Ben Morgan the man to lead Sheffield Steeldogs forward for NIHL National 2020-21 season

The 32-year-old will embark on his fourth season in charge of the South Yorkshire club whenever the puck does drop on next season, while it will be his 10th season as a player after returning from a year at Manchester Phoenix back in 2011.

Last season saw the formation of a new second tier in the UK game with the NIHL National, although the season came to a premature end because of the coronavirus pandemic, leaving the Steeldogs in seventh place.

"I feel there is unfinished business, the way the season ended wasn’t good for anybody it didn’t allow us to give a full account of ourselves," said the former GB Under-18 and Under-20 international.

"We were looking forward to the playoffs because it’s anybody’s game and in those pressurised situations where it’s do or die, I think we would have performed well against anybody."

As ever, there are expected to be changes to the Steeldogs' roster during the course of the summer, ahead of what Morgan expects to be another competitive season in the second tier.

"I know from what we achieved in the past year, that if we put our minds to it, we are not just capable of turning over any team but that we can absolutely drive another team off the ice when we get it right - especially at home," added Morgan, who admitted his young team took a while to establish themselves within the new order, but showed great resilience when it mattered.

“We took six or seven weeks to establish ourselves with some mixed results but it was then that injuries hit and we struggled. But what we did see was the boys who were playing managed to regroup, refocus and give their all. During that time, we probably surprised a few people and really pulled off some great wins and showed what we were capable of.”

Steeldogs' co-owner Roger Williams said there was no doubt about bringing Morgan back for a fourth season at the helm.

"Ben is a product of the Sheffield hockey system and having experienced it all, he really values giving the next generation every opportunity to follow their dreams," said Williams.

“There was a lot of young talent in the squad last season and he once again gave them their chances. His commitment is exemplary and he is a reminder to younger players of what can be achieved. He’s the right guy to keep the club moving forward."

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