The player-assistant coach has signed a new one year deal and says he wants the team to make a fast and immediate impact on the league when the squad re-assembles.

"It's so important that we get the early jump on teams next season, come out of the blocks flying.

"I think with the guys we have coming back - all familiar with the league - we can be the team that gets going first...let them chase us next season!"

Sheppard is aware of the fans' desire to build on last season's Play Off win with a league title.

"There is a feeling in our locker room, and probably around the City that the Steelers are back, gunning for a league title, something that every hockey fan in Sheffield really wants" he says.

"As a Canadian we live for the play offs but this club has a history of the league title and when you are here you quickly buy in to the idea of bringing that trophy home.

"Coventry have shown in recent years that by keeping a core group of players you have an advantage over the chasing group.

"Dave Matsos (coach) started that last year and we look like we are taking it one step further this coming year by keeping the majority of the Championship team."

Matsos commented: "Shepp was a major reason we won last year. He's a quality person and a quality hockey player. Doug has the respect of every player, not only in our room but probably in the league

"We work very well together, we like the game played in the same way and we bounce ideas around well."

What do you think? Post your comments below.

READ MORE

Football headlines.
More Blades.
More Owls.
More Spireites.
More Rovers.
More Reds.
More Millers.
More Ice Hockey.
More rugby.
More boxing.
Sports columnists.
All sport categories.