Thomas Confirmed as a Steelers for Year 8

Mark Thomas has signed a new deal with the Sheffield Steelers that will see him commence his eight season at the Arena Club in September.

"Re-signing Tomo was never an issue" said head coach Ryan Finnerty "I know some people were putting two and two together and coming up with 71 after we signed Danny Meyers. The deal with Mark was agreed weeks ago but Mark was away with GB and then went on holiday so we didn't have time to get together and sign it, we shook hands and that was enough for me. Mark met Tony Smith on Thursday to complete the formalities and away we go

"Tomo has become a reliable and solid D man for us, he can play in all situations and last season played probably played as our number 3 D man at times. Having four quality imports plus Danny Meyers alongside him this year will give the Steelers I think the strongest D core that the Elite League has seen. He is a character player and person, you don't stay in Sheffield for eight years unless your are. Those inside our hockey club know how valuable he is to us, a leader, a guy who turns up to the rink with a positive attitude every day. With many new players joining us next season Tomo will be valuable on and off the ice as a player and as our most senior player"

Thomas joined the Steelers back in the 2005-06 and has since played almost 400 games for the club and become a senior GB international.

"I wasn't going anywhere" said Thomas "as I get older I guess the time will come when I will have to get a proper job and join the real world, but I'm trying to delay that for as long as possible. I couldn't have had a better time than the one I have had here in Sheffield and I want that to continue for a while yet. We have got used to winning here and that’s a good feeling, we thought we were going to experience it again for a lot of last season but it wasn't to be. With the new signings and the stable ownership I can only see good times and success ahead for us

"I welcome the new additions at the back end, if we can rotate six D man for the majority of the season it will only help us, when out on the ice we can go harder, be more aggressive and not have to conserve energy. Its a huge step forward for the club going with six and I can't wait to get back to the rink and get her going again"