As the Sheffield Steelers wrap up another competitive season, attention inevitably shifts to roster decisions for 2025–26. Head coach Aaron Fox has built a strong foundation, but key choices lie ahead: which players have earned another year in orange, and who might be looking elsewhere?
Below, we break down the entire roster — goalies, defensemen, and forwards — and assess each player’s impact this season, along with a 1–10 re-sign rating based on performance, value, and future potential.
🧤 GOALTENDERS
⭐ Matthew Greenfield – Re-sign Rating: 10/10
Greenfield delivered yet another outstanding campaign, reaffirming his position as one of the EIHL’s premier goaltenders. Appearing in over 60 games, his consistency, composure, and athleticism made him the bedrock of the Steelers’ defensive success. He faced high shot volumes with poise and was frequently the difference-maker in tight games. At just 30, he’s entering his prime. Retaining Greenfield should be a top priority — though interest from European leagues and North America is inevitable.
❌ Marco De Filippo – 1/10
Brought in as a seasoned backup with international experience, De Filippo was hampered early on by injuries and ultimately failed to make a significant impact. Despite a few spot starts, he lacked rhythm and rarely threatened Greenfield’s hold on the crease. Given his limited use and shaky outings, the Steelers would benefit from seeking a more reliable and possibly younger backup.
🛡️ DEFENCEMEN
⭐ Dominic Cormier – Re-sign Rating: 10/10
Cormier was Sheffield’s most dependable defenseman throughout the season. He played in every fixture and consistently logged big minutes against top opposition. His smooth skating, precise outlet passing, and unflappable presence in both zones made him a pillar on the blue line. Cormier also chipped in offensively, contributing regularly without sacrificing defensive responsibility. Still only 27, he should be viewed as a franchise cornerstone.
✅ Kevin Tansey – Already Re-signed
Tansey has quickly become a fan favourite thanks to his work rate, toughness, and willingness to do whatever the team needs. Whether blocking shots, stepping up for teammates, or rotating into a forward role during injury crises, he embodies leadership. Signing him on a two year contract last season was a smart move — he brings the kind of grit and versatility you build a team around.
🔁 Joona Huttula – Re-sign Rating: 8/10
After a slow start adjusting to the EIHL, Huttula found his stride midway through the season. He formed a reliable pairing with Cormier and brought a physical, structured presence on the back end. The Finnish defenseman contributed 26 points and displayed a calmness under pressure that became more pronounced as the season progressed. At 28, he’s a strong candidate to return and improve further.
🔁 Colton Saucerman – Re-sign Rating: 8/10
Despite suffering a upper body injury that kept him out for a stretch of the season, Saucerman returned to play a stabilising role in the latter months. While his offensive numbers dipped from previous years, his leadership and experience were invaluable. He remains a steady, two-way option on the blue line — and let’s be honest, the iconic beard is almost a mascot in itself.
🤷 Brien Diffley – Re-sign Rating: 6/10
Diffley is an excellent skater with great puck-moving ability, but struggled to replicate the form that made him a standout during his first Steelers stint. His positioning occasionally let him down against faster opponents, though his effort was never in question. If brought back, it would likely be in a third-pair.
🤷 Sacha Guimond – Re-sign Rating: 6/10
At 34, Guimond brings a veteran presence and a booming shot from the point. He was a reliable if unspectacular option throughout the season, but age and mobility are potential concerns going forward. If retained, he may be best suited as a depth defenseman or power-play specialist.
📈 Reece Kelly – Development Contract
The young British defenseman saw limited ice time but showed promise during his appearances. While not yet ready for a full-time role, his development is worth investing in, particularly under EIHL import regulations. Expect him to split time again in a sheltered third pair or rotation role.
❌ Veeti Vainio – Re-sign Rating: 4/10
Vainio was a midseason addition who struggled to make a significant impression despite having flashes. While he has good size and skating, his impact was minimal, and he never quite cracked the regular rotation. A return to the Finnish leagues feels likely.
