Sheffield Steelers: Difference between revisions

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| league    = [[Elite Ice Hockey League]]
| league    = [[Elite Ice Hockey League]]
| founded    = 1991
| founded    = 1991
| arena      = [[Motorpoint Arena Sheffield|Motorpoint Arena]]
| arena      = [[Sheffield Arena]]
| colours    = Orange, Black, White
| colours    = Orange, Black, White
{{color box|#ff6a00}} {{color box|Black}} {{color box|White}}
{{color box|#ff6a00}} {{color box|Black}} {{color box|White}}
Line 19: Line 19:
| name1      =  
| name1      =  
| dates1    =  
| dates1    =  
| reg_season_titles = 1994–95, 1995–96, 2000–01, 2002–03, 2003–04, 2008–09, 2010–11, 2014-15
| reg_season_titles = 1994–95, 1995–96, 2000–01, 2002–03, 2003–04, 2008–09, 2010–11, 2014-15, 2015-16, 2023-24
| championships    = 1994–95, 1995–96, 1996–97, 2000–01, 2001–02, 2003–04, 2007–08, 2008–09, 2013–14
| championships    = 1994–95, 1995–96, 1996–97, 2000–01, 2001–02, 2003–04, 2007–08, 2008–09, 2013–14, 2016-17, 2023-24
| autumn_cups      = 1995–96, 2000–01
| autumn_cups      = 1995–96, 2000–01
| challenge_cups    = 1998–99, 1999–00, 2000–01, 2002–03
| challenge_cups    = 1998–99, 1999–00, 2000–01, 2002–03, 2019-20, 2023-24
| 20-20_hockeyfest  = 2009–10
| 20-20_hockeyfest  = 2009–10
}}
}}


