Said Sheppard: "I thought as a team we played well for the majority of last year. We came strong at the right time and after going so close in the league and the Challenge Cup it was only right we won the play off finals against Coventry."

Sheppard will once again return as player assistant coach and Head Coach David Matsos couldn't be happier. He said: "Shepp was a major reason we won last year.

"We work very well together. We like the game played in the same way and we bounce ideas around well."

Steelers have also confirmed that both Steve Munn and Randy Dagenais will be returning to complete their second year of two year contracts with the club. The two men joined Steelers last year in conjunction with the University of Sheffield, where both are completing MBA degree courses.

Steelers GM Mike O'Connor said: "A lot of people have asked me recently about these two guys, and whether or not they would be returning. It was always the case that both guys were here for the two years, and we hope a lot longer if their form last season is anything to go by."

Defenseman Dagenais said: "I feel right at home here, most of the guys have departed back home some winning the play-offs. However, Steve and I are completing our first year at the University so we are here for a bit longer. I feel right at home in Sheffield, both in the city and on the ice at the Arena

"We enjoyed a great year with the Steelers ending, of course, with that amazing Play Off Championship victory."