to sell the club, and the new owners wanted everyone back, they would return.On 14 July 2010 the Elite League published an announcement stating the Steelers had been put up for sale by Phillips, and they were assisting in finding new investors and aiding with the transaction. The announcement came after insistence by Phillips that he would not sell the club, although after much anger and upset from supporters, including many cancelling cheques for season tickets and talks of boycotts it appeared Phillips was ready to relinquish control over the club.
It's a New Dawn, It's a New Day...
On the morning of 22nd December 2010, the Steelers announced that the CEO and owner of the Cardiff Devils, Paul Ragan, had finalised acquiring the rights to the Sheffield Steelers ice hockey club from the Phillips family. Successful businessman Ragan became known on a national level after featuring twice on the Channel 4 programme “The Secret Millionaire”, when he went undercover to find worthy families to help and support in Derby.Ragan said of his purchase “Sheffield Steelers, much like the Devils, have enjoyed mammoth success in the British game and my intention is to provide this great club with the organisation and commercial processes it needs to return to the glory days. I am an entrepreneur at heart and my speciality is acquisition, fast growth and returning companies to profit. My focus at Cardiff has been to stabilise, structure and develop the commercial side of the business whilst giving our Head Coach the best possible chance to bring on-ice success to the club.”
Ragan announced that his first job as owner was to secure Head Coach Ben Simon for the 2011-12 season, which was quickly done the following day. Simon, who previously played 81 NHL games as well as 469 in the American Hockey League, has been well received by all Steelers staff, players and fans since arriving at the Motorpoint Arena club in August.
Ragan said "I have spoken with Ben and told him that I want him as my first signing for next season. I've been very impressed with him both on and off the ice this season. He is a quality player but more so a quality leader and individual. I want Ben to mould a Steelers team on his vision and work ethic. Whilst we haven't sat down and signed pieces of paper, we have agreed that the Steelers is where Ben will be next season. We need stability here and knowing that we have Ben as our coach up until a minimum the end of next season is fantastic news for all at the club."
Simon, who at the time of writing had scored 12 goals and 21 assists before Christmas, said "I've spoken with the new owners and they seem to be very happy with the job I am doing which is always nice to know. I'm delighted that they want me to return. I've told them I'm happy to do so and after the holiday period we will sit down and move forward."
Steelers fan must have been thinking Christmas had come a few days early in 2010; not only had the club got a new owner and their Head Coach back for at least another year, Mr. Ragan topped everything by announcing that the Steelers legendary match night announcer David Simms would be returning to his 'spiritual home in the Whitehouse' at the top of the Arena, starting with the Boxing Day battle against arch rival Nottingham. Simms had been match night announcer for the club every season since 1991, and was a founder of the club. ‘Simmsey’ accepted an offer from Ragan to return to the club as both announcer and media liaison officer and will start working for the club once again with immediate effect. Since leaving the club in the summer, Simmsey had expanded his role as a TV Commentator for Sky Sports, by presenting live games and weekly highlights of the games around the League. Simms will continue to do this throughout the rest of the season.
Simmsey, who was part of the walkout in the summer in protest of previous owner Bob Phillips, said "It's been a horrible 4 months away. This is the best Christmas present I have ever had and I can't thank Paul and his team enough for giving me the opportunity to return. The job is now a simple one - create the best atmosphere in the League on game nights. We will do that and it will start Boxing Day for the game against the Panthers, what a great day to return.
The Steelers were at the top of the league for the majority of the season, battling it out with the Cardiff Devils who appeared unstoppable at one point. The Belfast Giants had struggled with injuries but after returning to full health put together a strong challenge and left all three teams in with a chance of winning the league on the final day of the season.
The Sheffield Steelers had back to back games against the Braehead Clan and won the league after a 7-2 victory at the Motorpoint Arena. The Steelers were tied on points with Cardiff but won the league having more regulation time wins.
2011–2012
After winning the League Championship in the previous year under rookie player/coach and ex-NHL player Ben Simon, the off season should have been a nice and relaxed time, but in true Steelers style there was to be plenty of drama.In the previous months new owner Paul Ragan had announced ticket prices for the upcoming season would rise, and the wage budget decrease, upsetting many of the club's fans. Ragan attempted to strike a new deal to bring Ben Simon back to Sheffield, but after several rounds of negotiations, Simon decided he would not be renewing his contract and announced he would be leaving Sheffield, stating the reduced wage budget would not allow him to bring in the right standard of players. Paul Ragan stated the contract offer would have made Simon the highest paid player in British Ice Hockey, and Simon stated this would reduce the amount of budget allocated to other areas of the team.
Within a matter of days the Sheffield Steelers announced their third coach in as many seasons, Ryan Finnerty a club favourite would return to become the new player/coach after spending past two seasons in Cardiff. Finnerty was not in the hot seat long before star British player Robert Dowd announced he would be leaving the club to play for Belfast in the next season. Dowd was the 4th highest points scorer in the British players in the league in the 2010/11 season, and would be a big blow to the Steelers team.
After the loss of Robert Dowd, Finnerty was quick to secure the re-signings of the remaining British players on the Steelers team, and announced the return of Ashley Tait, Jonathan Phillips, Jason Hewitt and Mark Thomas in a week. The following week Finnerty re-signed rookie forward Tom Squires who would return to the club for his second season.