The '''Sheffield Steelers''' are a professional ice hockey team located in [[Sheffield]], England. The club was formed in 1991 and plays its home games at the [[Sheffield Arena]]. They are currently a member of the [[Elite Ice Hockey League]].
The '''Sheffield Steelers''' are a professional ice hockey team located in [[Sheffield]], England. The club was formed in 1991 and plays its home games at the [[Sheffield Arena]]. They are currently a member of the [[Elite Ice Hockey League]].
==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&nbsp;— 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 Games, and is a sizeable stadium originally seating 8,500 and located close to the city centre.<ref name=":0">{{cite web| author = Sheffield Arena | title = Directions to the Sheffield Arena Sheffield | url = http://www.sheffieldarena.co.uk/About%20The%20Arena/Directions/ | year = 2007 | access-date = 6 November 2011 | publisher = sheffieldarena.co.uk }}</ref> 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. They also began taking players to local football matches and together with mascots in an attempt to pull in football fans too. The Steelers' announcer David Simms gave certain players nicknames in the 1991–92 season to help the crowd associate with the players such as 'Rocket Ron Shudra, 'Stormin' Steve Nemeth and 'Magic' Mark Mackie.
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, the sharing of nicknames is 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.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sister-cities.org/icrc/directory/usa/PA|title=Sister Cities International<!-- Bot generated title -->|access-date=9 June 2017|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071218233458/http://www.sister-cities.org/icrc/directory/USA/PA|archive-date=18 December 2007}}</ref>
The Steelers have continued to fill the capacity of the Arena nearly every season since, including over 9,000 vs Nottingham on Boxing Day 2021. Sheffield began breaking several British ice hockey attendance records, and in March 1996 added an extra 1,200 seats to the Arena to meet the growing demand. The Manchester v Sheffield game in 1997 saw a UK record 17,245, such was the passion for the game at that time.<ref name=":2">{{cite web|url=https://ao-arena.com/wearemanchester/article/manchester-storm-make-history/2137/|title=Manchester Storm Make History |publisher= AO Arena Manchester|date=23 February 2015 |accessdate=8 April 2022}}</ref>
On Sunday 3 December 2006, the Steelers played in their 1000th ever game.<ref name=":1">{{cite web| author = Sheffield Steelers | title = 1000th Game Fast Approaches | url = http://www.sheffieldsteelers.co.uk/news/archives/index.html?article_id=1256 | year = 2006 | access-date = 13 June 2007 | publisher = sheffieldsteelers.co.uk |archive-url = https://archive.today/20070926220217/http://www.sheffieldsteelers.co.uk/news/archives/index.html?article_id=1256 <!-- Bot retrieved archive --> |archive-date = 26 September 2007}}</ref> The game was against the [[Basingstoke Bison]] at the Hallam FM Arena, for which special orange jerseys had been made for the match.<ref>{{cite web| author = Sheffield Steelers | title = Special Game Shirt for Sunday | url = http://www.sheffieldsteelers.co.uk/news/archives/index.html?article_id=1254 | year = 2006 | access-date = 13 June 2007 | publisher = sheffieldsteelers.co.uk |archive-url = https://archive.today/20070926220305/http://www.sheffieldsteelers.co.uk/news/archives/index.html?article_id=1254 <!-- Bot retrieved archive --> |archive-date = 26 September 2007}}</ref> The Steelers lost the game 3–2<ref>{{cite web| author = Sheffield Steelers | title = Steelers Go Down to the Bison on their 1,000th Night | url = http://www.sheffieldsteelers.co.uk/news/archives/index.html?article_id=1263 | year = 2006 | access-date = 13 June 2007 | publisher = sheffieldsteelers.co.uk |archive-url = https://archive.today/20070926220341/http://www.sheffieldsteelers.co.uk/news/archives/index.html?article_id=1263 <!-- Bot retrieved archive --> |archive-date = 26 September 2007}}</ref> and the jerseys were all auctioned off at the game.
===2000–present===
In the 2000–01 campaign the Steelers completed a Grand Slam, becoming only the second club to win the [[Autumn Cup]], [[British ice hockey league champions|League]], [[Challenge Cup (UK Ice Hockey)|Challenge Cup]] and [[British Championship|Playoff Titles]] in the same season. They retained the Play-off title the following season, the first team to achieve this in the Superleague era, beating [[Manchester Storm (1995–2002)|Manchester Storm]] on penalties in the Play-Off final, held at the [[National Ice Centre]] in [[Nottingham]] in front of a full house.
David Matsos was appointed as coach for the 2006–07 season. He led the Steelers to a fourth-place finish in the league and a place in the Challenge Cup Finals.<ref>{{cite web| author = Britich Ice Hockey.co.uk | title = Elite Ice Hockey League – 2006/07 | url = http://www.britishicehockey.co.uk/leagueeihl0607.htm | year = 2007 | access-date = 13 June 2007 | publisher = britishicehockey.co.uk |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070527164727/http://www.britishicehockey.co.uk/leagueeihl0607.htm <!-- Bot retrieved archive --> |archive-date = 27 May 2007}}</ref>
In 2007 team Owner Bob Phillips and his wife sold their other Elite League club the Cardiff Devils in order to concentrate on building the Steelers.<ref>{{cite news | work = The Sheffield Star | title = Steelers chief sells Devils | url = http://www.thestar.co.uk/template/ViewArticle.aspx?SectionID=5083&articleid=2188701 | year = 2007 | access-date = 13 June 2007 | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20071016204124/http://www.thestar.co.uk/template/ViewArticle.aspx?SectionID=5083 | archive-date = 16 October 2007 | df = dmy-all }}</ref> The club won that season's Elite League Playoff Championship after beating the [[Coventry Blaze]] 2–0 in the final with goals from Johnathan Phillips and Dan Tessier. The Steelers were knocked out of the following season's Knockout Cup and Challenge Cup early, but finished first in a league campaign that saw them lose just three times in regulation. They made this a double by beating Nottingham Panthers 2–0 in the Play-Off final. The Steelers season ended in the Quarter Finals of the Play-offs after being knocked out by the [[Cardiff Devils]].
The 2010–11 season was preceded by a "walk-out" of Steelers management and office staff, after a vote of no confidence in Owner Bob Phillips. Phillips put the club up for sale, and in December 2010 Paul Ragan, the CEO and owner of the Cardiff Devils, finalised acquiring the rights to the Sheffield Steelers. The Steelers were at the top of the league for the majority of the season, battling it out with the Cardiff Devils, .and won the league after back-to-back victories against the [[Braehead Clan]]. The Steelers were tied on points with Cardiff but won the league having more regulation time wins. After several rounds of negotiations, Simon decided not to renew his contract, and Ryan Finnerty was installed as player/coach after. During that season Sheffield Steelers became the first EIHL team to win a medal in Europe after their appearance in the Continental Cup superfinal.
Tony Smith took over as sole owner in August 2011 after buying out Paul Ragan. The Steelers won the 2013–14 Play-Off final 3–2 against Belfast Giants.
From 2014 onwards any time that the Sheffield Steelers win a game the player dubbed Man of the Match does a fast lap around the ice with a pre-planned celebration at the end of their fast lap. This tradition was then called "the Eddy" named after the player who originated this tradition Cullen Eddy. Some sources say that this was originally a prank devised by players at the time Mark Thomas and Jason Hewitt who skated over to Eddy and told him that it was a 20 year tradition at the club to do a fast lap around the perimeter of the ice. The prank paid off and after that the Steelers incorporated this in their match night celebrations<ref>{{cite web |date=19 June 2023 |title=Eddy Leaves: The Eddy Remains |url=https://sheffieldsteelers.co.uk/eddy-leaves-the-eddy-remains/ |access-date=20 June 2023 |website=Sheffield Steelers }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=19 June 2023 |title=Thanks Cullen – The Eddy Just Gets Better and Better |url=https://sheffieldsteelers.co.uk/thanks-cullen-the-eddy-just-gets-better-and-better/ |access-date=20 June 2023 |website=Sheffield Steelers }}</ref>
At the end of season 2014–15 they beat the Cardiff Devils to clinch the Elite League title with 74 points. On 20 April 2015, they parted company with coach Gerad Adams. They soon brought in Paul Thompson, former GB coach, as head coach and general manager.<ref>{{cite web| url = http://www.steelersrecruitment.co.uk/index.php/about-us/coach-thompson| url-status = dead| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180307151133/http://www.steelersrecruitment.co.uk/index.php/about-us/coach-thompson| archive-date = 7 March 2018| title = Coach Thompson}}</ref> At the end of season 2015–16 they became only the second club in the history of ice hockey to become back to back champions when they defeated the Fife Flyers on the final day of the season to take the title.
Paul Thompson left the Sheffield Steelers on 1 October 2018, citing personal reasons.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://sheffieldsteelers.co.uk/paul-thompson-leaves-the-sheffield-steelers/ |title=Paul Thompson Leaves the |publisher=Sheffield Steelers |date=13 October 2018 |access-date=18 October 2018}}</ref> He was replaced as head coach by Tom Barrasso.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://sheffieldsteelers.co.uk/steelers-confirm-tom-barrasso-as-head-coach/ |title=Steelers Confirm Tom Barrasso as Head Coach |publisher=Sheffield Steelers |date=13 October 2018 |access-date=18 October 2018}}</ref> On 16 April 2019 the club announced that Aaron Fox had been appointed as head coach and general manager of the club.<ref name="SS16April2019">{{cite web|url=https://sheffieldsteelers.co.uk/aaron-fox-is-the-steelers-new-head-coach-and-gm/|title=Aaron Fox is the Steelers New Head Coach and GM.|publisher=Sheffield Steelers|date=16 April 2019|access-date=18 April 2019}}</ref>
On 8 March 2020, the Steelers won the 2019–20 Challenge Cup beating Cardiff Devils 4–3 – their first Challenge Cup title for 17 years.
On 28 October 2023, during a game against the Sheffield Steelers at Utilita Arena, Adam Johnson of the [[Nottingham Panthers]] sustained a fatal injury. The injury occurred when Johnson's neck came into contact with the skate of Steelers player Matt Petgrave. The game was halted immediately, and medical personnel from both teams, as well as medically trained spectators, rushed to assist. Players from both teams gathered around Johnson during the emergency response efforts.<ref>{{Cite web |date=29 October 2023 |title=Adam Johnson: Nottingham Panthers forward dies after neck cut in Challenge Cup match |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/ice-hockey/67253892 |access-date=29 October 2023 |work=BBC Sport |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=29 October 2023 |title=Police investigate Nottingham Panthers ice hockey player’s death after throat cut by opponent’s blade |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/2023/10/29/adam-johnson-nottingham-panthers-ice-hockey-player-dies/ |access-date=29 October 2023 |work=The Telegraph |language=en}}</ref> South Yorkshire Police are conducting an investigation into the incident and have urged the public to avoid speculation while inquiries continue.<ref>{{cite news | last = Hartley | first = Joshua | title = Official police statement after death of Nottingham Panthers star Adam Johnson | url = https://www.nottinghampost.com/news/local-news/official-police-statement-after-death-8868898 | publisher = Nottingham Post | date = 30 October 2023 | accessdate = 31 October 2023 }}</ref>
On 13 March 2024, the Sheffield Steelers brought an end to their four year trophy drought by winning the Challenge Cup at home against the [[Guildford Flames]] 3–1, their second Challenge Cup title in the Elite League era. On 24 March 2024, the Sheffield Steelers would clinch the Elite League title for the first time since the [[2015–16 EIHL season|2015–16 EIHL season]] qualifying them for the 2024–25 Champions Hockey League season.


