Competitive hockey is back in the NIHL this weekend for the first time since April, and the Sheffield Steeldogs are kicking off the 25/26 season with a fresh look and renewed energy. After a major summer overhaul, plenty of new faces have joined the roster, ready to make their mark.
Saturday 20th September – Derby vs Hull Seahawks
And what better way to open the season than with one of the fiercest rivalries in the league: Sheffield Steeldogs vs Hull Seahawks. There’s no love lost between these two sides, and with bragging rights on the line, opening night is set to be electric.
Adding extra spice to the matchup, the Steeldogs recently signed Hull’s star defenceman Davey Phillips, who crossed over to what we know is the better side of Yorkshire just weeks ago. Expect tensions to flare and sparks to fly from the first puck drop.
The Sheffield Steeldogs wrapped up a highly successful pre-season, winning three of their four matchups and showing plenty of promise ahead of the new NIHL campaign.
The action began north of the border with back-to-back victories over the Edinburgh Capitals in the Scottish capital, where the Steeldogs dominated with scorelines of 5-2 and 14-2.
Last weekend brought a thrilling double-header against local rivals Leeds Knights. On Friday night, the Steeldogs showcased their potential, cruising to a 4-1 win. Sunday’s rematch was a tougher battle after a slow start, the Steeldogs fought back to force overtime, only for Leeds to edge it.
With strong performances, growing chemistry, and plenty of firepower on display, the Steeldogs look ready to make noise as the regular season begins.
The Hull Seahawks also enjoyed a solid pre-season campaign, splitting their opening weekend series with the Leeds Knights. Hull took the first matchup on home ice at Hull Ice Arena, earning a 4-2 victory, before Leeds responded with a 3-2 overtime win in game two the same scoreline the Steeldogs experienced against Leeds last Saturday.
Last weekend, the Seahawks turned up the intensity with a home double-header against the Solway Sharks. Hull delivered two convincing wins, cruising to a 5-2 victory on Saturday before dominating Sunday’s game 9-3.
With their offence firing on all cylinders and momentum building, Hull will arrive at IceSheffield full of confidence for the opening-night clash.
We want to see IceSheffield packed out this Saturday. Purchase your tickets HERE. See you there!
Following Saturday’s derby fireworks, the Steeldogs hit the road on Sunday for a clash against the Romford Raiders in London. Last season’s meetings between these two sides were packed with intensity and grit, and fans can expect another hard-fought battle.
Romford’s pre-season, however, has been a far cry from their form last year. Across five pre-season games, the Raiders managed just one win, a 5-2 victory over French side Les Bisons de HC Neuilly-sur-Marne. Their two meetings with reigning playoff champions Milton Keynes Lightning ended in heavy defeats: 10-0 in game one and 5–2 in game two.
Last weekend, Romford faced Peterborough Phantoms for a double-header, where Peterborough cruised to 8-2 and 5-1 victories.
With the Raiders struggling to find their rhythm, Sunday’s matchup presents a big opportunity for the Steeldogs to make a statement early in the season.