Club roster 2011–12
Goaltenders | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Number | |Player | Catches | Acquired | Place of Birth | |
1 | John DeCaro | L | 2011 | Marysville Marysville Marysville may refer to:In Australia:* Marysville, VictoriaIn Canada:* Marysville, British Columbia* Marysville, New Brunswick* Marysville, OntarioIn the United States:* Marysville, California* Marysville, Florida... , USA |
|
40 | Geoff Woolhouse | L | 2010 | Sheffield Sheffield Sheffield is a city and metropolitan borough of South Yorkshire, England. Its name derives from the River Sheaf, which runs through the city. Historically a part of the West Riding of Yorkshire, and with some of its southern suburbs annexed from Derbyshire, the city has grown from its largely... , England England England is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Scotland to the north and Wales to the west; the Irish Sea is to the north west, the Celtic Sea to the south west, with the North Sea to the east and the English Channel to the south separating it from continental... |
|
Andy Jaszczyk (2-way contract with Whitley Bay Warriors Whitley Bay Warriors Whitley Warriors are an ice hockey team based in Whitley Bay in the north east of England. Founded in 1955 as the Bees, they changed their name to the Braves and then finally the Warriors. They currently play in the English National Hockey League... ) |
L | 2011 | Rotherham Rotherham Rotherham is a town in South Yorkshire, England. It lies on the River Don, at its confluence with the River Rother, between Sheffield and Doncaster. Rotherham, at from Sheffield City Centre, is surrounded by several smaller settlements, which together form the wider Metropolitan Borough of... , England England England is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Scotland to the north and Wales to the west; the Irish Sea is to the north west, the Celtic Sea to the south west, with the North Sea to the east and the English Channel to the south separating it from continental... |
Defencemen | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Number | |Player | Shoots | Acquired | Place of Birth | |
13 | Steve Birnstill | R | 2011 | Commack, New York Commack, New York Commack is a census-designated place that roughly corresponds to the hamlet by the same name in the towns of Huntington and Smithtown in Suffolk County, New York, United States on Long Island... , U.S.A. |
|
18 | Lee Haywood | R | 2011 | Sheffield Sheffield Sheffield is a city and metropolitan borough of South Yorkshire, England. Its name derives from the River Sheaf, which runs through the city. Historically a part of the West Riding of Yorkshire, and with some of its southern suburbs annexed from Derbyshire, the city has grown from its largely... , England England England is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Scotland to the north and Wales to the west; the Irish Sea is to the north west, the Celtic Sea to the south west, with the North Sea to the east and the English Channel to the south separating it from continental... |
|
19 | Rod Sarich (A) | L | 2005 | Bladworth, Saskatchewan Bladworth, Saskatchewan -Architecture:Bladworth is the site of a Saskatchewan Municipal Heritage property, a two story brick house clearly visible from adjacent Highway 11. The J. Fred Johnston house is named for its builder, a Saskatchewan entrepreneur, Liberal Member of Parliament and later a Senator, from 1943 to... , Canada Canada Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean... |
|
48 | Matt Stephenson | R | 2011 | North Battleford, Saskatchewan North Battleford, Saskatchewan In the late 2000s a large number of Ruthenians have emigrated to Canada, concentrating in North Battleford.-History:Prior to European settlement, the Battlefords area was home to several aboriginal groups... , Canada Canada Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean... |
|
44 | Mark Thomas Mark Thomas (ice hockey) Mark Thomas is an English professional ice hockey player, currently playing for the Sheffield Steelers in the EIHL. Thomas began his professional career in 2002, playing for the Haringey Racers in the ENIL. Thomas took up ice hockey much later than most players but was able to thrive due to his... |
R | 2005 | Stockport Stockport Stockport is a town in Greater Manchester, England. It lies on elevated ground southeast of Manchester city centre, at the point where the rivers Goyt and Tame join and create the River Mersey. Stockport is the largest settlement in the metropolitan borough of the same name... , England England England is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Scotland to the north and Wales to the west; the Irish Sea is to the north west, the Celtic Sea to the south west, with the North Sea to the east and the English Channel to the south separating it from continental... |
|
77 | Chad Huttell | R | 2011 | Hermantown, U.S.A. |
Forwards | ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Number | |Player | Shoots | Position | Acquired | Place of Birth | |
39 | Mike Ramsey | R | RW | 2011 | Burnaby, British Columbia Burnaby, British Columbia Burnaby is a city in British Columbia, Canada, located immediately to the east of Vancouver. It is the third-largest city in British Columbia by population, surpassed only by nearby Surrey and Vancouver.... , Canada Canada Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean... |
|
5 | Tom Squires | R | F | 2010 | Sheffield Sheffield Sheffield is a city and metropolitan borough of South Yorkshire, England. Its name derives from the River Sheaf, which runs through the city. Historically a part of the West Riding of Yorkshire, and with some of its southern suburbs annexed from Derbyshire, the city has grown from its largely... , England England England is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Scotland to the north and Wales to the west; the Irish Sea is to the north west, the Celtic Sea to the south west, with the North Sea to the east and the English Channel to the south separating it from continental... |
|
23 | Ryan Finnerty (Player/Head Coach) | R | C | 2011 | Lethbridge Lethbridge Lethbridge is a city in the province of Alberta, Canada, and the largest city in southern Alberta. It is Alberta's fourth-largest city by population after Calgary, Edmonton and Red Deer, and the third-largest by area after Calgary and Edmonton. The nearby Canadian Rockies contribute to the city's... , Alberta Alberta Alberta is a province of Canada. It had an estimated population of 3.7 million in 2010 making it the most populous of Canada's three prairie provinces... , Canada Canada Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean... |
|
11 | Jeff Legue | L | F | 2007 | Cornwall, Ontario Cornwall, Ontario Cornwall is a city in Eastern Ontario, Canada and the seat of the United Counties of Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry, Ontario. Cornwall is Ontario's easternmost city, located on the St... , Canada Canada Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean... |
|
15 | Neil Clark | L | LW | 2010 | Burnaby, British Columbia Burnaby, British Columbia Burnaby is a city in British Columbia, Canada, located immediately to the east of Vancouver. It is the third-largest city in British Columbia by population, surpassed only by nearby Surrey and Vancouver.... , Canada Canada Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean... |
|
17 | Jason Hewitt Jason Hewitt Jason Hewitt is an English professional ice hockey player, currently playing for the Sheffield Steelers in the EIHL... |
R | F | 2006 | Manchester Manchester Manchester is a city and metropolitan borough in Greater Manchester, England. According to the Office for National Statistics, the 2010 mid-year population estimate for Manchester was 498,800. Manchester lies within one of the UK's largest metropolitan areas, the metropolitan county of Greater... , England England England is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Scotland to the north and Wales to the west; the Irish Sea is to the north west, the Celtic Sea to the south west, with the North Sea to the east and the English Channel to the south separating it from continental... |
|
20 | Jonathan Phillips (C) | L | F | 2006 | Cardiff Cardiff Cardiff is the capital, largest city and most populous county of Wales and the 10th largest city in the United Kingdom. The city is Wales' chief commercial centre, the base for most national cultural and sporting institutions, the Welsh national media, and the seat of the National Assembly for... , Wales Wales Wales is a country that is part of the United Kingdom and the island of Great Britain, bordered by England to its east and the Atlantic Ocean and Irish Sea to its west. It has a population of three million, and a total area of 20,779 km²... |
|
21 | Ashley Tait Ashley Tait Ashley Tait is a British ice hockey forward who currently plays for the Sheffield Steelers of the ELITE Ice Hockey League EIHL. During Tait's career he has also played for Nottingham Panthers , Kingston Hawks , Coventry Blaze and Ritten Renon... (A) |
R | C/RW | 2010 | Toronto, Ontario, Canada Canada Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean... |
|
45 | Colt King | L | RW | 2011 | Thunder Bay, Ontario Thunder Bay, Ontario Thunder Bay is a city in and the seat of Thunder Bay District, Ontario, Canada. It is the most populous municipality in Northwestern Ontario, and the second most populous in Northern Ontario after Greater Sudbury... , Canada Canada Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean... |
|
57 | Lee Esders | L | RW | 2011 | Beverley Beverley Beverley is a market town, civil parish and the county town of the East Riding of Yorkshire, England, located between the River Hull and the Westwood. The town is noted for Beverley Minster and architecturally-significant religious buildings along New Walk and other areas, as well as the Beverley... , United Kingdom United Kingdom The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages... |
|
42 | Warren Tait | R | C | 2011 |
Honoured members
The Steelers have retired the numbers of five players. Ronnie Wood'sRonnie Wood (ice hockey)
Ronnie Wood is a retired Scottish professional ice hockey player who played between 1980 and 1993 in the United Kingdom...
