SLAVA KOULIKOV is looking forward to working with veteran Nathan Salem again - believing he is adding a player to his Sheffield Steeldogs roster who is “hungrier than ever”.

The 34-year-old forward is no stranger to the workings of the Steeldogs’ head coach, having spent three seasons under him at Peterborough Phantoms. He is also familiar with the surroundings of Ice Sheffield, having left Peterborough back in 2018 to spend two seasons with the Steeldogs.

Last summer was a pivotal period for both player and coach, Koulikov ending an 11-year spell in charge at Mallard Road to take over behind the Steeldogs’ bench, while Salem underwent surgery that ultimately kept him out of the entire 2025-26 NIHL National campaign.

Having made his recovery, Salem opted to hook up again with Koulikov in South Yorkshire to resume an impressive career that has also seen him spend two spells in Hull, as well as time in the Elite League with Newcastle Vipers, who he joined for two seasons from hometown Whitley Bay back in 2009.

FAMILIAR FACE: Nathan Salem - pictured in action for Hull Seahawks - is back with Sheffield Steeldogs for the 2026-27 NIHL National season. Picture: Bruce Rollinson.

placeholder image — FAMILIAR FACE: Nathan Salem - pictured in action for Hull Seahawks - is back with Sheffield Steeldogs for the 2026-27 NIHL National season. Picture: Bruce Rollinson.

Koulikov, who led the Steeldogs to National Cup success in his first season in charge, knows the kind of qualities that Salem will bring to his team.

“Nathan brings with him lots of experience but, in terms of his injury, from a personal point of view, you never want to miss a year, because the hockey career is not that long, especially at his age,” said Koulikov.

“But also you can look at it that he will be hungry, you know and hunger at that age is very important.

“He has the skill, he has the knowledge, he has the experience - but to be hungry, that is something extra that you wish for as a coach that every player has consistently.

THAT WAS THEN: Nathan Salem (left), in action for Sheffield Steeldogs against Hull Pirates back in 2019. Picture courtesy of Cerys Molloy.

“And I hope missing a year out will give him that (hunger) you know.”

Given Salem’s lengthy time on the sidelines, Koulikov is aware it will take him time to regain full match fitness. But he clearly believes the left-hander is worth being given the time to get back to peak playing condition.

“Obviously, he'll take a little bit of time but hopefully not too long for him to get going and being fully match fit,” added Koulikov.

“But on his day he is as good as anybody in the league and, again, with his experience and with us working together before - we know each other, he knows what I want and I know how to try to get the best out of him consistently

“He's definitely a pretty big piece for us next season.”