WHEN you’re considering a new career opportunity - particularly one that is taking you to a new country - it’s often wise to get as many references as possible.

Defenceman Macoy Erkamps did that as he pondered over a move to Sheffield Steelers, relying on several former players’ recommendations.

Treble winners Kevin Tansey, Daniel Ciampini and Josh Nicholls all enthusiastically pointed the 31-year-old Canadian in the direction of the Utilita Arena when contacted.

Erkamps’ addition to the Steelers roster for the 2026-27 Elite League campaign brings an end to head coach Aaron Fox recruitment for the back-end of a team looking to win a first piece of silverware for the first time since that treble-winning campaign of 2023-24.

NEW FACE: Macoy Erkamps, pictured in action for Hershey Bears, is joining Sheffield Steelers for the 2026027 season. Picture courtesy of Hershey Bears.

placeholder image — NEW FACE: Macoy Erkamps, pictured in action for Hershey Bears, is joining Sheffield Steelers for the 2026027 season. Picture courtesy of Hershey Bears.

“I've been aware of the growth of hockey in the UK for some time and I'm really excited to be joining the Steelers,” said British Columbia-born Erkamps.

“I've spoken to friends who have played in Sheffield, including Kevin Tansey, Daniel Ciampini and Josh Nicholls, and every one of them told me I was making the right decision.

“After speaking with Aaron, I also had a really good feeling about the opportunity. I like the role he sees me playing and it's one I'm very comfortable with.

“I've always been a defence-first player. Of course, I enjoy joining the rush and helping to create offence when the opportunity is there, but I'll never sacrifice that defensive mindset.”

DEFENCE DONE: Aaron Fox is excited about the prospect of Defenceman MAcoy Erkamps joining Sheffield Steelers for the 2026-27 Elite League campaign. Picture: Hayley Roberts/Steelers Media.

Erkamps makes the switch to South Yorkshire following a year in the DEL with Iserlohn Roosters, who last season failed to make the play-offs.

Prior to that he spent two years in Sweden’s second-tier Allsvenskan, splitting his time between Vasterviks IK and AIK.

Ahead of moving to Europe - his first port of call was at Slovakia’s Nitra in 2022-23 - right-handed Erkamps played 137 games in the AHL.

Fox believes his new defensive acquisition will prove to be a fierce competitor.

“Macoy is coming in with a real appetite to win and plays with a willingness to do whatever it takes,” said Fox.

“He competes extremely hard and will fill a shutdown role against the opposition's top players.

“He skates exceptionally well and will really help our transition game with clean exits and good reads through the neutral zone. He's also someone who knows when to jump into the rush and support the attack.

“He has an excellent stick, a great understanding of the game away from the puck and brings the type of defensive awareness we're looking for.”