number 7 and Tim Cranston
Tim Cranston
Tim Cranston is a retired professional ice hockey player who holds dual Canadian and British nationality. He played in Europe between 1985 and 1999 except for one game in the 1986–87 season played in the American Hockey League. He was also a member of the Great Britain national ice hockey team...
's number 4 have been retired. Tony Hand
Tony Hand
Tony Hand MBE is a Scottish ice hockey player who became the first British-raised player to be drafted by an NHL team when he was picked by the Edmonton Oilers in 1986. He is currently player-coach of the Manchester Phoenix...
's number 16 and Ken Priestlay
Ken Priestlay
Kenneth Priestlay is a former ice hockey player, with a career spanning the NHL, the WHL, AHL and the IHL, and numerous British leagues...
's number 9 were retired on 21 January 2003 at a challenge
Exhibition game
An exhibition game is a sporting event in which there is no competitive value of any significant kind to any competitor regardless of the outcome of the competition...
match against the Dundee Stars., with Ron Shudra's number 26 retired in Summer 2009.
Eight people who have been associated with the Steelers have been inducted to the British Ice Hockey Hall of Fame. Alex Dampier
Alex Dampier
Alex "Damps" Dampier is a retired Canadian professional ice hockey player and coach. He is a member of the British Ice Hockey Hall of Fame.-Playing career:...
, who coached
Coach (ice hockey)
Coach in ice hockey is the person responsible for directing the team during games and practices, prepares strategy and decides which players will participate in games....
the Steelers from January 1993 to the end of the 1997–98 season, was inducted in 1995 and Mike Blaisdell
Mike Blaisdell
Michael Walter "Wally" Blaisdell is a retired professional ice hockey right winger who played in the NHL and later in the BHL. He was the 1st round draft pick in the 1980 NHL Entry Draft of the Detroit Red Wings...
, who coached and occasionally iced for the Steelers between 1999 and 2004, was inducted in 2004. On the player front, Chris Kelland
Chris Kelland
Chris Kelland is a retired Canadian ice hockey defender who played his entire professional career in the United Kingdom. He also played for the Great Britain national team between 1991 and 1994. He was inducted into the British Ice Hockey Hall of Fame in 2002...
was inducted in 2002, Rick Brebant
Rick Brebant
Richard Joseph "Rick" Brebant is a retired ice hockey player who played mainly in Great Britain. He is a member of the British Ice Hockey Hall of Fame.-Club:...
in 2004, Paul Adey
Paul Adey
Paul Adey is the head coach of Renon Ritten Sport Hockey in the Italian Serie A. Adey enjoyed a notable playing career in British ice hockey, playing 11 seasons for the Nottingham Panthers between 1988 and 1999 and 29 games for the Sheffield Steelers during the 2000–01 season...
in 2006,Scott Neil
Scott Neil
Andrew Scott Neil, known as Scott Neil, is a retired British ice hockey player who played in the United Kingdom between 1985 and 2002. He also played for the Great Britain national team between 1989 and 1994...
in 2007, and most recently, legendary players Tim Cranston
Tim Cranston
Tim Cranston is a retired professional ice hockey player who holds dual Canadian and British nationality. He played in Europe between 1985 and 1999 except for one game in the 1986–87 season played in the American Hockey League. He was also a member of the Great Britain national ice hockey team...
and 'Rocket' Ron Shudra
Ron Shudra
Ronald Shudra is a retired professional ice hockey player who holds dual Canadian and British nationality. In 2010 he was inducted to the British Ice Hockey Hall of Fame.-Draft:...
in December 2010.
The Steelers started their own Hall of Fame in 2005 in which honoured members are voted for by the fans. There are two Hall of Fames: The Players Hall of Fame and the Backroom Staff Hall of Fame. Ken Priestlay, Tommy Plommer
Tommy Plommer
Tommy Plommer is a retired professional ice hockey player who holds dual Canadian and British nationality. He played for the Ayr Raiders in 1991–92, the Sheffield Steelers between 1992 and 2000 and the Hull Thunder in 2000–01...
, Scott Allison
Scott Allison (ice hockey)
Scott Allison is a retired professional ice hockey player. He was the first pick for the Edmonton Oilers in the 1990 NHL Entry Draft , but never made the NHL.-Awards:...
and Tim Cranston
Tim Cranston
Tim Cranston is a retired professional ice hockey player who holds dual Canadian and British nationality. He played in Europe between 1985 and 1999 except for one game in the 1986–87 season played in the American Hockey League. He was also a member of the Great Britain national ice hockey team...
were inducted to the Players Hall of Fame in 2005 and Ron Shudra
Ron Shudra
Ronald Shudra is a retired professional ice hockey player who holds dual Canadian and British nationality. In 2010 he was inducted to the British Ice Hockey Hall of Fame.-Draft:...
and Mike Blaisdell were inducted in 2006. David Simms, responsible for Press and Media at the club, and Andy Akers, Equipment Manager, were inducted to the Backroom Staff Hall of Fame in 2006 and Mike O'Connor, General Manager, was inducted in 2007.
