Defensive pairing back with Steelers

Photo: Dean Woolley

Defensemen Niklas Nevalainen and Matt Petgrave (pictured) have re-signed with Sheffield Steelers ahead of the 2023/24 season.

Finn Nevalainen, 30 years old, put up 23 assists in 54 regular season games for the Steelers last year, and ended the campaign at +40 in his first EIHL season. 

31-year-old Canadian Petgrave led the Steelers for assists in 2022/23 with 39 in 54 league games, combined with nine goals for 48 points of the regular season and ending +41. 

“I’m really excited to have this pair back together as they were extremely effective," began Head Coach Aaron Fox. "They only gave up an even strength goal every 41 minutes of 5-on-5 time they were out there together which is an elite accomplishment."

He continued: "Matt is a player who can jump in the play and produce some big numbers offensively. Defensively he is very aggressive and gets us stops below the goal line, he has excellent gap control and is willing to put his body on the line on the PK.

"Niklas has a great stick defensively and is always in the right spot at the right time. He is a pure mover who always make the smart correct play without much risk in his game and is a selfless teammate."

The Steelers will announce another part of their new season roster on Thursday.