Delight for Thompson as Tyler Mosienko extends contract with Sheffield Steelers

The 31-year-old Canadian is in his second season at Sheffield Arena, proving a hit after scoring 51 goals and 75 assists in 117 games and will return for the 2016-17 campaign.

He joined the Steelers for the start of the 2014-15 season from Danish side Esbjerg Energy and scored 26 goals under former coach Gerad Adams, helping the Steelers clinch the Elite League championship for a fourth time.

Thompson replaced Adams last April and made sure one of his first jobs was ensuring Mosienko’s return for at least another season.

His faith has been repaid with the former AHL forward plundering 25 goals and 60 points in just 53 games to-date this season.

“He is our heartbeat” said head coach Thompson. “His work ethic is incredible and he drives us all on. He comes to work every day determined to be the hardest working player we have.

“He scores goals, creates plays, kills penalties. He is simply a very good hockey player.

“I’m sure the fans will be delighted with this news as much as we are.”

As another indication of how valuable Mosienko has been to the Steelers’ defence of their title this season – the chances of which were boosted on Thursday night by a 3-1 defeat for leaders Cardiff Devils at Fife Flyers – he scored five goals against the South wales club during the course of their double-header showdown last weekend.

After signing his extended deal, Mosienko explained that the main reason for him coming back was the club’s plans for the future under Thompson.

“The way the club is progressing on and off the ice excites me,” he said. “We are making big steps forward here from the way things were last year to this.

“Having Thommo (Paul Thompson) back for another year is just going to keep building us in the right direction. I love the way things are going.”