Honours and awards
League ChampionshipsBritish ice hockey league champions
The British ice hockey league champions are the winners of the highest ice hockey league in the United Kingdom, currently the Elite Ice Hockey League...
- 1994–95, 1995–96, 2000–012000–01 ISL seasonThe 2000–01 Ice Hockey Superleague season was the fifth season of the Sekonda Ice Hockey Superleague .Belfast Giants, a new team formed in Northern Ireland, were granted a franchise, although they did not take part in the Benson & Hedges Cup...
, 2002–032002–03 ISL seasonThe 2002–03 Ice Hockey Superleague season was the seventh and final season of the Ice Hockey Superleague .The Ayr Scottish Eagles, under new management, moved from the Centrum Arena in Ayr to the Braehead Arena just outside Glasgow and shortened their name to simply the Scottish Eagles.The...
, 2003–04, 2008–092008–09 EIHL seasonThe 2008–09 EIHL season was the sixth season of the Elite Ice Hockey League. It began in September 2008 and ran through to April 2009. The ten clubs in the League competed for 4 different competitions: the Elite League, the Play-Offs, the Challenge Cup, and the Knockout Cup. The winners of...
, 2010-11
Play Off Championships
British Championship
The British Championship is the most prestigious ice hockey cup competition in the United Kingdom, and also the longest established ice hockey competition. It has been run under various formats and titles since 1930 and contested annually since 1966...
- 1994–95, 1995–96, 1996–971996–97 ISL seasonThe 1996–97 Ice Hockey Superleague season was the inaugrual season of the Ice Hockey Superleague .The league was formed by the owners of the Ayr Scottish Eagles, Basingstoke Bison, Bracknell Bees, Cardiff Devils, Manchester Storm, Newcastle Cobras, Nottingham Panthers and Sheffield Steelers...
, 2000–01, 2001–022001–02 ISL seasonThe 2001–02 Ice Hockey Superleague season was the sixth season of the Ice Hockey Superleague .Although the league started the season as the Sekonda Ice Hockey Superleague, Sekonda withdrew their sponsorship of the league in December 2001 and the league reverted to being known simply as the...
, 2003–04, 2007–082007–08 EIHL seasonThe 2007–08 Elite Ice Hockey League season began September 5, 2007 and ran until April 6, 2008. It was the fifth season of Elite League competition.The defending league champions were the Coventry Blaze, who were also the holders of the Challenge Cup...
, 2008–092008–09 EIHL seasonThe 2008–09 EIHL season was the sixth season of the Elite Ice Hockey League. It began in September 2008 and ran through to April 2009. The ten clubs in the League competed for 4 different competitions: the Elite League, the Play-Offs, the Challenge Cup, and the Knockout Cup. The winners of...
Autumn Cups
- 1995–96, 2000–01
Challenge Cup
Challenge Cup (UK Ice Hockey)
The Challenge Cup, hosted annually by the Elite Ice Hockey League, is a cup competition for ice hockey clubs in the United Kingdom. It is one of three competitions ran each season by the Elite League, the others being the league championship and the playoff championship...
s
- 1998–991998–99 ISL seasonThe 1998–99 Ice Hockey Superleague season was the third season of the Ice Hockey Superleague . Having reached a sponsorship deal with Sekonda, the league was now formally known as the Sekonda Ice Hockey Superleague....
, 1999–00, 2000–01, 2002–03
20-20 Hockeyfest Tournament
- 2009-10
Player of the Year Trophy
Player of the Year Trophy (IHJUK)
The Player of the Year Trophy is an award given by Ice Hockey Journalists UK to the MVP in the Elite League and the English Premier League at the end of each season. In previous seasons it has been awarded to players in the British Hockey League's Premier and First Divisions, the Super League and...
- Ed CourtenayEd CourtenayEdward Emmett Courtenay is a Canadian former professional ice hockey right winger and head coach.-Professional career:...
– 1999–00 - David LongstaffDavid LongstaffDavid Longstaff is a British ice hockey forward. He is the team captain of the Guildford Flames of the English Premier Ice Hockey League....
– 2000–01 - Joel Laing – 2002–03
Coach of the Year Trophy
Coach of the Year Trophy (IHJUK)
The Coach of the Year Trophy is an award given by Ice Hockey Journalists UK to the best coach in the Elite League and the English Premier League at the end of each season. In previous seasons it has been awarded to coaches in the British Hockey League's Premier and First Divisions, the Super League...
- Mike BlaisdellMike BlaisdellMichael Walter "Wally" Blaisdell is a retired professional ice hockey right winger who played in the NHL and later in the BHL. He was the 1st round draft pick in the 1980 NHL Entry Draft of the Detroit Red Wings...
– 2000–01, 2002–03, 2003–04 - David MatsosDavid MatsosDavid Matsos is a Canadian former professional ice hockey player. He is currently an assistant coach with the Windsor Spitfires in the Ontario Hockey League....
– 2008–09
The Ice Hockey Annual Trophy
Ice Hockey Annual Trophy
The Ice Hockey Annual Trophy is an ice hockey trophy in the United Kingdom which is awarded to the British player who has scored the most points during the season in league competition only....
(Leading British points scorer)
- Tony HandTony HandTony Hand MBE is a Scottish ice hockey player who became the first British-raised player to be drafted by an NHL team when he was picked by the Edmonton Oilers in 1986. He is currently player-coach of the Manchester Phoenix...
– 1998–99
First Team All-Star
- 1994–95 – Martin McKay
- 1995–96 – Wayne Cowley, Tony Hand, Ken PriestlayKen PriestlayKenneth Priestlay is a former ice hockey player, with a career spanning the NHL, the WHL, AHL and the IHL, and numerous British leagues...
- 1997–98 – Ed CourtenayEd CourtenayEdward Emmett Courtenay is a Canadian former professional ice hockey right winger and head coach.-Professional career:...
- 1998–99 – Ed Courtenay
- 1999–00 – Ed Courtenay
- 2000–01 – Shayne McCosh, David LongstaffDavid LongstaffDavid Longstaff is a British ice hockey forward. He is the team captain of the Guildford Flames of the English Premier Ice Hockey League....
