The Elite Ice Hockey League have confirmed the fixture schedule for the 2016-17 season with the Steelers once again defending their league title.
The Steelers will be looking to make it a record breaking three in a row league championships, they are already the only club in the league to have won the title 5 times.
The season starts for the Steelers on the weekend of the 13th and 14th August with two home exhibition games against Aalborg Pirates from the Danish Elite League.
Then it’s Champions Hockey League action for Paul Thompson’s side. First away against HV71 (18th Aug) and Salzburg (20th Aug) – with the home legs being played at the Sheffield Arena on Saturday 27th August (Vs HV71) and Sunday 11th September (Vs Salzburg)
Sandwiched between the two CHL games will be the Steelers first domestic competition with the Sheffield hosting Manchester Storm at the Arena on Sunday 4th September.
The defence of the Elite League title begins on Saturday 1st October when former coach Ryan Finnerty brings title chasing Braehead Clan to the Sheffield Arena.
Other nights for your diary, well the Steelers first home game against the Nottingham Panthers – a Challenge Cup affair on Sunday 18th September
An away Scottish Double Header – 5th and 6th November in Edinburgh and Dundee.
One Direction allowing, a Belfast Double Header weekend away on the 7th and 8th January.
Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without the Nottingham Panthers – on Boxing Day the Steelers host their arch rivals with the return fixture in the Lace City on the 27th.
The league season will end on the 25th and 26th March with a road trip to Nottingham and a home fixture at the Arena against Coventry Blaze.
Steelers 2016/17 Fixtures “HERE”
Head coach Paul Thompson said “It’s a busy schedule and as demanding as ever. We can’t wait to get started and try and defend our championship, it’s a huge challenge but one we are all up for
“The CHL will once again be a massive test, but we are the Sheffield Steelers and we want to test ourself against the best. In HV71 and Red Bull Salzburg we are certainly up against them.
“All competitions are important to us, we want them all, the cup, the play off’s but we are a club that focusses on league success. To win three in a row would be an amazing achievement.
“One thing I noticed last year was the incredible rise in fan support as the season went on. I think the fans enjoyed out style, our incredible work ethic and of course the chase for a championship. Crowds increased in size and volume. Make no doubt about it, that effects the players. They love playing in front of the big crowds. I hope the fans come out again and support this great club throughout the 2016/17 season”
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