Steelers axe head coach Christiansen

Sheffield Steelers have axed Doug Christiansen. (Picture: Dean Woolley)

Christiansen was sacked just 10 months after arriving at the Steelers, following a run of poor performances that culminated in Wednesday night’s 5-3 loss to Nottingham Panthers in the Challenge Cup semi-final.

He has been dismissed less than halfway through a two-year deal.

The move comes only a couple of days after his coaching assistant Marc Lefebvre accepted the post as head coach at Coventry Blaze.

Team captain Steve Goertzen takes temporary charge of the Steelers who sit third in the Elite League, 21 points behind runaway leaders Belfast Giants.

Steelers owner Tony Smith said: “It’s not a decision that I’ve taken lightly. I sought Doug Christiansen out at the beginning of the season.

“I wanted him to take over because I believed he was the right guy to take us forward and bring success. It just hasn’t worked.”