WHILE there was no silverware for a second season running, the 2025-26 Elite League campaign still produced a number of new milestones for Sheffield Steelers’ captain Robert Dowd.

Back in November, there was the small matter of reaching 900 EIHL appearances, then, in February, becoming the first player to score 400 Elite League goals.

Having today signed on for another two seasons with the Steelers - keeping him at the club he made his debut for back in 2007 until the end of the 2027-28 season - there will be more personal landmark moments to come for the 37-year-old forward.

But at the forefront of his mind when he returns in the autumn to prepare for the first of those seasons will be leading the club he has come to regard as his home to more silverware.

BACK FOR MORE: Sheffield Steelers' captain Robert Dowd is remaining with the team for another two years. Picture: Hayley Roberts/Steelers Media.

placeholder image — BACK FOR MORE: Sheffield Steelers' captain Robert Dowd is remaining with the team for another two years. Picture: Hayley Roberts/Steelers Media.

Sunday saw the Steelers’ fall short in their last chance of salvaging something from a frustrating season, losing 5-2 in the play-off final to Cardiff Devils.

The last success the Steelers tasted was back in 2023-24 when they won the treble and Dowd is determined to bring a return to those kind of days this next time out.

“Everyone plays the game to win trophies,” said Dowd. “And to win that last game of the year obviously feels amazing. Congratulations to Cardiff for doing that - obviously, we fell a little bit short in the end.

“But yeah, obviously, one of the big reasons I am staying in Sheffield is that the main focus is in lifting a trophy.

“It was never going to be anywhere else for me. Sheffield is home with my wife and family and all of our family living here in Sheffield. It's a very special place to me.”

Head coach Aaron Fox, who is expected to make more signing announcements later on Friday said it was a simple decision to keep hold of a player he made captain back in the summer of 2023.

“He's just a heart and soul guy,” said Fox. “He's our captain, there’s been absolutely zero drop-off in his game, just the compete level on the nightly basis, he’s willing to stick up for his team-mates, he scores goals, can play centre or wing.

“Even with his age, he just takes care of himself so well, he’s so strong, good skating, just ticks all the boxes you are looking for in a leader, and then production-wise, there's been no dip, so it's a no-brainer from my end.”