Sheffield Steeldogs show their NIHL National intent with signing of Elite League's Michael Pelech
SHEFFIELD STEELDOGS believe they have made a statement signing after landing Canadian forward Michael Pelech for the 2026-27 NIHL National season.
The 36-year-old arrives in South Yorkshire having spent the last three seasons predominantly in the Elite League.
A season and a bit at Glasgow Clan was followed by a spell in Hungary before Pelech returned to the UK to ice with Coventry Blaze last season.
Having posted nine goals and 17 assists in 69 appearances for the Blaze, it is expected that the 6ft 3ins left-hander will be more prolific in the UK second tier, joining a Steeldogs team keen to build on its National Cup success of last season.
Steeldogs’ GM, Jamie McIlroy, believes the capturing of Pelech is a “marquee signing” for the organisation.
“Signing Michael reflects the direction we are continuing to move in as an organisation,” said McIlroy.
“When we conducted our full review of the season, we identified specific areas within our group that we felt needed strengthening if we wanted to continue progressing and competing at the very top end of the league.
“We felt we needed to add more high-level experience, more physical presence, more leadership, and a player who could dictate games in difficult moments.
“We wanted somebody who could play with an edge, protect the puck well, and compete hard in traffic areas. “Michael fits every one of those characteristics.
“We are building a team and culture based around accountability, professionalism, competitiveness, and people fully buying into what we are trying to achieve here in Sheffield. Michael embodies those qualities completely.”
Pelech lands in Sheffield with an impressive cv, starting with him being a sixth round NHL Draft pick for the Los Angeles Kings back in 2009.
He then spent the majority of his North American career in the ECHL, playing more than 900 games, his final season being with Atlanta Gladiators before making his move to the UK with Glasgow in 2023.
He posted 23 goals and 26 assists in 75 games for the Clan before his move to Hungary for the remainder of the 2024-25 campaign.