Head coach David Matsos said: "Mark is an integral part of our hockey club, one of the livewires around the place. He is a valued and trusted member of the group of guys we have here.

"Depth is something that is important to me," continued Matsos. "Mark Thomas is a major part of that depth. I trust him out on the ice in all situations. He is responsible and he has a physical edge to his game.

"For me it was a no brainer. I looked around at my options and couldn't see a guy fitting in to his job better than him. He loves it in Sheffield. He feels a real part of what we are doing here and it was a quick and easy negotiation."

Thomas has played 146 games for the Steelers, the last of which was the Play Off Championship final against Coventry. "I think about that game every day," said Thomas, speaking from his home in Stockport.

"Sheffield have been good to me over the years. They took me in and game me the chance. I still think there is more to come and I want to play more hockey and my best hockey in Sheffield. I want to make the step-up to the national team and play for my country.

"Since the season ended all the guys have been talking about next year and an assault on the league championship. I have never known guys talk about next year so soon after this season had ended. I think we would all love top going right now if we could!"