Steelers, Steeldogs and SIHA launch UK's Premier Player Pathway
Photo: Dean Woolley
The Sheffield Steelers and Steeldogs, in collaboration with the Sheffield Ice Hockey Academy, are thrilled to announce a landmark partnership designed to build the most comprehensive player development pathway in the UK. This pioneering alliance for the 2025 season will establish Sheffield as the first UK city offering an unbroken progression through every level of the sport from youth hockey through to the Elite level, empowering young talent to pursue their dreams in the sport. The partnership includes a transformative investment in the Sheffield Scimitars NIHL team, setting the stage for a seamless player journey from under-10s all the way to the pros.
The Steelers, members of the Elite League since its formation and current treble trophy champions, have already made strides in enhancing player development since acquiring the Steeldogs in 2023. Tony Smith, Owner of the Sheffield Steelers, shared his excitement:
“This partnership creates an unrivalled pathway for hockey in the UK, underscoring our commitment to nurturing talent and building Sheffield into a hub for player development.”
Steelers head coach Aaron Fox was also delighted with the agreement saying “Having a pathway from the grassroots can only assist the professional game in the years to come, we have already found the collaboration with the Steeldogs most useful, being able to use the likes of Finlay Ulrick, Nathan Ripley and Ivan Bjorkly Nordstrom has assisted both our club and their development greatly.
“There seems a great appetite from all involved to increase this chain effect all the way through the academy to the Steelers, this is exactly how it should be and I am proud to be at a club that is encouraging this pathway, every youngster starting out on their hockey journey in Sheffield now knows there is a route to the professional game with the Steelers”
The Sheffield Ice Hockey Academy, one of the UK’s largest hockey academies, boasts an impressive legacy, producing stars like Liam Kirk, Ben O’Connor, Ben Bowns and the Steeldogs' own Ben Morgan, who now serves as head coach of the Steeldogs.
“Having come through this academy myself, I know how crucial it is to have solid development. This collaboration will give young players the support and resources they need to reach their highest potential,” Morgan noted.
Recent appointments within the Academy’s coaching leadership team, including Mark Illingworth, Martin White, and the Steeldogs’ Head of Development Steve Weeks, will drive a cohesive coaching approach, integrating training programs across all levels to ensure a smooth transition for players as they advance. Abi White, Chair of Sheffield Ice Hockey Academy, sees this as a vital milestone:
“We’re building a future where Sheffield is the go-to destination for aspiring hockey players. This partnership is a significant step toward making that vision a reality.”
The Sheffield Scimitars will remain an integral part of the Sheffield Academy, the new coaching team, investment and the unified pathway are enabling players to advance through to professional hockey. This collaborative approach symbolises a unified effort in nurturing talent, not only enriching the future of British ice hockey but also fostering an enduring legacy of excellence and opportunity for players nationwide.