==Honours and awards==
==Honours and awards==
'''[[British ice hockey league champions|League Championships]]'''
'''[[British ice hockey league champions|League Championships]]'''
*1994–95, 1995–96, [[2000–01 ISL season|2000–01]], [[2002–03 ISL season|2002–03]], [[2003–04 EIHL season|2003–04]], [[2008–09 EIHL season|2008–09]], [[2010–11 EIHL season|2010–11]], [[2014-15 EIHL season|2014-15]]
*1994–95, 1995–96, [[2000–01 ISL season|2000–01]], [[2002–03 ISL season|2002–03]], [[2003–04 EIHL season|2003–04]], [[2008–09 EIHL season|2008–09]], [[2010–11 EIHL season|2010–11]], [[2014-15 EIHL season|2014–15]], 2015–16, 2023–24


'''[[British Championship|Play Off Championships]]'''
'''[[British Championship|Play Off Championships]]'''
*1994–95, 1995–96, [[1996–97 ISL season|1996–97]], 2000–01, [[2001–02 ISL season|2001–02]], 2003–04, [[2007–08 EIHL season|2007–08]], [[2008–09 EIHL season|2008–09]], [[2013-14 EIHL season|2013–14]]
*1994–95, 1995–96, [[1996–97 ISL season|1996–97]], 2000–01, [[2001–02 ISL season|2001–02]], 2003–04, [[2007–08 EIHL season|2007–08]], [[2008–09 EIHL season|2008–09]], [[2013-14 EIHL season|2013–14]], [[2016–17 EIHL season|2016–17]], [[2023–24 EIHL season|2023–24]]


'''[[Autumn Cup]]s'''
'''[[Autumn Cup]]s'''
*1995–96, 2000–01
*1995–96, 2000–01


'''[[Challenge Cup (UK Ice Hockey)|Challenge Cup]]s
'''[[Challenge Cup (UK Ice Hockey)|Challenge Cup]]s'''
*[[1998–99 ISL season|1998–99]], [[1999–2000 ISL season|1999–00]], 2000–01, 2002–03
*[[1998–99 ISL season|1998–99]], [[1999–00 ISL season|1999–00]], 2000–01, 2002–03, 2019–20, 2023–24


