As the DSM Sheffield Steeldogs prepare to welcome Leeds to the Bauer Arena, IceSheffield this Sunday, there will be some familiar faces on the opposing side.
Over the years, a number of players have pulled on the Steeldogs jersey before making the move across Yorkshire to join the Leeds Knights.
With a Yorkshire Derby on the horizon, we take a look at the former Steeldogs who will now be lining up against their former club.
SAM COOPER
Sam joined the Sheffield Steeldogs in 2023, spending two seasons with the club while also training with the Sheffield Steelers.
Despite only playing one competitive game for the Steelers, Sam was part of the historic Grand Slam-winning season, experiencing a memorable campaign with the club. Sam is now in his second season with Leeds.
JORDAN GRIFFIN
Jordan spent one full season with the Steeldogs during the 2019/20 season.
He also had a stint with the Sheffield Steelers, where he went on to make a number of appearances for the club. Jordan is now in his sixth consecutive season with Leeds.
MATT BISSONNETTE
Matt Bissonnette became a real fan favourite during his three seasons in Sheffield, quickly becoming a much-loved figure around the Steeldogs.
After three years with the Steeldogs, Matt made the other side of the Yorkshire Derby with the Leeds Knights where he enters his third consecutive season with the club.
KIERAN BROWN
Kieran Brown spent a couple of years splitting his time between the Steeldogs and Sheffield Steelers, gaining valuable experience with both sides.
After his time in Sheffield, Kieran made the move across Yorkshire to join the Leeds Knights, where he begins his sixth season with the Yorkshire club.
SHEFFIELD TO LEEDS, LEEDS TO SHEFFIELD
MICHAEL DANECKO
Michael Danecko came through the Steeldogs setup as a prospect for a number of years before making his senior debut for the club in 2021.
Mikey left Sheffield in the summer of 2024, making the move across Yorkshire to join the Leeds Knights organisation, where he featured for both the Knights and Knights 2. His time with Knights 2 proved to be a breakthrough, with Mikey enjoying an impressive 2024/25 season.
For the 2025/26 season, Mikey returned home to Sheffield, rejoining the Steeldogs under new Head Coach Slava Koulikov.
Sheffield is home for Michael, and he now enters his fifth season in Steeldogs colours.
