The Sheffield Steeldogs are delighted to announce that fan favourite Bair Gendunov has re-signed with the club for the 2026/27 season.
One of the most exciting and entertaining players to wear the orange jersey in recent years, Gendunov’s return is a huge boost as the Steeldogs continue to build a roster capable of competing at the very top.
Known for his skill, creativity and ability to produce moments of brilliance, Bair quickly became a player that fans loved to watch. Whether it was a highlight-reel goal, a clever assist or a game-changing play, he consistently brought excitement every time he stepped onto the ice.
Bair will be remembered for his Cup Final-winning goal against Leeds, a moment that secured the club’s first piece of silverware since 2022. It was a goal that etched his name into Steeldogs history, and now Bair returns with a trophy to defend and more to chase.
His return represents another major piece of the puzzle as the Steeldogs continue assembling a roster packed with quality, experience and firepower ahead of the new campaign.
With the season drawing ever closer, the excitement continues to build in Sheffield and the return of Gendunov is sure to be welcomed by Steeldogs fans across the city.
Steeldogs General Manager Jamie McIlroy said:
“Honestly, bringing Bair back was one of the biggest things we wanted to get done this summer. Every now and then in hockey you come across somebody who seems to have a knack for producing in the moments that matter most. That’s Bair. Everybody can see the goals and points, and they were obviously outstanding, but what impressed me most wasn’t how many he scored, it was when he scored them.
When we needed a goal in Leeds in the dying seconds of the first leg of the Cup Final, it was Bair. When the Cup was there to be won in overtime in the second leg, it was Bair. When we were battling our way through the Semi Final, he put up a hat-trick and scored another game winner. Those aren’t just important goals; they’re the moments that shape a season. Some players put up numbers when games are comfortable. There are far fewer players who want the puck on their stick when the game is in the balance. Bair is one of them. He finished as the top scorer in both the Cup competition and the Playoffs because when the stakes rise, he seems to find another level. That’s why players like him are so valuable.
The reality is that after the season he had, there was interest from a number of teams and leagues, that’s no surprise. Players who can score over a hundred points in all competitions are always going to attract attention, but players who consistently decide big games attract even more. We knew there would be competition for his signature, which makes it even more pleasing that he’ll be back in Sheffield this season.
I think it says a lot about where this organisation is heading that a player of Bair’s quality wanted to come back and continue what we’ve started building here. We have high expectations for ourselves this season and if you’re serious about challenging for trophies, you need players who embrace those moments rather than shy away from them. Bair has already shown exactly what he’s capable of in a Steeldogs jersey. Our supporters have seen it first-hand. They know the impact he can have on a game and the excitement he brings every time he steps on the ice.
Quite simply, he’s a player you win with. Bringing him back was a huge priority for us, and I know our supporters will be just as excited as we are to see him back in orange.”