'''20–20 Hockeyfest Tournament'''
'''20–20 Hockeyfest Tournament'''
*2009–10
*2009–10
'''Other'''
*'''Yorkshire Cup:''' 2 (1993/94, 1994/95)
*'''Benson & Hedges Cup:''' 2 (1995/95, 2000/01)
*'''Knockout Cup:''' 1 (2005/06)
*'''Charity Shield:''' 1 (2009/10)


==Season-by-season record==
==Season-by-season record==
Line 88: Line 125:
|- align="center"
|- align="center"
| [[2009–10 EIHL season|2009–10]] ||align="left"| Elite Ice Hockey League || 56 || 24 || 26 || – || 6 || 54 || 194 || 196 || 5th
| [[2009–10 EIHL season|2009–10]] ||align="left"| Elite Ice Hockey League || 56 || 24 || 26 || – || 6 || 54 || 194 || 196 || 5th
|- style="background:#eee; text-align:center;"
| [[2010–11 EIHL season|2010–11]] ||align="left"| Elite Ice Hockey League || 54 || 43 || 10 || – || 1 || 87 || 265 || 132 || 1st
|- style="text-align:center;"
| [[2011–12 EIHL season|2011–12]] ||align="left"| Elite Ice Hockey League || 54 || 41 || 11 || – || 2 || 84 || 209 || 130 || 2nd
|- style="background:#eee; text-align:center;"
| [[2012–13 EIHL season|2012–13]] ||align="left"| Elite Ice Hockey League || 52 || 35 || 14 || – || 3 || 73 || 184 || 133 || 3rd
|- style="text-align:center;"
| [[2013–14 EIHL season|2013–14]] ||align="left"| Elite Ice Hockey League || 52 || 31 || 17 || – || 4 || 66 || 172 || 141 || 2nd
|- style="background:#eee; text-align:center;"
| [[2014–15 EIHL season|2014–15]] ||align="left"| Elite Ice Hockey League || 52 || 35 || 13 || – || 4 || 74 || 193 || 134 || 1st
|- style="text-align:center;"
| [[2015–16 EIHL season|2015–16]] ||align="left"| Elite Ice Hockey League || 52 || 34 || 14 || – || 4 || 72 || 190 || 161 || 1st
|- style="background:#eee; text-align:center;"
| [[2016–17 EIHL season|2016–17]] ||align="left"| Elite Ice Hockey League || 52 || 35 || 14 || – || 3 || 73 || 196 || 136 || 3rd
|- style="text-align:center;"
| [[2017–18 EIHL season|2017–18]] ||align="left"| Elite Ice Hockey League || 56 || 34 || 19 || – || 3 || 71 || 217 || 140 || 3rd
|- style="background:#eee; text-align:center;"
| [[2018–19 EIHL season|2018–19]] ||align="left"| Elite Ice Hockey League || 60 || 30 || 26 || – || 4 || 64 || 183 || 203 || 7th
|- style="text-align:center;"
| [[2019–20 EIHL season|2019–20]] ||align="left"| Elite Ice Hockey League || 49 || 31 || 17 || – || 1 || 63 || 211 || 154 || 2nd<sup>†††</sup>
|- style="background:#eee; "text-align:center;"
| [[2020–21 EIHL season|2020–21]] ||align="left"| Elite Ice Hockey League || Cancelled || Cancelled || Cancelled || Cancelled || Cancelled || N/A || N/A || N/A || N/A<sup>††††</sup>
|- style="text-align:center;"
| [[2021–22 EIHL season|2021–22]] ||align="left"| Elite Ice Hockey League || 54 || 37 || 10 || – || 7 || 81 || 202 || 138 || 2nd
|- style="background:#eee; text-align:center;"
| [[2022–23 EIHL season|2022–23]] ||align="left"| Elite Ice Hockey League || 54 || 36 || 13 || – || 5 || 77 || 190 || 129 || 3rd
|- style="text-align:center;"
| [[2023–24 EIHL season|2023–24]] ||align="left"| Elite Ice Hockey League || 54 || 45 || 8|| – || 1 || 91 || 228 || 113 || 1st
|}
|}
:<sup>†</sup>Finished second with 60 points. However, five points were deducted for breaking the wage cap
:<sup>†</sup>Finished second with 60 points. However, five points were deducted for breaking the wage cap
:<sup>‡</sup>Three points were awarded for a win in the 2000–01 season
:<sup>‡</sup>Three points were awarded for a win in the 2000–01 season
:<sup>††</sup>Five team league
:<sup>††</sup>Five team league
:<sup>†††</sup>The [[2019–20 EIHL season|2019–20]] season was cancelled in March 2020, with Sheffield having played 49 games, due to the coronavirus pandemic. The above stats reflect the Steelers' position at the time of the cancellation.
:<sup>††††</sup>The 2020–21 Elite League season – originally scheduled for a revised start date of 5 December – was suspended on 15 September 2020, because of ongoing coronavirus pandemic restrictions. The EIHL board determined that the season was non-viable without supporters being permitted to attend matches and unanimously agreed to a suspension.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.eliteleague.co.uk/article/927-eihl-board-suspend-2020-21-season|title=EIHL Board Suspend 2020–21 Season|website=EIHL|access-date=18 September 2020}}</ref> The season was cancelled completely in February 2021.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.eliteleague.co.uk/article/986-no-elite-league-season-2020-21|title=No Elite League Season 2020/21|website=EIHL|access-date=4 March 2021}}</ref> Sheffield were later announced as one of four Elite League teams taking part in the 'Elite Series' between April–May 2021, a total of 24 games culminating in a best-of-three play-off final series.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.eliteleague.co.uk/article/991-2021-elite-series-confirmed-for-april-may|title=2021 Elite Series confirmed for April–May!|website=EIHL|access-date=4 March 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.eliteleague.co.uk/article/1245-panthers-win-2021-elite-series|title=Panthers win 2021 Elite Series|website=EIHL|access-date=3 May 2021}}</ref>
==References==
{{Reflist}}
==External links==
==External links==
*[http://www.sheffieldsteelers.co.uk Sheffield Steelers]
*[http://www.sheffieldsteelers.co.uk Sheffield Steelers]

