Sheffield Steelers step up plans for new season with return of a hero
Sheffield Steelers are stepping up their plans for the new season
Former Grand Slam winner Brandon Whistle has become the first Sheffield Steelers player to arrive back in the UK ahead of the start of the 2026-27 season.
Whistle arrived in Sheffield on Saturday and will shortly be joined by his new and returning teammates, with the Steelers beginning training camp next week.
The British forward returns to Sheffield following a season in Belfast alongside his brother Jackson, with the pair helping the Giants win the 2025-26 Elite League Championship.
Prior to his move to Belfast, ‘Whis’ spent five seasons with the Steelers, making 270 appearances and scoring 50 goals, including a memorable goal in the Continental Cup.
Whistle will be joined in Sheffield this season by eight new import signings, including former NHL forwards Sean Collins and Tim Gettinger, as Head Coach Aaron Fox prepares his new-look roster for the campaign ahead.
“We're really excited to have Brandon back with us,” said Fox. “We missed him last year and he's a player who can play up and down the lineup and in different situations. He's going to be very important for us this season.
“We've been busy with recruitment throughout the summer and we'll have everybody in Sheffield and registered by the time training camp starts.
“As always, we're excited to get going. This is always a fun, if sometimes stressful, time of the year, but we're looking forward to getting everyone together and back on the ice.”