Thomas keen to help restore winning feeling at Steelers

BACK FOR MORE: Mark Thomas has signed a new two-year deal with Sheffield Steelers. Picture: Dean Woolley.

By the time the deal ends, Thomas will have spent 10 years with the Elite League club something which will be marked by a testimonial for the 29-year-old defenceman.

The appointment of Doug Christiansen as head coach to replace the axed Ryan Finnerty - who looks set to become head coach at Braehead Clan - left most Steelers’ players on one-year deals unsure of their futures.

Other British names are expected to be confirmed in the next week or so, but it is Thomas who has been signed first by Christiansen, who worked closely with the Stockport-born blue liner on Great Britain’s recent World Championship campaign in Budapest, which ended in relegation.

For Thomas, news of his first two-year deal means he will be able to fulfil one of his hockey ambitions when he first started out with Haringey Racers back in 2002.

“When I first started playing hockey for a living I always said I wanted to play try and play for the same club for 10 years,” said Thomas.

“The fact the club are looking to do a testimonial for me is fantastic - it’s a lovely gesture.”

Thomas admits it has been a frustrating time for the Steelers in recent years, but, having worked closely with Christiansen at international level four times in the last 12 months, believes the former Belfast Giants coach is the right man to bring silverware back to the Motorpoint Arena.

“I’ve got a lot of respect for Doug Christiansen and the way he coaches - he’s impressed me,” added Thomas.

“It’s reassuring for you as a player when a coach makes it clear that he wants you around.

“We’ve had a couple of dry years here and things haven’t quite worked out. But, having worked with Doug and seeing what he’s achieved in Belfast, I believe he’s the right guy to get us on a winning track.”

Thomas marks Christiansen’s first signing since being appointed as Steelers coach on April 9. The American, who led Belfast to the regular season league title in 2012, believes Thomas will play a key role as they look to return to winning ways.

“Having worked with Mark for GB, I have come to appreciate his professionalism and skill-set,” said Christiansen. “He is motivated to getting back to winning championships - something we can hopefully do by the time his testimonial comes around.”