Sheffield Steelers: How Dominic Cormier helped convince Olivier Archambault his future was in Yorkshire

On Wednesday, the 33-year-old forward became the first ‘new’ face unveiled by head coach Aaron Fox ahead of the 2026-27 Elite League season, in which the Steelers will hope to end their short trophy drought.

He will arrive in South Yorkshire in mid-August boasting an impressive resume - he was a fourth round NHL Draft pick for the Montreal Canadiens back in 2011 - and a hearty recommendation from existing Steelers’ defenceman, Cormier.

The paths of the two players first crossed during the 2021-22 season when both played for rival ECHL teams, Cormier for Reading Royals and fellow left-hander Archambault at Trois-Rivières Lions.

They remained in touch, including when both players’ career paths brought them to Europe.

Archambault makes the switch to the UK on the back of an impressive spell at Ligue Magnus outfit the Angers Ducs, where he posted nine goals and 23 assists in 28 league and playoff appearances.

His first move to Europe saw him sign for HC Pustertal in the ICEHL in 2022-23 before he spent the majority of the following three seasons putting up impressive numbers in Slovakia’s Extraliga before his mid-season switch to Western France.

Archambault’s time at Angers saw him play in the UK earlier this year when competing in the final of the Continental Cup alongside Nottingham Panthers at the National Ice Centre.

He scored one goal and two assists in three games, although his team failed to make it out of the group stage.

Cormier wasn’t able to get down to see his friend on that occasion but he is glad his persistence in trying to sell the Steelers as a possible destination to Archambault has paid off.

“We've kind of been in regular touch for about a year and a half now,” said Cormier, whose return for a third full season with the Steelers was confirmed last week, along with that of netminder Matt Greenfield and forward Evan Jasper.

“I've been sending him random messages trying to get him in Orange.

“He's played in a bunch of good leagues in Europe and his numbers are good in every league.

“And having played in that Slovakian league myself, for him to be able to go back every year and have consistent high-end numbers is impressive.

“So that's a huge thing for us next year, him being a high offensive guy, knowing what it takes to win in those big, higher leagues – and so that's only going to help us with achieving our goals next year. So, just knowing the type of guy he is, knowing the skill-set that he has, I think he's going to do some big things for us in Sheffield.”

Archambault said he believes he is coming to an Elite League that is continuing to get stronger, something made evident in part by the Steelers’ most recent Champions Hockey League experience during the 2024-25 season when they reached the last 16.

“Dom spoke very highly of the club and recommended it to me,” said Archambault.

“The league in the UK is getting stronger and as a player you want to challenge yourself in different environments. This feels like a great move for me.

“I’m an offensive player who likes to play with creativity and enjoy the game. I want to create chances, score goals, and help my team-mates. I’ve also been really impressed by the club, as well as its incredible fanbase – Dom has told me to expect something special.”

Fox believes his new acquisition will prove to be a difference-maker in the Steelers’ drive to bring an end a two-year wait for silverware.

“Olivier is a player who sees the ice exceptionally well, he is strong on the puck down low and is elite in transition,” said Fox.

“He is an extremely-gifted, offensive player who will come in and be a top-six difference maker for us

“I also see him as a key man on the power play, somebody who can operate on both half-walls.

"He’s a dangerous playmaker with a great scoring touch and should be a really strong addition to our forward group.”