Latest revision as of 19:57, 4 August 2024

Sheffield Steelers
Sheffield Steelers.png
City Sheffield, England
League Elite Ice Hockey League
Founded 1991
Home arena Sheffield Arena
Owner(s) Flag of England Tony Smith
Championships
Regular season titles 1994–95, 1995–96, 2000–01, 2002–03, 2003–04, 2008–09, 2010–11, 2014-15, 2015-16, 2023-24
Autumn Cups 1995–96, 2000–01
Challenge Cups 1998–99, 1999–00, 2000–01, 2002–03, 2019-20, 2023-24
Playoff championships 1994–95, 1995–96, 1996–97, 2000–01, 2001–02, 2003–04, 2007–08, 2008–09, 2013–14, 2016-17, 2023-24

main

The Sheffield Steelers are a professional ice hockey team located in Sheffield, England. The club was formed in 1991 and plays its home games at the Sheffield Arena. They are currently a member of the Elite Ice Hockey League.

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 Games, and is a sizeable stadium originally seating 8,500 and located close to the city centre.[1] 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. They also began taking players to local football matches and together with mascots in an attempt to pull in football fans too. The Steelers' announcer David Simms gave certain players nicknames in the 1991–92 season to help the crowd associate with the players such as 'Rocket Ron Shudra, 'Stormin' Steve Nemeth and 'Magic' Mark Mackie.

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, the sharing of nicknames is 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.[2]

The Steelers have continued to fill the capacity of the Arena nearly every season since, including over 9,000 vs Nottingham on Boxing Day 2021. Sheffield began breaking several British ice hockey attendance records, and in March 1996 added an extra 1,200 seats to the Arena to meet the growing demand. The Manchester v Sheffield game in 1997 saw a UK record 17,245, such was the passion for the game at that time.[3]

On Sunday 3 December 2006, the Steelers played in their 1000th ever game.[4] The game was against the Basingstoke Bison at the Hallam FM Arena, for which special orange jerseys had been made for the match.[5] The Steelers lost the game 3–2[6] and the jerseys were all auctioned off at the game.

2000–present

In the 2000–01 campaign the Steelers completed a Grand Slam, becoming only the second club to win the Autumn Cup, League, Challenge Cup and Playoff Titles in the same season. They retained the Play-off title the following season, the first team to achieve this in the Superleague era, beating Manchester Storm on penalties in the Play-Off final, held at the National Ice Centre in Nottingham in front of a full house.

David Matsos was appointed as coach for the 2006–07 season. He led the Steelers to a fourth-place finish in the league and a place in the Challenge Cup Finals.[7]

In 2007 team Owner Bob Phillips and his wife sold their other Elite League club the Cardiff Devils in order to concentrate on building the Steelers.[8] The club won that season's Elite League Playoff Championship after beating the Coventry Blaze 2–0 in the final with goals from Johnathan Phillips and Dan Tessier. The Steelers were knocked out of the following season's Knockout Cup and Challenge Cup early, but finished first in a league campaign that saw them lose just three times in regulation. They made this a double by beating Nottingham Panthers 2–0 in the Play-Off final. The Steelers season ended in the Quarter Finals of the Play-offs after being knocked out by the Cardiff Devils.

The 2010–11 season was preceded by a "walk-out" of Steelers management and office staff, after a vote of no confidence in Owner Bob Phillips. Phillips put the club up for sale, and in December 2010 Paul Ragan, the CEO and owner of the Cardiff Devils, finalised acquiring the rights to the Sheffield Steelers. The Steelers were at the top of the league for the majority of the season, battling it out with the Cardiff Devils, .and won the league after back-to-back victories against the Braehead Clan. The Steelers were tied on points with Cardiff but won the league having more regulation time wins. After several rounds of negotiations, Simon decided not to renew his contract, and Ryan Finnerty was installed as player/coach after. During that season Sheffield Steelers became the first EIHL team to win a medal in Europe after their appearance in the Continental Cup superfinal.

Tony Smith took over as sole owner in August 2011 after buying out Paul Ragan. The Steelers won the 2013–14 Play-Off final 3–2 against Belfast Giants.

