AARON FOX is delighted with the start forward Ryan Tait has made to the 2026-27 Elite League season - as he prepares for a second visit of the season to former club Guildford Flames.

The American winger is embarking on his second season in South Yorkshire having made a good impression on head coach Fox first time around.

The 30-year-old posted 50 points – including 14 goals – in 70 league, Challenge Cup and play-off appearances last season.

He finished the season strongly with eight points in his last 10 games and has picked up where he left off with three goals and an assist in his four league and Cup appearances this term.

One of those goals came on a return to former club Guildford 10 days ago in the Cup when the Steelers edged to a 5-4 win after a shoot-out.

He also found the net twice at the weekend, first slotting home the overtime winner to seal a 3-2 victory at home to Nottingham Panthers in the Cup before adding to his tally the following night when the Steelers opened their regular season league campaign with a comprehensive 6-1 win at Glasgow Clan.

Wednesday night sees them continue their league schedule against an in-form Flames team.

The Flames – who have former Steelers’ forward Brett Neumann among their number – are, like the unbeaten visitors, a team bang in form, having followed up an impressive 5-1 win at home to Cardiff Devils in the Cup with a 4-1 win in Nottingham in the same competition the following night.

GOOD START: Ryan Tait has posted three goals and an assist in his four appearances for Sheffield Steelers so far this season - one strike coming against former club Guildford Flames who he visits again on Wednesday night. Picture: Hayley Roberts/Steelers Media.

placeholder image — GOOD START: Ryan Tait has posted three goals and an assist in his four appearances for Sheffield Steelers so far this season - one strike coming against former club Guildford Flames who he visits again on Wednesday night. Picture: Hayley Roberts/Steelers Media.

Fox is happy to see Tait head back to the Spectrum rink where he played for three seasons in such promising form.

“Ryan is buzzing right now,” said Fox. “If you look at what he creates – shot creation, goal creation – and just maybe was a little unlucky last season where he didn't take some of the chances he had, or he could have had a really, really high end year last year.

“But he's also an energy guy in the locker room, not just on the ice – just one of those guys that brings high energy.

“When we were looking at our captains and our leadership group that way, he was a guy that, when we talked about it, we realised he doesn't need to wear a letter to show his true colours.

“He's just fun to be around and one of those guys that leads without a letter on his jersey. I'm really happy for him with how his season has started.”