Sheffield Steelers: Why Marc-Olivier Vallerand gives treble-winning Steelers significant edge in Champions Hockey League

The 35-year-old Canadian is back for his fifth campaign with the Steelers having helped them to last season’s Elite League treble of league, cup and play-offs.

He posted 70 points in all competitions, plundering 32 goals and 38 assists in 63 appearances.

“Vally coming back gives us an automatic 25 to 35 goal scoring threat,” said Steelers’ head coach Aaron Fox.

“Marco has been an elite two-way player for us that has played his best hockey when it matters most.”

Vallerand – who has scored 138 goals and 287 points in 243 EIHL appearances – will be one of the few Steelers’ players with previous experience of the Champions Hockey League, which the South Yorkshire team return to after a seven-year absence.

He added: “I played in the competition with Ljubljana and while we perhaps didn’t have a side that could compete, I think the Steelers team we are putting together does have a chance to win games and it is certainly something all of us want to do”

“Aaron has done an incredible job recruiting this team and then being able to bring such a large core of the Grand Slam side back shows the intent we have to try and do it again this coming season.

"I think people all know the affection I have for the club and the fans who have treated me so well in my time here.”