STEELERS RE-SIGN CAPTAIN PHILLIPS
Veteran forward Jonathan Phillips has re-signed with Sheffield Steelers for 2018/19, his 13th season with the club.
The 35-year-old originally joined the Steelers in 2006, becoming team captain a year later - a role he has held in all but one season since.
Phillips is also the club record holder in appearances (759 to date), registering 143 goals and 399 points during that span whilst helping the Steelers to secure four Elite League championships and three Playoff titles.
Steelers Head Coach Paul Thompson described the decision to re-sign Phillips as “a no brainer”, adding:
“Jonathan is the best captain I’ve ever had; a man who cares about the values of the Steelers and the glue that holds many things together here.
“The work ethic he brings to the rink every day is contagious. His fitness levels are off the chart and his desire remains the same today as when I first met him. For both club and Country he is a leader and warrior and we are lucky to have him at this club”
Phillips has also served as Team GB captain for the past six years, helping the national side to secure back-to-back promotions in 2017 and 2018, with the Cardiff-born winger almost certain to lead the side again in 2019, when they take part in the elite tier of the IIHF World Championships.
“I don’t want to go anywhere else” Phillips said of his decision to re-up in Sheffield.
“This is my club and I think everyone knows just how much I care for this place.
“We have created many fantastic memories here and we aren’t finished yet. This is the most incredible building to play in with the most fantastic teammates, coaches and staff.
“We all do our best day in and day out to put in the maximum effort to provide the fans with a great product and winning team. Most years we have been successful and we all aim to be again next season.
“It’s going to be an exciting summer. Strange in many ways, as many long time teammates will be heading to pastures new. We will welcome the new faces into the room and ensure they know the strong and long lasting values we have built here over the years.
“The summers aren’t very long any more. We have just finished with GB and already we have started to look ahead to pre season and our training camp. We wouldn’t have it any other way”.
PHOTO: Dean Woolley
