The DSM Sheffield Steeldogs can today confirm a change to our import line-up ahead of the 2026/27 NIHL National season, with Bair Gendunov no longer returning to Sheffield and highly-skilled Canadian forward Dante Salituro joining the club.
Bair had originally committed to return following an outstanding first season in Sheffield, but has since been presented with an opportunity to begin a professional career away from hockey and has made the decision to pursue the next chapter of his life.
Everyone at the Steeldogs would like to thank Bair for his contribution to the club last season. His skill, personality and ability to produce big moments made him an immediate favourite with the Sheffield crowd, and he played a significant role in the success we enjoyed.
While we are naturally disappointed not to see Bair back in orange, we completely respect his decision and wish him every success in his career and whatever comes next.
His departure left the Steeldogs with an important position to fill – and the club has moved decisively to secure a player with an exceptional pedigree.
WELCOME TO SHEFFIELD, DANTE SALITURO
The Sheffield Steeldogs are delighted to confirm the signing of 29-year-old Canadian forward Dante Salituro for the 2026/27 season.
And this is a signing that should excite Steeldogs supporters.
Salituro arrives in Sheffield with a CV built almost exclusively at significantly higher levels of professional hockey and brings outstanding offensive pedigree to Slava Koulikov’s roster.
A dynamic right-shot forward capable of playing both centre and wing, Salituro was an elite offensive player throughout his major-junior career with the Ottawa 67’s. He recorded 78 points in 68 games during the 2014/15 OHL season before producing an even more impressive 38 goals and 83 points in 65 games the following year.
His performances earned him the opportunity to step into professional hockey, including spells in the American Hockey League with the Cleveland Monsters and Iowa Wild.
Salituro then established himself as a high-end offensive player in the ECHL.
With Rapid City Rush in 2017/18 he registered 23 goals and 48 points in 53 games, before following that with 22 goals and 61 points in 66 games for the Allen Americans the following season.
His career has subsequently taken him across some of Europe’s strongest leagues.
Salituro has competed in Finland’s Liiga, the Slovak Extraliga, Poland’s top division and Germany’s Oberliga, as well as multiple seasons in France’s top-flight Ligue Magnus.
Most recently, he spent the 2025/26 campaign with Chamonix in Ligue Magnus, recording 20 points in 40 regular-season games, while also producing seven points in four French Cup appearances.
He now arrives in Sheffield still only 29 years old and with the combination of speed, skill, creativity and professional experience to be a major offensive weapon in the National League.
General Manager Jamie McIlroy said:
“Firstly, I want to thank Bair for everything he gave us last season. He was outstanding for this hockey club and I know how much the supporters enjoyed watching him play.
“When Bair told us about the opportunity he had outside hockey, we completely understood his decision. There is life beyond the game and this was an opportunity he felt he couldn’t turn down. We wish him nothing but success.
“From our perspective, though, losing a player of Bair’s quality meant we weren’t prepared to simply fill a roster spot. We wanted to find someone capable of making a real impact.
“When Dante became available, we knew immediately that we had to explore whether we could bring him to Sheffield.
“His CV speaks for itself. He’s produced at a very high level in the OHL, he’s played in the AHL, he was a 60-point player in the ECHL and he’s spent the last several years competing in strong professional leagues across Europe.
“But the biggest thing for us is that he’s still only 29. We’re not bringing someone in based on what they achieved five or ten years ago – we’re bringing in a player who has just come from another season in one of Europe’s established top-flight leagues.
“Dante is incredibly skilled, he sees the ice extremely well and he has the ability to both score goals and create opportunities for the players around him.
“We had a big hole to fill and I think we’ve responded in the strongest possible way.
“This is a significant signing for our hockey club and we’re extremely excited to see what Dante can do in a Steeldogs jersey.”
Salituro’s arrival adds another major piece to a Steeldogs roster assembled with the clear ambition of challenging for silverware throughout the 2026/27 campaign.
Bair, thank you for everything – and good luck with the next chapter.
Dante, welcome to Sheffield.