- 2002–03 – Joel Laing, Marc LanielMarc LanielMarc Laniel is a retired professional ice hockey defenceman. He was drafted in the third round, 62nd overall, by the New Jersey Devils in the 1986 NHL Entry Draft. He played the first ten years of his professional career, 1987 to 1997, playing for various teams in the American Hockey League, the...
- 2003–04 – Dion Darling, Kevin Bolibruck, Mark DutiaumeMark DutiaumeMark Dutiaume , is a Canadian former professional ice hockey player.-Playing career:Dutiaume was drafted 42nd overall by the Buffalo Sabres in the 1995 NHL Entry Draft but has never played a game in the NHL...
- 2006–07 – Dan TessierDan TessierDan Tessier is a retired Canadian professional ice hockey centre who last played for the Nottingham Panthers of the British Elite Ice Hockey League ....
- 2008–09 – Jody LehmanJody LehmanJody Lehman is a Canadian-British professional ice hockey player , currently playing for Aalborg in Denmark's highest league, the Oddset Ligaen.-Playing career:...
, Rod Sarich,Steve Munn - 2010–11 - Ervins MustukovsErvins MuštukovsErvīns Muštukovs is a Latvian professional ice hockey goaltender. He has played for Drummondville Voltigeurs in the QMJHL, the Knoxville Ice Bears in the SPHL, the Toledo Storm and the Elmira Jackals in the ECHL. He has played for Dinamo Riga in the Kontinental Hockey League...
Second Team All-Star
- 1999–00 – Shayne McCosh, Teeder Wynne
- 2000–01 – Adam SmithAdam Smith (ice hockey)Adam Smith is a retired Canadian professional ice hockey defenceman. He was selected in the third round, 78th overall, by the New York Rangers in the 1994 NHL Entry Draft.-Playing career:...
- 2001–02 – Scott AllisonScott Allison (ice hockey)Scott Allison is a retired professional ice hockey player. He was the first pick for the Edmonton Oilers in the 1990 NHL Entry Draft , but never made the NHL.-Awards:...
- 2002–03 – Dion Darling, Rhett Gordon
- 2003–04 – Erik Anderson
- 2005–06 – Mark Dutiaume
- 2007–08 – Rod Sarich
- 2010–11 - Jeff Legue,Joey Talbot
Grand slam winning teams
The Steelers have won the Grand Slam of all available trophies twice in their history. In the 1995–96 season they won the Benson & Hedges Cup, the league championshipBritish ice hockey league champions
The British ice hockey league champions are the winners of the highest ice hockey league in the United Kingdom, currently the Elite Ice Hockey League...
and the playoffs
British Championship
The British Championship is the most prestigious ice hockey cup competition in the United Kingdom, and also the longest established ice hockey competition. It has been run under various formats and titles since 1930 and contested annually since 1966...
. In the 2000–01 season
2000–01 ISL season
The 2000–01 Ice Hockey Superleague season was the fifth season of the Sekonda Ice Hockey Superleague .Belfast Giants, a new team formed in Northern Ireland, were granted a franchise, although they did not take part in the Benson & Hedges Cup...
they won the Benson & Hedges Cup, the Challenge Cup
Challenge Cup (UK Ice Hockey)
The Challenge Cup, hosted annually by the Elite Ice Hockey League, is a cup competition for ice hockey clubs in the United Kingdom. It is one of three competitions ran each season by the Elite League, the others being the league championship and the playoff championship...
, the league championship and the playoffs. The players who played for the Steelers those seasons were:
1995–96 team
GoaltenderGoaltender
In ice hockey, the goaltender is the player who defends his team's goal net by stopping shots of the puck from entering his team's net, thus preventing the opposing team from scoring...
s
- Wayne CowleyWayne CowleyWayne R. Cowley is a retired Canadian professional ice hockey goaltender who played in one National Hockey League game for the Edmonton Oilers during the 1993–94 NHL season.-External links:...
- Dave Graham (went to Guildford FlamesGuildford FlamesThe Guildford Flames are an ice hockey team based in Guildford, Surrey and their home ice is the Guildford Spectrum.Founded in October 1992, the team played for many years in the British National League...
after three games) - Martin McKay
- Jim Hibbert
Defenders
Defenceman (ice hockey)
Defence in ice hockey is a player position whose primary responsibility is to prevent the opposing team from scoring...
- Neil AbelNeil AbelNeil Abel is a British professional ice hockey player who has played in the United Kingdom since 1980...
- Perry Doyle
- Scott Heaton
- Chris KellandChris KellandChris Kelland is a retired Canadian ice hockey defender who played his entire professional career in the United Kingdom. He also played for the Great Britain national team between 1991 and 1994. He was inducted into the British Ice Hockey Hall of Fame in 2002...
- Andre Malo
- Mike O'Connor
- Ron ShudraRon ShudraRonald Shudra is a retired professional ice hockey player who holds dual Canadian and British nationality. In 2010 he was inducted to the British Ice Hockey Hall of Fame.-Draft:...
- Jamie Van der Horst
- Rob Wilson
- Mark Wright
Forwards
Forward (ice hockey)
In ice hockey, a forward is a player position on the ice whose primary responsibility is to score goals. Generally, the forwards try to stay in three different lanes, also known as thirds, of the ice going from goal to goal. It is not mandatory however, to stay in a lane. Staying in a lane aids in...
- Nicky Chinn
- Tim CranstonTim CranstonTim Cranston is a retired professional ice hockey player who holds dual Canadian and British nationality. He played in Europe between 1985 and 1999 except for one game in the 1986–87 season played in the American Hockey League. He was also a member of the Great Britain national ice hockey team...
- Justin George
- Tony HandTony HandTony Hand MBE is a Scottish ice hockey player who became the first British-raised player to be drafted by an NHL team when he was picked by the Edmonton Oilers in 1986. He is currently player-coach of the Manchester Phoenix...
- David LongstaffDavid LongstaffDavid Longstaff is a British ice hockey forward. He is the team captain of the Guildford Flames of the English Premier Ice Hockey League....
(joined from Newcastle WarriorsWhitley Bay WarriorsWhitley Warriors are an ice hockey team based in Whitley Bay in the north east of England. Founded in 1955 as the Bees, they changed their name to the Braves and then finally the Warriors. They currently play in the English National Hockey League...
part way through the season) - Tommy PlommerTommy PlommerTommy Plommer is a retired professional ice hockey player who holds dual Canadian and British nationality. He played for the Ayr Raiders in 1991–92, the Sheffield Steelers between 1992 and 2000 and the Hull Thunder in 2000–01...
