Steelers: Clubs across UK, and Europe, disappointed by retirement of star man Levi Nelson

Steelers' Levi Nelson in action against Belfast Giants.

Half the teams in the Elite League had shown an interest in the rampaging winger - and others across Europe too.

But Nelson, 30, says the physical cost of competitive hockey was getting harder and harder to cope with - and that played a part in his decision to move on from ice hockey.

“My body has took a beating over my 10 years pro,” Nelson told The Star.

“With my style of play I have always done whatever it takes for the team whether it be taking a big hit, making a bit hit, blocking a shot or scoring a big goal.

“So now I am looking forward to letting my body heal and recover over the next few months.

“There has been a bunch of teams - not only in our league but all over Europe - contacting me for the coming year.

“I had maybe five or six teams from our league and a couple different teams from different leagues in mainland Europe.

“But if I was ever to continue playing I would want it to be Sheffield.”

Nelson, who has applied to be a firefighter in Calgary, has no doubt that Sheffield coach Paul Thompson can get the club back on the road to titles.

“I think the Steelers are going in the right direction from the signing they have made already it looks like they are getting some good young players,” he said.

“They have a good core group of guys that have been there for some time and will welcome the new guys with open arms and show them the Steelers way.

“Obviously we would have liked to win a few trophies last season but you can’t win every year.

“A rebuild is not a bad thing and with a bunch of new faces I think the Steelers will be right up there competing for trophies again next season.

“It’s the only thing Steelers know how to do. They will be just fine.”