From 2014 onwards any time that the Sheffield Steelers win a game the player dubbed Man of the Match does a fast lap around the ice with a pre-planned celebration at the end of their fast lap. This tradition was then called "the Eddy" named after the player who originated this tradition Cullen Eddy. Some sources say that this was originally a prank devised by players at the time Mark Thomas and Jason Hewitt who skated over to Eddy and told him that it was a 20 year tradition at the club to do a fast lap around the perimeter of the ice. The prank paid off and after that the Steelers incorporated this in their match night celebrations[9][10]

At the end of season 2014–15 they beat the Cardiff Devils to clinch the Elite League title with 74 points. On 20 April 2015, they parted company with coach Gerad Adams. They soon brought in Paul Thompson, former GB coach, as head coach and general manager.[11] At the end of season 2015–16 they became only the second club in the history of ice hockey to become back to back champions when they defeated the Fife Flyers on the final day of the season to take the title.

Paul Thompson left the Sheffield Steelers on 1 October 2018, citing personal reasons.[12] He was replaced as head coach by Tom Barrasso.[13] On 16 April 2019 the club announced that Aaron Fox had been appointed as head coach and general manager of the club.[14] On 8 March 2020, the Steelers won the 2019–20 Challenge Cup beating Cardiff Devils 4–3 – their first Challenge Cup title for 17 years.

On 28 October 2023, during a game against the Sheffield Steelers at Utilita Arena, Adam Johnson of the Nottingham Panthers sustained a fatal injury. The injury occurred when Johnson's neck came into contact with the skate of Steelers player Matt Petgrave. The game was halted immediately, and medical personnel from both teams, as well as medically trained spectators, rushed to assist. Players from both teams gathered around Johnson during the emergency response efforts.[15][16] South Yorkshire Police are conducting an investigation into the incident and have urged the public to avoid speculation while inquiries continue.[17]

On 13 March 2024, the Sheffield Steelers brought an end to their four year trophy drought by winning the Challenge Cup at home against the Guildford Flames 3–1, their second Challenge Cup title in the Elite League era. On 24 March 2024, the Sheffield Steelers would clinch the Elite League title for the first time since the 2015–16 EIHL season qualifying them for the 2024–25 Champions Hockey League season.

Honours and awards

League Championships

Play Off Championships

Autumn Cups

  • 1995–96, 2000–01

Challenge Cups

20–20 Hockeyfest Tournament

  • 2009–10

Other

  • Yorkshire Cup: 2 (1993/94, 1994/95)
  • Benson & Hedges Cup: 2 (1995/95, 2000/01)
  • Knockout Cup: 1 (2005/06)
  • Charity Shield: 1 (2009/10)

Season-by-season record

Note: GP = Games played, W = Wins, L = Losses, T = Ties, OTL = Overtime losses, Pts = Points, GF = Goals for, GA = Goals against

Season 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 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 Ice Hockey Superleague 44 27 11 4 2 60 168 127 2nd
1997–98 Ice Hockey Superleague 44 20 18 3 3 50 169 163 6th
1998–99 Ice Hockey Superleague 42 17 19 4 2 40 135 141 6th
1999–00 Ice Hockey Superleague 42 24 14 2 2 52 188 155 2nd
2000–01 Ice Hockey Superleague 48 35 9 0 4 104 162 115 1st
2001–02 Ice Hockey Superleague 48 18 18 12 0 48 138 144 3rd
2002–03 Ice Hockey Superleague 32 18 8 5 1 42 162 115 1st††
2003–04 Elite Ice Hockey League 56 44 8 3 1 92 214 106 1st
2004–05 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 Elite Ice Hockey League 54 38 14 2 78 190 129 2nd
2008–09 Elite Ice Hockey League 54 41 6 7 89 201 115 1st
2009–10 Elite Ice Hockey League 56 24 26 6 54 194 196 5th
2010–11 Elite Ice Hockey League 54 43 10 1 87 265 132 1st
2011–12 Elite Ice Hockey League 54 41 11 2 84 209 130 2nd
2012–13 Elite Ice Hockey League 52 35 14 3 73 184 133 3rd
2013–14 Elite Ice Hockey League 52 31 17 4 66 172 141 2nd
2014–15 Elite Ice Hockey League 52 35 13 4 74 193 134 1st
2015–16 Elite Ice Hockey League 52 34 14 4 72 190 161 1st
2016–17 Elite Ice Hockey League 52 35 14 3 73 196 136 3rd
2017–18 Elite Ice Hockey League 56 34 19 3 71 217 140 3rd
2018–19 Elite Ice Hockey League 60 30 26 4 64 183 203 7th
2019–20 Elite Ice Hockey League 49 31 17 1 63 211 154 2nd†††
2020–21 Elite Ice Hockey League Cancelled Cancelled Cancelled Cancelled Cancelled N/A N/A N/A N/A††††
2021–22 Elite Ice Hockey League 54 37 10 7 81 202 138 2nd
2022–23 Elite Ice Hockey League 54 36 13 5 77 190 129 3rd
2023–24 Elite Ice Hockey League 54 45 8 1 91 228 113 1st
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
†††The 2019–20 season was cancelled in March 2020, with Sheffield having played 49 games, due to the coronavirus pandemic. The above stats reflect the Steelers' position at the time of the cancellation.
††††The 2020–21 Elite League season – originally scheduled for a revised start date of 5 December – was suspended on 15 September 2020, because of ongoing coronavirus pandemic restrictions. The EIHL board determined that the season was non-viable without supporters being permitted to attend matches and unanimously agreed to a suspension.[18] The season was cancelled completely in February 2021.[19] Sheffield were later announced as one of four Elite League teams taking part in the 'Elite Series' between April–May 2021, a total of 24 games culminating in a best-of-three play-off final series.[20][21]