- Ken PriestlayKen PriestlayKenneth Priestlay is a former ice hockey player, with a career spanning the NHL, the WHL, AHL and the IHL, and numerous British leagues...
- Les Millie (went to Fife FlyersFife FlyersThe Fife Flyers, established in 1938, are the oldest ice hockey team in Scotland, and also in the United Kingdom, beating the Nottingham Panthers by 8 years...
after five games) - Scott NeilScott NeilAndrew Scott Neil, known as Scott Neil, is a retired British ice hockey player who played in the United Kingdom between 1985 and 2002. He also played for the Great Britain national team between 1989 and 1994...
- Steve Nemeth
2000–01 team
Goaltenders- Mike O'NeillMike O'Neill (ice hockey)Michael Anthony O'Neill is a retired professional ice hockey goaltender.-Playing career:O'Neill played four years at Yale University before spending the 1989–90 season with Tappara Tampere of the SM-liiga. He was drafted 15th overall by the Winnipeg Jets in the 1988 NHL Supplemental Draft while he...
- Mike TorchiaMike TorchiaMike Torchia is a retired professional ice hockey goalie who played six games in the National Hockey League for the Dallas Stars during the 1994–95 NHL season....
Defenders
- Steve CarpenterSteve CarpenterSteve Carpenter is a retired Canadian professional ice hockey defenceman. Between 1995 and 1997 he played in the ECHL and the West Coast Hockey League before moving to the United Kingdom, where he played until he retired from ice hockey in 2005.-Playing career:Carpenter attended Northern Michigan...
- Shayne McCosh
- Jeff SebastianJeff SebastianJeff Sebastian is a retired Canadian professional ice hockey defenceman. He was drafted in the sixth round, 115th overall, by the Winnipeg Jets in the 1991 NHL Entry Draft.-Playing career:...
- Kayle ShortKayle ShortKayle. Short is a retired Canadian professional ice hockey player. He played with the Dukes of Hamilton, Sudbury Wolves and Guelph Storm. Short attended the University of New Brunswick and played for the Canadian National Team...
- Adam SmithAdam Smith (ice hockey)Adam Smith is a retired Canadian professional ice hockey defenceman. He was selected in the third round, 78th overall, by the New York Rangers in the 1994 NHL Entry Draft.-Playing career:...
- Dennis VialDennis VialDennis Vial is a retired professional hockey player who played in NHL with the New York Rangers, Detroit Red Wings, and Ottawa Senators...
Forwards
- Paul AdeyPaul AdeyPaul Adey is the head coach of Renon Ritten Sport Hockey in the Italian Serie A. Adey enjoyed a notable playing career in British ice hockey, playing 11 seasons for the Nottingham Panthers between 1988 and 1999 and 29 games for the Sheffield Steelers during the 2000–01 season...
- Scott AllisonScott Allison (ice hockey)Scott Allison is a retired professional ice hockey player. He was the first pick for the Edmonton Oilers in the 1990 NHL Entry Draft , but never made the NHL.-Awards:...
- Paul BeraldoPaul BeraldoPaul Beraldo is a retired Italian Canadian professional ice hockey centre. He was selected 139th overall in the 1986 NHL Entry Draft by the Boston Bruins...
- Mike BlaisdellMike BlaisdellMichael Walter "Wally" Blaisdell is a retired professional ice hockey right winger who played in the NHL and later in the BHL. He was the 1st round draft pick in the 1980 NHL Entry Draft of the Detroit Red Wings...
, CoachCoach (ice hockey)Coach in ice hockey is the person responsible for directing the team during games and practices, prepares strategy and decides which players will participate in games....
(played four games injury cover) - Brent BobyckBrent BobyckBrent Bobyck is a retired Canadian professional ice hockey left winger. He was selected 78th overall in the 1986 NHL Entry Draft by the Montreal Canadiens. Although he never played in the National Hockey League, he has played fourteen professional seasons for various teams in North America and the...
(joined from Bracknell BeesBracknell BeesThe Bracknell Bees are an ice hockey team from Bracknell, Berkshire, UK.-Early years:The Bracknell Bees were formed in 1987, under the ownership of John Nike OBE. Bees began life in the Heineken League Division Two, under the leadership of former Durham Wasps and Nottingham Panthers forward, Jamie...
part way through the season then went to Manchester StormManchester StormThe Manchester Storm were an ice hockey team from Manchester, England. The team formed in 1995, playing their home games at the then newly built Nynex Arena . Storm won the British Hockey League Division One in their first season, watched by an average crowd of 6,342...
after 32 games) - Rick BrebantRick BrebantRichard Joseph "Rick" Brebant is a retired ice hockey player who played mainly in Great Britain. He is a member of the British Ice Hockey Hall of Fame.-Club:...
- Dale CraigwellDale CraigwellDale A. Craigwell is a retired professional hockey player who played professionally for 9 years and played parts of 3 years with the San Jose Sharks in the NHL. He played centre and shot left-handed....
- David LongstaffDavid LongstaffDavid Longstaff is a British ice hockey forward. He is the team captain of the Guildford Flames of the English Premier Ice Hockey League....
- Scott MetcalfeScott MetcalfeScott Metcalfe is a retired Canadian professional ice hockey player.-Playing career:Scott Metcalfe began his junior career playing with the Kingston Canadians of the OHL from 1983–86, playing in 192 games, getting 213 points , and added on 9 points in 10 playoff games, before being traded to the...
- Warren NorrisWarren NorrisWarren Norris is a Canadian professional ice hockey centre who currently plays for EC KAC in the Austrian Hockey League. He has previously played in the American Hockey League and the International Hockey League in North America and in the British Ice Hockey Superleague, the Slovak Extraliga and...
- Steve Roberts (went to Belfast GiantsBelfast GiantsThe Belfast Giants are an ice hockey team from Belfast, Northern Ireland that compete in the Elite Ice Hockey League. Home games are played at the 7,100-capacity Odyssey Arena in Belfast....
after 27 games) - Kent SimpsonKent Simpson (ice hockey, b. 1975)Kent Andrew Simpson is a Canadian professional ice hockey winger who most recently played for Rødovre Mighty Bulls in the Danish Oddset Ligaen....
