“Two Teams – One Club” says Smith
It’s been one year since Tony Smith acquired the Sheffield Steeldogs, the aim was to create one club with a pathway where young British players could see a future in the professional game with the Steelers.
Bringing the Steelers and Steeldogs closer together has taken huge steps forward this summer with multiple Steeldogs players signing two-way contracts between both teams “thats the key word” said Smith “teams, because we are one club, pulling in the same direction and thats the message I have tried to drum in to everyone associated with either side”
Another step forward was the announcement that both the Steelers and Steeldogs shirt launch would be amalgamated into one “Super Event” being held at the Utilita Arena on Friday 20th September the night before the Steelers first home game of the Elite League season against Guildford Flames. This will be a FREE event for all.
“I think this is hugely important” continued Smith “It’s all well and good me knowing we are one club but the fans of both sides also have to realise it as well, and combining the shirt launches and meet the players events shows we are one family, one club.
“We want our supporters to follow both sides, when the Steelers are on the road we want Steelers fans at Ice Sheffield cheering on the Steeldogs, cheering on the Steelers of the future
“When the Steeldogs are on the road we don’t want the Steeldogs fans to be strangers at the Arena, with the two way players we have we want them to come along to Elite League games and see how these youngsters are getting on when given the opportunity at the higher level. We are all in this together”
Both Steelers and Steeldogs have exhibition games before the joint event, Steelers also have CHL games away and at home “Chasing the right date to do this for both clubs was difficult” said Smith “but the big night will be 24 hours before our home opener at the Steelers, the night we start the defence of the Grand Slam
“We can’t wait to bring both sides even closer together on that night and show all hockey fans in and around Sheffield that together we are stronger, better, more stable and more forward thinking. What was that old saying, the future is bright, the future is Orange”