Another Step Closer for Foxy
The Sheffield Steelers have moved another step closer to finalising their roster for the 2026-27 Motorpoint Elite League season with the signing of highly-skilled Canadian centre Adam Rockwood.
The 30-year-old arrives in Sheffield after spending the past six seasons playing in some of Europe’s top leagues, following the start of his professional career in North America after graduating from Northern Michigan University.
Rockwood began his pro career splitting time between the Springfield Thunderbirds in the American Hockey League and the Greenville Swamp Rabbits in the ECHL, before embarking on a successful spell in Europe that has seen him ice in Sweden, Finland, Austria and Slovakia.
His move to Sheffield has been some time in the making.
“I’m delighted and really excited to be joining the Steelers,” said Rockwood. “I came very close to signing last season and then spoke with the club again during the season, but I guess timing is everything and this just felt like the right moment to make the move.
“Everything I’ve seen and everything I’ve been told points to Sheffield being an amazing place to play. The facilities are first class, the fans are incredible and, most importantly, I’m joining a team that has the quality to win hockey games.”
Rockwood already has strong connections within the Steelers dressing room, having been a teammate of defenceman Brien Diffley, who was only too happy to recommend life in Sheffield.
“Diff is one of my best friends and we’ve stayed in touch ever since we played together,” Rockwood continued. “We spoke a lot throughout my conversations with Foxy and he had nothing but positive things to say about the club and the city.
“Whenever I’m looking at joining a team, one of the first things I look at is how many players want to come back year after year. Seeing so many familiar faces returning tells you everything you need to know about the organisation and the environment they’ve built here.”
Describing his own game, Rockwood believes Steelers supporters will enjoy watching a player who prides himself on creating opportunities for those around him.
“I’m a pass-first centreman. I like to be creative, hold onto the puck and try to open up the ice for my linemates. If I can put teammates into good scoring positions, then that’s what I want to do.
“I’m a good skater, I compete hard every shift and I like to think I play a strong two-way game. Being responsible defensively is just as important to me as producing offensively.”
Steelers Head Coach Aaron Fox believes Rockwood’s experience and hockey intelligence will make him an ideal addition to the club’s forward group.
“Adam is a high-end playmaking centre who plays with an edge and executes at a really high level, whether that’s in open ice or in tight traffic areas.
“He’s produced strong numbers everywhere he’s played in Europe and he’s a highly competitive player who wants to win. We think he’s going to fit into our group really well.”
Rockwood’s arrival takes the Steelers another step towards completing their roster for the new season, with supporters now eagerly awaiting the announcement of the club’s remaining additions as preparations continue for the opening of training camp next month.
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