- Jason Weaver
Season-by-season record
Note: GP = Games played, W = Wins, L = Losses, T = Ties, OTL = Overtime losses, Pts = Points, GF = Goals for, GA = Goals againstSeason | League | GP | W | L | T | OTL | Pts | GF | GA | Final League Position |
1991–92 | English League Division 1 | 32 | 27 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 55 | 378 | 163 | 2nd |
1992–93 | British League British Hockey League The British Hockey League was the top-flight ice hockey league in the United Kingdom from 1982 until 1996, when it was replaced by the Ice Hockey Superleague and the British National League... Division 1 |
32 | 22 | 6 | 4 | 0 | 48 | 300 | 186 | 2nd |
1993–94 | British League Premier Division | 44 | 28 | 12 | 4 | 0 | 55† | 313 | 198 | 3rd† |
1994–95 | British League Premier Division | 44 | 35 | 5 | 4 | 0 | 74 | 334 | 183 | 1st |
1995–96 | British League Premier Division | 36 | 27 | 4 | 5 | 0 | 59 | 268 | 122 | 1st |
1996–97 1996–97 ISL season The 1996–97 Ice Hockey Superleague season was the inaugrual season of the Ice Hockey Superleague .The league was formed by the owners of the Ayr Scottish Eagles, Basingstoke Bison, Bracknell Bees, Cardiff Devils, Manchester Storm, Newcastle Cobras, Nottingham Panthers and Sheffield Steelers... |
Ice Hockey Superleague Ice Hockey Superleague The Ice Hockey Superleague was a professional ice hockey league in the United Kingdom between 1996 and 2003. Formed in 1995, it replaced the Premier Division of the British Hockey League, it was the highest level of ice hockey competition in the United Kingdom... |
44 | 27 | 11 | 4 | 2 | 60 | 168 | 127 | 2nd |
1997–98 1997–98 ISL season The 1997–98 Ice Hockey Superleague season was the second season of the Ice Hockey Superleague .There were no changes in the teams taking part during the season – Ayr Scottish Eagles, Basingstoke Bison, Bracknell Bees, Cardiff Devils, Manchester Storm, Newcastle Cobras, Nottingham Panthers and... |
Ice Hockey Superleague | 44 | 20 | 18 | 3 | 3 | 50 | 169 | 163 | 6th |
1998–99 1998–99 ISL season The 1998–99 Ice Hockey Superleague season was the third season of the Ice Hockey Superleague . Having reached a sponsorship deal with Sekonda, the league was now formally known as the Sekonda Ice Hockey Superleague.... |
Ice Hockey Superleague | 42 | 17 | 19 | 4 | 2 | 40 | 135 | 141 | 6th |
1999–00 1999–2000 ISL season The 1999–00 Ice Hockey Superleague season was the fourth season of the Sekonda Ice Hockey Superleague .There were no changes in the teams from the 1998–99 season. However the league introduced a wage cap of £500,000 for this season.... |
Ice Hockey Superleague | 42 | 24 | 14 | 2 | 2 | 52 | 188 | 155 | 2nd |
2000–01 2000–01 ISL season The 2000–01 Ice Hockey Superleague season was the fifth season of the Sekonda Ice Hockey Superleague .Belfast Giants, a new team formed in Northern Ireland, were granted a franchise, although they did not take part in the Benson & Hedges Cup... |
Ice Hockey Superleague | 48 | 35 | 9 | 0 | 4 | 104‡ | 162 | 115 | 1st |
2001–02 2001–02 ISL season The 2001–02 Ice Hockey Superleague season was the sixth season of the Ice Hockey Superleague .Although the league started the season as the Sekonda Ice Hockey Superleague, Sekonda withdrew their sponsorship of the league in December 2001 and the league reverted to being known simply as the... |
Ice Hockey Superleague | 48 | 18 | 18 | 12 | 0 | 48 | 138 | 144 | 3rd |
2002–03 2002–03 ISL season The 2002–03 Ice Hockey Superleague season was the seventh and final season of the Ice Hockey Superleague .The Ayr Scottish Eagles, under new management, moved from the Centrum Arena in Ayr to the Braehead Arena just outside Glasgow and shortened their name to simply the Scottish Eagles.The... |
Ice Hockey Superleague | 32 | 18 | 8 | 5 | 1 | 42 | 162 | 115 | 1st†† |
2003–04 | Elite Ice Hockey League Elite Ice Hockey League Several competitions fall under the jurisdiction of the Elite League. In 2006–07, the EIHL ran a total of four competitions: the league, playoffs, Challenge Cup and Knockout Cup. The league consists of a single division, each team playing three home games and three away games against the other... |
56 | 44 | 8 | 3 | 1 | 92 | 214 | 106 | 1st |
2004–05 2004–05 EIHL season The 2004–05 Elite Ice Hockey League season was the second season of the British Elite Ice Hockey League . Manchester Phoenix did not ice due as they could not agree a deal with the Manchester Evening News Arena.... |
Elite Ice Hockey League | 50 | 25 | 17 | 5 | 3 | 58 | 118 | 110 | 5th |
2005–06 | Elite Ice Hockey League | 42 | 15 | 19 | 6 | 2 | 38 | 105 | 135 | 6th |
2006–07 | Elite Ice Hockey League | 54 | 30 | 16 | - | 8 | 68 | 163 | 154 | 3rd |
2007–08 2007–08 EIHL season The 2007–08 Elite Ice Hockey League season began September 5, 2007 and ran until April 6, 2008. It was the fifth season of Elite League competition.The defending league champions were the Coventry Blaze, who were also the holders of the Challenge Cup... |
Elite Ice Hockey League | 54 | 38 | 14 | - | 2 | 78 | 190 | 129 | 2nd |
2008–09 2008–09 EIHL season The 2008–09 EIHL season was the sixth season of the Elite Ice Hockey League. It began in September 2008 and ran through to April 2009. The ten clubs in the League competed for 4 different competitions: the Elite League, the Play-Offs, the Challenge Cup, and the Knockout Cup. The winners of... |
