A message from Marco Vallerand …
This is one hard letter to write
In 2019, I stepped off a flight from Austria just for the day and walked into a sold out event at the Holiday Inn Hotel, not to play, not even to train, but just to be introduced. I stood alongside Aaron Fox, not knowing exactly what the future held, but in that moment, I learned something that would define the next few years of my life: what it truly means to be a Steeler.
Thank you to the Coaches, teammates, ownership, Tony, Shaun, Cheryl and Michelle, staff, management, trainers, thank you so much Andy, office staff, media crew, volunteers, just to name a few: Aaron, Carter, Mike, Alfie, Simmsey, Big Mike, Dom Stokes, and everyone who keeps and kept this machine running. You are the heartbeat of the Steelers, and I’m so grateful for everything you’ve done for me!
To some teammates past and recent the ones who became family, THANK YOU!! we’ve been through the highest highs and the lowest lows. Ebz, Ducs, Cons, schulzy, Marty, Lats, Sash, Marco, Hut-dog the 19/20 and grand slam seasons were different in all the best ways. Thank you.
And to the fans… wow! From that very first day, you embraced me with an energy and warmth that I’ll never forget. 🧡
You made me feel home. Thank you for your unwavering passion, for turning up game after game, for making the arena feel like our NHL. Watching the crowd grow year after year to consistent sellouts has been one of the most rewarding parts of this journey. You made every moment on the ice mean that much more and you’ll always be welcome wherever I’ll be playing!
Being a Steeler has been one of the greatest honours of my career. This city and this club has given me memories and friendships on & off the ice I’ll carry with me forever. Saying that, Stefano, Salvatore, Jack, Mark, Dean and Michael thank you for taking such good care of me and see you soon. 🍻 ☕️ ✝️
Finally, Dowdy, I don’t even know where to start brother, I guess saying thank you and I love you doesn’t seem enough. It’s been a blast having you in Italy and in Sheffield What an honour playing alongside you watching you break milestones after milestones. You are a true model and inspiration to me. See you soon Bro 🤍
Thank you for everything, Sheffield.
On to the next challenge 🏆 🏒 🦂
Vally