‘Mr Reliable’ Jonathan Kirk back to lead the line for Sheffield Steeldogs

Captain Jonathan Kirk won’t have needed much persuading to return to Ice Sheffield under head coach Slava Koulikov having led the Steeldogs to the NIHL National Cup last time out.

It marked the third trophy from his second spell with the club, having helped them to a Cup and play-off double under Greg Wood back in 2021-22.

The 30-year-old – older brother of GB international forward Liam Kirk – came through the Sheffield junior system and spent a couple of seasons splitting his time between the Steeldogs and lower levels between 2011-15.

A move to Hull Pirates brought success in a memorable treble-winning North One campaign in 2018-19 before the pandemic brought about the demise of the East Yorkshire team and led defenceman Kirk back to where he first forged his career in South Yorkshire.

Steeldogs’ GM Jamie McIlroy said it was vital the organisation brought Kirk back for the 2026-27 campaign.

"There is always a lot of focus on bringing new players into an organisation,” said McIlroy of a player who last season produced two goals and 24 assists in 62 league, Cup and play-off games for the Steeldogs.

“But retaining your best players is just as important, and JK was somebody we were determined to keep in Sheffield.

“In my opinion, he remains one of the best British defencemen at this level.

"Every coach wants players they can trust in key moments, and JK is one of those players.

"Whether it’s defending a one-goal lead, matching up against the opposition’s top line, or playing heavy minutes in important games, he’s somebody we know can be relied upon time-and-time again.

“What makes his return even more valuable is where our roster is heading.

"We have got some very exciting young talent coming into the organisation at the moment and there is huge value in having those players share a dressing room with somebody who has played the game at a consistently high level for as long as JK has.”