🚀 FORWARDS
⭐ Maxim Golod – Re-sign Rating: 10/10
Though only with the team for 27 games, Golod made an immediate and electrifying impact. His creativity, edge work, and offensive vision lit up the league — registering over a point per game. He gave the Steelers a dynamic playmaker they lacked early in the year. If there’s any chance to bring him back, the club must do everything in its power to make it happen.
⭐ Brandon Whistle – Re-sign Rating: 10/10
Whistle had a career-best season, tallying 32 points in 49 games and establishing himself as one of the top British forwards in the league. His physicality, hockey IQ, and finishing touch made him a reliable contributor at both ends. Given his age, form, and passport, he’s absolutely essential to retain.
🔥 Mikko Juusola – Re-sign Rating: 9/10
Juusola led the team with 27 goals and brought high-end speed and finishing ability to the top six. His chemistry with Balmas and Golod created some of the team’s most exciting hockey. At just 27, he’s entering his prime and should be high on the club’s re-signing priority list — though his success may draw interest from larger European leagues.
💪 Mitchell Balmas – Re-sign Rating: 8/10
The team's leading point-scorer (57 points) was consistent all season, even if his production plateaued slightly compared to previous years. Balmas remains an elite offensive talent and power-play weapon. He’ll be in demand, and retaining him will come down to budget and fit alongside other returnees.
⚡ Patrick Watling – Re-sign Rating: 7/10
Watling contributed 55 points and continued to be a power-play asset. While still effective, his play lacked some of the dynamism seen in earlier campaigns. If retained, he could be leaned on in a more specialised scoring role rather than a top-line centre.
🔄 Mark Simpson – Re-sign Rating: 7/10
Simpson doesn’t light up the scoresheet, but he plays a crucial defensive role, dominating faceoffs and excelling on the penalty kill. His size and awareness make him a valuable depth centre, especially in tight games. A safe, low-risk re-sign.
🧪 Robert Dowd – Already Re-signed
The club legend continues to defy age, posting 17 goals and 39 points despite dealing with injuries. At 36, he remains one of the top British players in the league. Already confirmed to return, he’ll again be a key leader and contributor next season.
📋 Daniel Ciampini – Re-sign Rating: 5/10
Ciampini’s production dipped significantly, finishing with just five goals. He transitioned into a more defensive role but never fully adjusted to the shift in expectations. At 34, his future likely depends on whether the team wants to prioritise youth or experience in bottom-six roles.
🧓 Marc-Olivier Vallerand – Re-sign Rating: 5/10
A longtime servant of the club, Vallerand continues to show flashes of scoring brilliance but has slowed noticeably. At 36, he may be better suited to a third-line or power-play specialist role, if he returns at all.
❌ Daniel Leavens – Re-sign Rating: 4/10
Leavens started the season brightly but struggled defensively and was eventually pushed down the lineup. Inconsistent performances and lack of two-way play suggest it’s time for the team to move in another direction.
❌ Joel Janatuinen – Re-sign Rating: 1/10
A promising CHL start was cut short by injuries, and he never returned to the lineup. It’s difficult to evaluate his full potential, but with so little impact this season, a return seems unlikely.
🔄 Cole Shudra – Development Contract
A depth option with local roots. Shudra showed flashes but remains primarily a bottom-line player. Valuable under import restrictions and as an injury replacement, but unlikely to break into a top-nine role.
🔄 Finlay Ulrick – Development Contract
Split time between the Steelers and SteelDogs. He filled in admirably when needed, and with further development, he could become a reliable role player. A sensible depth re-sign.
💥 Samuel Tremblay – Temporary Signing
Brought in on a short-term deal, Tremblay was a pleasant surprise. He brought energy, speed, and grit. Though he returns to the SteelDogs, he’s left a good impression and may be called upon again in the future.
🔚 Final Thoughts
The Steelers are in a strong position heading into the offseason, with a solid defensive core and a handful of top-end forwards worth building around. Greenfield, Cormier, Balmas, Whistle, and Golod (if possible) form a spine that any EIHL team would envy.
There will inevitably be changes — particularly among older veterans and those with expiring deals — but with smart retention and a few bold signings, the Steelers could be poised for a serious title run in 2025–26.
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