Campbell considers his options

Campbell is one of a number of Steelers’ players whose futures are uncertain and it is probable he will follow defenceman Steve Munn into retirement.

The 30-year-old Canadian joined the Steelers last summer, helping them to a third Elite League regular season league title after contributing 40 points, including nine goals.

The 4-3 overtime defeat to the Panthers on Saturday was the second successive semi-final defeat for Campbell, who lost out with former club Coventry Blaze at the same stage last year.

“For some, it was probably their last-ever game of hockey,” said Campbell. “For me, things are still up in the air but there’s a good possibility that this is it.

“I’ve got to think about a few things and see what happens.”

On the defeat to bitter rivals Nottingham, who went on to defeat Cardiff Devils 5-4 in Sunday’s final, Campbell added: “It was a terrible way to lose – overtime is never fun.

“When you’ve got guys that win consistenly throughout the year (season) and then you come here and lose this play-off game it’s just terrible.

“The league title is the main one over here – all the teams recognise that here and it’s the toughest trophy to win and we’re very happy to have won it.

“But we wanted to win the play-off trophy as well.”