It’s year number three in orange for high-scoring forward Mitchell Balmas, who has agreed a new deal with the Sheffield Steelers for the 2025–26 Elite League season.

Since joining the Steelers as the final signing of the 2023 summer and Head Coach Aaron Fox’s 12th addition to that year’s squad, Balmas has made a significant impact. In 148 league, cup, playoff, and Champions Hockey League appearances, he has recorded an impressive 66 goals and 170 points.

Balmas, who can play both centre and wing, first came onto Aaron Fox’s radar over 18 months before signing. After a prolific junior career in the Quebec Major Junior League — including a standout 50-goal season with the Cape Breton Screaming Eagles in 2019 — he spent three years at St. Mary’s University, where he briefly played alongside former teammate Brett Neumann.

In 2022, Balmas turned pro, appearing in 46 AHL games and 21 in the ECHL. He left the Iowa Wild to begin his European career in Sheffield, where he has quickly become a fan favourite.

Speaking about his return, Balmas said:

“I looked at all the options, and every time I just kept coming back to: ‘It’s not Sheffield.’ It’s an awesome place to play — 8,000 or 9,000 fans every night — I just love it there inside the arena.

Then you see the core guys coming back, especially Greener, and you think, it’s great to have this other interest, but I want to be back in Sheffield with that core and the exciting new talent Foxy is bringing in.”

Balmas confirmed that he and netminder Matt Greenfield had discussed their returns:

“I think we both went through the same feelings. We had options, but in the end, Sheffield is where we want to be.

I know there are big times ahead. We all want to play in the big games, in front of big crowds, for the chance to win trophies. I can’t wait to get back and see everyone again.”

Head Coach Aaron Fox added:

“Balms coming back is huge for our group. I think he’s a top offensive player in our league and someone we’ll rely on again.

He had an out clause until mid-June and explored some other opportunities, but ultimately, this is where he wanted to be. He’s coming back motivated to improve on last year’s numbers and help us achieve our team goals.”