Finish defenceman Niklas Nevalainen was an ever present in the Steelers team during his first season with the club playing all 54 league and cup games in addition to his 3 play off appearances.

Nevalainen returns for a second season after declining interest from Danish and Norwegian sides looking to secure his services.  

The puck carrying and smooth 30 year old blueliner impressed all in his first season with the Steelers posting an impressive +/- of 40 during the regular season and forming an important partnership with Matt Petgrave.

After playing his junior hockey in Finland, Nevalainen moved to the States to study and play in the NCAA with St Cloud State University. He returned to Finland after four years abroad to play for Sport in Liiga for another four seasons before joining Frisk Asker in Norway for the 2021-22 season

“Another no brainer for me” said Aaron Fox on confirming Nevalainen would return for a second year “a quality player in all areas of the ice, reliable and trustworthy

“His hockey IQ is outstanding and his ability to read game and react is of the highest level. I loved his relationship with Matt Petgrave, their read off each other so well and I’m hoping for more of the same this season”