Elite Ice Hockey League | 54 | 41 | 6 | - | 7 | 89 | 201 | 115 | 1st |
2009–10 2009–10 EIHL season The 2009–10 EIHL season is the seventh season of the Elite Ice Hockey League. It began in September 2009 and concluded in April 2010.-League business:... |
Elite Ice Hockey League | 56 | 24 | 26 | - | 6 | 54 | 194 | 196 | 5th |
- †Finished second with 60 points. However, five points were deducted for breaking the wage cap
- ‡Three points were awarded for a win in the 2000–01 season
- ††Five team league
League Titles
- British Premier Division Titles: 2 (1994/95, 1995/96)
- Superleague Titles: 2 (2000/01, 2002/03)
- Elite League Titles: 3 (2003/04, 2008/09, 2010/11)
Cup Titles
- Yorkshire Cup: 2 (1993/94, 1994/95)
- Benson & Hedges Cup: 2 (1995/95, 2000/01)
- Challenge Cup: 4 (1998/99, 1999/00, 2000/01, 2002/03)
- Knockout Cup: 1 (2005/06)
- 20/20 Hockeyfest: 1 (2009/10)
- Charity Shield: 1 (2009/10)
Play-Off Titles
- British Championship: 8 (1994/95, 1995/96, 1996/97, 2000/01, 2001/02, 2003/04, 2007/08, 2009/09)
Team Records
- Most Points in a Season: 104 --- 3 Pts for a Win (2000/01) 92 --- 2 Pts for a Win (2003/04)
- Most Wins in a Season: 44 (2003/04)
- Most Regulation Losses in a Season: 26 (2009/10)
- Most Overtime Losses in a Season: 8 (2006/07)
- Most Ties in a Season: 12 (2001/02) --- Ties ceased after the 2005/06 Season
- Most Goals Scored in Regular Season: 378 (1991/92)
- Most Goals Conceded in Regular Season: 198 (1993/94)
- Least Goals Scored in Regular Season: 105 (2005/06)
- Least Goals Conceded in Regular Season: 106 (2003/04)
- Highest League Position: 1st (1994/95, 1995/96, 2000/01, 2002/03, 2003/04, 2008/09)
- Lowest League Position: 6th (1997/98, 1998/99, 2005/06)
- Most Goals Scored in a Single Game (Competitive): 30 (30-4 .v. Solent Vikings, 15/03/1992)
- Most Goals Conceded in a Single Game (Competitive): 14 (14-3 @ Basingstoke Beavers, 07/11/1992, 14-10 @ Durham Wasps, 18/09/1993)
- Biggest Winning Margin at Home (Competitive): 26 Goals (30-4 .v. Solent Vikings, 15/03/1992)
- Biggest Winning Margin on the Road (Competitive): 25 Goals (4-29 @ Sunderland Chiefs, 28/12/1991)
- Biggest Losing Margin at Home (Competitive): 6 Goals (2-8 .v. Whitley Warriors, 16/10/1993, 0-6 .v. London Knights, 11/09/1999, 1-7 .v. Belfast Giants, 19/02/2006, 1-7 .v. Cardiff Devils, 12/01/2011)
- Biggest Losing Margin on the Road (Competitive): 11 Goals (14-3 @ Basingstoke Beavers, 07/11/1992, 12-1 @ Cardiff Devils, 24/04/1994)
- No. of Teams Shutout (All Time): 97
- Most Shutouts in a Season (Team, All Comps): 10 (2008/09)
- Team Shutout Most (All Time): Nottingham Panthers (14)
- No. of Times Shutout (All Time): 37
- Most Times Shutout in a Season (All Comps): 8 (2005/06)
- Team Most Shutout Against (All Time): Nottingham Panthers (8)
- Longest Winning Streak (All Comps): 13 Games (07/09/2000 - 11/10/2000)
- Longest Losing Streak (All Comps): 7 Games (23/02/2003 - 15/03/2003)
- Longest Unbeaten Streak (Home, All Comps): 53 Games (49 Wins, 4 Ties - 27/12/1993 to 19/10/1996)
- Highest Attendance (Home): 10,136 (Sheffield Steelers 5-2 Nottingham Panthers, 02/12/1995, Benson & Hedges Cup Final)
- Highest Attendance (Away): 17,245 (Manchester Storm 6-2 Sheffield Steelers, 23/02/1997, Superleague)
Individual Records
- Most Games Played: Ron ShudraRon ShudraRonald Shudra is a retired professional ice hockey player who holds dual Canadian and British nationality. In 2010 he was inducted to the British Ice Hockey Hall of Fame.-Draft:...
(626) - Most Goals Scored (All Time): Steve Nemeth (356)
- Most Assists (All Time): Ron Shudra (463)
- Most Points Scored (All Time): Ron Shudra (792)
- Most Penalty Minutes (All Time): Tommy Plommer (1,007)
- Most Goals Scored in a Regular Season: Steve Nemeth (92) (1991-92)
- Most Assists in a Regular Season: Mark Mackie (101) (1991-92)
- Most Points Scored in a Regular Season: Steve Nemeth (186) (1991-92)
- Most Penalty Minutes in a Regular Season: Andrew Sharpe (230) (2008-09)
- Most Goals Scored in a Play-Off Championship: Steve Nemeth (21) (1991-92)
- Most Assists in a Play-Off Championship: Steve Nemeth (18) (1991-92)
- Most Points Scored in a Play-Off Championship: Steve Nemeth (39) (1991-92)
- Most Penalty Minutes in a Play-Off Championship: Timo Willman (77) (2002-03)
Goaltender Records
- Most Games Played (All Time): Jody Lehman (252)
- Most Minutes Played (All Time): Jody Lehman (14,927)
- Most Wins (All Time): Jody Lehman (142)
- Most Losses (All Time): Jody Lehman (73)
- Most Shutouts in a Season (All Comps): Ervins Mustukovs (11) (2010-11)
- Most Shutouts (All Time): Jody Lehman (24)
- Best Goals Against Average (All Time): Christian BronsardChristian BronsardChristian Bronsard is a German-born Canadian former professional ice hockey goaltender. Bronsard played the 1997–98 season with the Canada men's national ice hockey team....
(1.23) (Min. 30 Games Played) - Best Save Percentage (All Time): Christian BronsardChristian BronsardChristian Bronsard is a German-born Canadian former professional ice hockey goaltender. Bronsard played the 1997–98 season with the Canada men's national ice hockey team....
(94.5%) (Min. 30 Games Played)