Sheffield Steelers return to action this weekend after over 12 months off the ice

It's been a long wait for fans of the Sheffield Steelers.

Last March thousands travelled to Cardiff to watch their team win the Challenge Cup. Little did they know it would be over 12 months before their heroes would return to the ice.

Sheffield Steelers celebrate winning the Challenge Cup in March 2020 Credit: Sheffield Steelers

This Saturday the Steelers will play their first match of the Elite Series - a competition between four of the countries best teams played over five weeks in Nottingham. Sadly there'll be no fans inside the arena, but they will be able to watch the team with every match being streamed live.

Head coach Aaron Fox has been busy building a roster capable of competing in this innovative mini-league.

Sheffield Steelers Head Coach Aaron Fox with Challenge Cup Credit: Sheffield Steelers

Returning to the club after two years playing in North America is 21 year old Liam Kirk from Maltby.

Amongst the new faces is French Canadian Jeremy Beaudry, who arrives in South Yorkshire from Danish outfit Rødovre Mighty Bulls.

The Steelers only returned for camp on Tuesday, which gives them less than a week of preparation for their opening encounter against fierce rivals Nottingham on Saturday.

Sheffield Steelers training at Ice Sheffield Credit: ITV Calendar

Nevertheless, as the last team to win a trophy before the sport was put on ice, the Steelers hope to be the first to win one now their back on the ice.