References

  1. Sheffield Arena (2007). "Directions to the Sheffield Arena Sheffield". sheffieldarena.co.uk. http://www.sheffieldarena.co.uk/About%20The%20Arena/Directions/. 
  2. "Sister Cities International". http://www.sister-cities.org/icrc/directory/usa/PA. 
  3. "Manchester Storm Make History". AO Arena Manchester. 23 February 2015. https://ao-arena.com/wearemanchester/article/manchester-storm-make-history/2137/. Retrieved 8 April 2022. 
  4. Sheffield Steelers (2006). "1000th Game Fast Approaches". sheffieldsteelers.co.uk. http://www.sheffieldsteelers.co.uk/news/archives/index.html?article_id=1256. 
  5. Sheffield Steelers (2006). "Special Game Shirt for Sunday". sheffieldsteelers.co.uk. http://www.sheffieldsteelers.co.uk/news/archives/index.html?article_id=1254. 
  6. Sheffield Steelers (2006). "Steelers Go Down to the Bison on their 1,000th Night". sheffieldsteelers.co.uk. http://www.sheffieldsteelers.co.uk/news/archives/index.html?article_id=1263. 
  7. Britich Ice Hockey.co.uk (2007). "Elite Ice Hockey League – 2006/07". britishicehockey.co.uk. http://www.britishicehockey.co.uk/leagueeihl0607.htm. 
  8. "Steelers chief sells Devils", The Sheffield Star. 
  9. "Eddy Leaves: The Eddy Remains". 19 June 2023. https://sheffieldsteelers.co.uk/eddy-leaves-the-eddy-remains/. 
  10. "Thanks Cullen – The Eddy Just Gets Better and Better". 19 June 2023. https://sheffieldsteelers.co.uk/thanks-cullen-the-eddy-just-gets-better-and-better/. 
  11. "Coach Thompson". http://www.steelersrecruitment.co.uk/index.php/about-us/coach-thompson. 
  12. "Paul Thompson Leaves the". Sheffield Steelers. 13 October 2018. https://sheffieldsteelers.co.uk/paul-thompson-leaves-the-sheffield-steelers/. 
  13. "Steelers Confirm Tom Barrasso as Head Coach". Sheffield Steelers. 13 October 2018. https://sheffieldsteelers.co.uk/steelers-confirm-tom-barrasso-as-head-coach/. 
  14. "Aaron Fox is the Steelers New Head Coach and GM.". Sheffield Steelers. 16 April 2019. https://sheffieldsteelers.co.uk/aaron-fox-is-the-steelers-new-head-coach-and-gm/. 
  15. "Adam Johnson: Nottingham Panthers forward dies after neck cut in Challenge Cup match" (in en). BBC Sport. 29 October 2023. https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/ice-hockey/67253892. 
  16. "Police investigate Nottingham Panthers ice hockey player’s death after throat cut by opponent’s blade" (in en). The Telegraph. 29 October 2023. https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/2023/10/29/adam-johnson-nottingham-panthers-ice-hockey-player-dies/. 
  17. Hartley, Joshua. "Official police statement after death of Nottingham Panthers star Adam Johnson", Nottingham Post, 30 October 2023. Retrieved on 31 October 2023. 
  18. "EIHL Board Suspend 2020–21 Season". https://www.eliteleague.co.uk/article/927-eihl-board-suspend-2020-21-season. 
  19. "No Elite League Season 2020/21". https://www.eliteleague.co.uk/article/986-no-elite-league-season-2020-21. 
  20. "2021 Elite Series confirmed for April–May!". https://www.eliteleague.co.uk/article/991-2021-elite-series-confirmed-for-april-may. 
  21. "Panthers win 2021 Elite Series". https://www.eliteleague.co.uk/article/1245-panthers-win-2021-elite-series. 

External links

Preceded by
Cardiff Devils
Premier League Champions
1994–95, 1995–96
Succeeded by
Last Champions
Preceded by
Cardiff Devils
Playoff Champions
1994–95, 1995–96, 1996–97
Succeeded by
Ayr Scottish Eagles
Preceded by
Nottingham Panthers
Autumn Cup Winners
1995–96
Succeeded by
Nottingham Panthers
Preceded by
Ayr Scottish Eagles
Challenge Cup Winners
1998–99, 1999–00, 2000–01
Succeeded by
Ayr Scottish Eagles
Preceded by
Bracknell Bees
Superleague Champions
2000–01
Succeeded by
Belfast Giants
Preceded by
London Knights
Playoff Champions
2000–01, 2001–02
Succeeded by
Belfast Giants
Preceded by
Manchester Storm
Autumn Cup Winners
2000–01
Succeeded by
Last Champions
Preceded by
Belfast Giants
Superleague Champions
2002–03
Succeeded by
Last Champions
Preceded by
Ayr Scottish Eagles
Challenge Cup Winners
2002–03
Succeeded by
Nottingham Panthers
Preceded by
Inaugural Champions
Elite League Champions
2003–04
Succeeded by
Coventry Blaze
Preceded by
Belfast Giants
Playoff Champions
2003–04
Succeeded by
Coventry Blaze
Preceded by
Inaugural Champions
Knockout Cup Winners
2005–06
Succeeded by
Cardiff Devils
Preceded by
Nottingham Panthers
Playoff Champions
2007–08, 2008–09
Succeeded by
Belfast Giants
Preceded by
Coventry Blaze
Elite League Champions
2008–09
Succeeded by
Coventry Blaze
Preceded by
Coventry Blaze
Elite League Champions
2010–11
Succeeded by
Belfast Giants


