2003
MAY: Mike Blaisdell today accepted a new deal to coach Sheffield Steelers in the new Elite League. He has been awarded an improved salary which is likely to make him the highest paid coach in the UK sport.
Skipper Marc Laniel has stunned Sheffield Steelers by telling fans "I've quit". Club management had no idea their unflappable defenceman was hanging up his skates. However Ron Shudra signed a new two year deal.
JUNE: Britain's new Elite Ice hockey League put a brave face on the fact they have lost one of their member club, only weeks after promising it would boast a nine team division. Today though, it was confirmed that plans to launch a team called the Glasgow Clan had been put on ice.
ELITE LEAGUE ERA
AUGUST: Steelers sign netminder Ron Dopson and Gerad Adams, and re-sign Dion Darling
SEPTEMBER: Steelers confirmed a triple transfer swoop of defenceman Kirk DeWaele and forward Mike Peron and Erik Anderson.
The side began their chase for a second successive title by going eleven games unbeaten but then an unprecedented six defeats prompted the signing of Kevin Bolibruck to get them back on track.
Elite league curtain-raiser between Sheffield Steelers and London Racers has been overshadowed by farce in the opposition camp. Racer high profile Canadian coach, Gary Carr took one look at his new club's organisational set-up and promptly flew back across the Atlantic.
DECEMBER: Steelers want Hull goaltender Pasi Raitanen to backstop their Elite League push in the Christmas home and away series with Nottingham Panthers. With Rob Dopson on his way home to Canada to start a new career, Sheffield need an experienced pro to fill in until they make a full time signing.
2004
JANUARY: Sheffield Steeler sign new netminder Christian Bronsard.
FEBRUARY: Rick Brebant, who this week signalled his retirement from the British game, is the finest ice hockey player of the modern day era. So says Steelers coach Mike Blaisdell, as Brebant prepares to bring his Manchester Phoenix side to Sheffield.
MARCH:
On the 21st of the month, due to a loss by Nottingham, Steelers secured the title by beating Belfast 3-1 at the Arena.
APRIL:
In the play of semi, when Cardiff were defeated 2-0, Mark Dutiaume was hit in the eye by an errant stick and missed the resulting final against Nottingham. However, Sheffield stuck to their defensive game plan and two goals in the final period -Kirk DeWaele getting the GWG- were enough to see Steelers complete the double.
JULY: Mike Blaisdell has quit Steelers for the love of his children. Speaking from his home in Canada, the ex-Sheffield coach said illness affecting his first wife had been the deciding factor on staying in his native country. Father of four Blaisdell, has two daughters from his first marriage and now needs to be more involved in child care. Dave Simms reflects: Circumstances change and Mike's decision has been made. I, like all of you, wish Blazer the very best. We all, of course, wish he hadn't made this decision, and his timing certainly leaves a lot to be desired. Mike Blaisdell bought us great success, nine trophies in just four full seasons. What a record!