Were We Not Entertained – Yes We Were – Thank you Marco
After five incredible seasons with the Sheffield Steelers, it has been confirmed the great Marco Vallerand will be leaving the club this summer to take up interest elsewhere in Europe.
Marco is presently 24th in all time Steelers appearances having played 263 games in all competitions, this as well as being a member of the 2020 Challenge Cup winning side and the 2024 Grand Slam Steelers.
Marco had played a year in the EIHL with the Coventry Blaze and a further season away in Austria before joining the Steelers in 2019, he was announced as a Steeler on the same evening as head coach Aaron Fox.
The season ended with 40 games played and a points tally of 26+33=59 to go with that Challenge Cup trophy. Vally scored a goal down in Cardiff on that incredible night in Wales that secured our first cup victory in many years.
On the ice Marco continued to score goals for the club, off the ice this larger than life personality seemed born to be a Steeler. His great fan reaction meant he was a fan favourite from day one – his re-signing videos were legendary and he choreography of the Eddies ensured we were all entertained
Back on the ice and Marco was at his best once again helping the Steelers to win the 2024 Grand Slam, once again scoring huge goals at big moments.
Another 24 + 29 = 53 in that incredible season
Marco led the celebrations once again
Captain Robert Dowd celebrated with Marco on and off the ice and said “He is a special Steeler, a special player and one of the all time greats here in Sheffield. he will never be forgotten for all he did on the ice in helping us win those championships but also off the ice with his great interaction with the fans.
“The people of Sheffield loved him and he loved them back and gave back whenever he could, he is a very special person and perhaps the Dowd households favourite Steeler. I will miss him, we all will miss him”
In the Champions League Vally didn’t fail to show up once again, who can forget his overtime game winner to secure our first CHL victory in Sweden
To the end Marco continued to play an incredible number of games and last season returned numbers of 18 + 24 for 42 in just the regular season.
Head coach Aaron Fox paid tribute to Marco saying “Valley has been a big part of my time here and wish him well moving forward. He’s scored some huge goals and was such an effective 2 way player”
On behalf of everyone at the Steelers Vally “Thank You” what a blast it has been and what a great part of our club you have been.
Don’t forget us and come home soon
The Steelers