Ice hockey in Great Britain
Elite Ice Hockey League (2003-present)

Belfast Giants - Cardiff Devils - Coventry Blaze - Dundee Stars - Fife Flyers - Glasgow Clan - Manchester Storm - Nottingham Panthers - Sheffield Steelers

National Ice Hockey League (1997-present)

National League: Berkshire Bees - Bristol Pitbulls - Hull Seahawks - Leeds Knights - Milton Keynes Lightning - Peterborough Phantoms - Raiders - Sheffield Steeldogs - Solway Sharks - Swindon Wildcats

North Division 1: Billingham Stars - Blackburn Hawks - Nottingham Lions - Solihull Barons - Sutton Sting - Whitley Warriors

South Division 1: Cardiff Fire - Chelmsford Chieftains - Invicta Dynamos - Milton Keynes Thunder - Oxford City Stars - Raiders 2 - Slough Jets - Solent Devils - Streatham IHC

North Division 2: Altrincham Aces - Blackburn Hawks 2 - Bradford Bulldogs - Deeside Dragons - Hull Jets - Sheffield Senators - Telford Tigers 2 - Widnes Wild

South Division 2: Basingstoke Buffalo - Guildford Phoenix - Haringey Huskies - Invicta Mustangs - Lee Valley Lions - Peterborough Phantoms 2 - Solent Devils 2 - Streatham Hawks - Swindon Wildcats 2

Scottish National League (2000-present)

Aberdeen Lynx - Dundee Comets - Dundee Tigers - Edinburgh Capitals - Kilmarnock Thunder - Kirkcaldy Kestrels - North Ayrshire Wild - Paisley Pirates

Other current competitions

League Championship - Playoff Championship - Challenge Cup - British Universities Ice Hockey Association - Ice Hockey Varsity Match - Northern League - Women's Elite Ice Hockey League - Scottish Cup

Defunct competitions

Airlie Trophy - Ahearne Cup - Anderson Trophy - Autumn Cup - Association Cup - Bairns Trophy - British Hockey League - British Home Tournaments - British National League (1954–1960) - British National League (1996–2005) - Christmas Cup - Coronation Cup - Coronation Gold Cup - English Club Championship - English League - English League North - English National League - English Premier Ice Hockey Cup - English Premier Ice Hockey League - Findus Challenge Cup - Ice Hockey Superleague - Inter-City League - London Cup - Millenium Cup - Mitchell Trophy - Northern League (1966-1982) - Northern League (2005–2011) - Planet Ice Challenge League - President's Pucks - Scottish Canada Cup - Scottish Cup (1930s-1950s) - Scottish League Flag Trophy - Scottish National League (1929–1954) - Scottish National League (1981-1982) - Scottish Premier Hockey League - Southern League - Winter Cup

Defunct teams

Aldershot Bullets - Amateur Skating Club - Argyll Ice Hockey Club - Ayr Bruins - Ayr Scottish Eagles - Blackburn Eagles - Blackpool Seagulls - Brighton Ambassadors - Brighton Ice Hockey Club - Brighton Tigers - Cardiff Rage - Castlereagh Knights - Dumfries Vikings - Dunfermline Vikings Dundee Rockets - Durham City Wasps - Durham Wasps - Earls Court Rangers - Edinburgh Capitals (SNL) - Flintshire Freeze - Fylde Flyers - Harringay Greyhounds - Harringay Racers - Hull Pirates - Hull Stingrays - Hull Thunder - Humberside Seahawks - Kilmarnock Storm - Lancashire Raptors - Liverpool Leopards - London Canadians - London Lions - London Knights - London Racers - Manchester Minotaurs - Manchester Phoenix - Manchester Rapids - Manchester Storm - Medway Bears - Milton Keynes Kings - Moray Typhoons - Murrayfield Racers - Murrayfield Racers (2018-2022) - Newcastle Jesters - Newcastle Vipers - Niagara Ice Hockey Club - Oxford Blades - Oxford Canadians - Peterborough Pirates - Princes Ice Hockey Club - Richmond Flyers - Richmond Hawks - Royal Engineers Ice Hockey Club - Sheffield Lancers - Sheffield Scimitars - Slough Jets ENL - Southampton Vikings - Sunderland Chiefs - TDC Northern Stars - Wembley Lions - Wembley Monarchs - Wightlink Raiders - Wightlink Tigers

Governing bodies

English Ice Hockey Association - Ice Hockey UK - Northern Ireland Ice Hockey Association - Scottish Ice Hockey - British Ice Hockey Association (defunct) - National Ice Skating Association (defunct)

Other

British National Team - Women's British National Team - British Junior National Team - British Ice Hockey Hall of Fame - Ice Hockey Journalists UK

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