'The right opportunity' - Slava Koulikov on why he could not turn down Sheffield Steeldogs head coach role

Chances to leave his beloved Peterborough Phantoms had come before in his 11 years there but nothing felt right until Steeldogs’ owner Tony Smith came calling.

The clincher for the 46-year-old from Russia to accept the three-year deal was the chance to work alongside Aaron Fox, coach of the Steeldogs’ parent club, Sheffield Steelers.

It still wasn’t an easy decision to sever ties with NIHL National rivals the Phantoms - who he led to Cup and play-off success in the last three years - but Koulikov appreciates the opportunity he has been handed.

Renowned for his ability to develop young talent, Koulikov’s philosophy is in keeping with the Steeldogs’ overdue decision to commit to developing its own homegrown players.

“Peterborough has been my home for so long now, the club gave me an incredible opportunity and we have all worked so hard there - I thank them for everything,” said Koulikov.

“This opportunity though is something that I couldn’t turn down, I’ve had opportunities before but they haven’t been right for me or my family, this one though was one I had to move forward with

“I love the direction that the Steeldogs is heading in - it is the only club trying to do things this way from the Steelers to the Steeldogs and then into the teams and academy below.

“A conveyer-belt that we hope will produce the next group of British players.

“This move is also good for my development as a coach, working alongside Aaron Fox every day can only improve me and that in turn can only benefit the Steeldogs.”

Koulikov replaces Ben Morgan behind the bench, the defenceman a long-serving lynchpin of the Steeldogs since it was first formed back in 2010.

It’s not clear at this stage whether Morgan will remain on the roster, with team owner Smith quick to show his appreciation of the job the veteran has done at the helm during 2024-25, his second stint behind the bench.

“We have come a long way under Ben’s tenure and we are grateful for his continued support of this ever-growing and fast-moving project that the Steeldogs has become,” said Smith.

“Slava’s experience and knowledge of the NIHL National is without question and as a club we know we are moving in the right direction with him on board.

“He shares our vision for the future, which is why it was right to commit to him for three seasons.”