Slideshow - Captain Phillips back to steer the Sheffield Steelers ship for another season

It’s been a week of good news for Steelers’ fans with the return of forwards Guillaume Desbiens and Robert Dowd for next season already having been confirmed.

With British defenceman Ben O’Connor and talismanic forward Mathieu Roy also in place for the 2016-17 campaign, head coach Paul Thompson has a core group of key players in place.

Now add to that mix Phillips, who, since arriving from hometown club Cardiff Devils back in 2006 has led the South Yorkshire club to three regular season championships and three play-off trophies in his time.

On top of that, add to the record books that he has played in 604 games, scoring 127 goals and 355 points. It places him ninth on the all-time Steelers scoring list.

But, most of all, he wants to get his hands on another piece of silverware this season, preferably the main prize of the league championship, which the club has won four times in total during the Elite League era.

With five games remaining, the Steelers are level on points with his former club Cardiff, who play their game in hand at Nottingham Panthers on Friday night.

Like last season’s thrilling finish, the destination of the title is likely not likely to be known until the final weekend of March 19-20.

“The club is moving forward, that’s clear for all to see,” said Phillips.

“Every year we seem to grow, get more professional and stronger. Already you can see what Paul is trying to achieve moving forward.

“I’m proud to captain this team, this club. It’s nice to get the contract signed and out of the way early as we all want to concentrate on this final push for another league title.”

To mark his 11th season at the club, the Steelers have awarded Phillips a testimonial.

“I have to thank Paul for having the trust in me to re-sign me and also to Tony for allowing me a testimonial,” added Phillips.

“As a player, to be awarded such an honour by his club is something that means a lot to me. I don’t take it for granted.

“Years service, games played, testimonials are all very nice but what really matters when you hang your skates up is what you’ve won. I want it to continue this year and thereafter.”

While on the surface Phillips may not be the most demonstrative individual, head coach Thompson said the 33-year-old was unquestionably a leader - both on and off the ice.

“Jonno brings so much leadership – he is always positive,” said Thompson.

“He is the glue a lot of the times that many don’t see. He doesn’t take any nonsense.

“Some question him because they think he is a quiet guy, but he’s not. He talks when he needs to talk and he leads this club on the ice and off the ice, as well as being a great connection between the team and the coaching staff.

“If we are building a core group here then Jonno is right in the middle of that core.”