The 2026-27 Steelers – Together at Last
After a summer of recruitment, announcements and airport arrivals, the 2026-27 Sheffield Steelers were finally all together on Monday.
The Steelers and Steeldogs gathered at the Sandman Signature Hotel Sheffield for the clubs’ annual Induction Day and, as always, our official hotel partners looked after the players and staff superbly throughout a very busy day.
Induction Day serves many purposes and, for the players at least, some parts are rather more enjoyable than others!
The morning belonged largely to the club’s media team.
With a new season comes a whole new collection of player introductions for the giant screens at the Utilita Arena, so every member of the squad spent time in front of the cameras filming the clips you’ll see throughout the year.
And, of course, there were the all-important goal celebrations to record.
There were certainly some interesting ideas from the boys this year, but you’ll have to wait until the goals start going in to see those!
Club photographers were also kept busy capturing all the official head-and-shoulders images that will appear across the Steelers website, match night programme and Elite League media throughout the campaign.
Open Wide, Tim!
There are also the practical jobs that need completing before a puck is dropped.
Our dental partners at Confidental joined us to ensure the players were properly fitted for their new mouthguards.
Among those taking his turn in the dentist’s chair was new arrival Tim Gettinger , although after more than 900 professional games, we’re sure it wasn’t the most intimidating seat he’s ever occupied!
Time for lunch where the boys gathered together to enjoy a superb spread put on by our Hotel Partners, Sandman.
It was then time for the serious stuff.
Tony Welcomes the Team
The formal Steelers induction was chaired by club owner Tony Smith, who officially welcomed Aaron Fox’s new-look squad to Sheffield and outlined exactly what it means to represent the Steelers.
As well as welcoming the new players and those returning for another year in Orange, Tony talked the group through important club and league protocols and, most importantly, set out the standards and expectations for the season ahead.
Club doctor Dr Gaw Davies was also on hand to offer his advice and experience, while Utilita Arena General Manager Dom Stokes welcomed the players and spoke about the relationship between the team and the building they will call home throughout the campaign.
For the new arrivals, it was an important introduction to the Steelers organisation.
For those who have heard it before, the message remains every bit as important.
Captain Robert Dowd explained:
“It’s always a good reminder of what’s expected of you when you’re a Steeler, even for those of us who have been here for a long time.
“I also think it’s really important for the new guys to meet Tony and the whole off-ice team.
“We’re one club here, and I think this meeting gets that message across very well.”
