The Elite Leagues Leading Points Scorer Back in Orange
The Elite Leagues leading point scorer, Mitchell Balmas is returning to the Sheffield Steelers next season after signing a new one year contract that will also see the sharpshooter further his education with Sheffield Hallam University.
Balmas scored 38 goals and 90 points in just 70 games in his first season with the club, helping the Steelers secure the 2024 Grand Slam.
Head coach Aaron Fox couldn’t have been happier saying “Anytime you’re able to bring back the top scorer in the league you know it’s an impact signing for the club.
“Balms is coming back on a university deal with Sheffield Hallam which was instrumental in keeping him in orange.
“He is an elite offensive player that can do it all. Mitch is a very unselfish player that makes the right play and sees the game at another level. I think what sets him apart is his high character on and off the ice and the respect he gets from his teammates.
“It’s Great to have him back and shows the intention we have for the forthcoming season ahead”
Balmas confirmed that the decision to return was one agreed a while ago with Aaron Fox
“We sat down, and it was pretty easy to agree a deal” he said “it was nice to agree to early and have the summer knowing where you would be playing again next season
“I think also knowing how many of the core group would be returning helped, I think collectively we were a special group and it’s good to know the people you will be playing with
“Of course having the year we had there was going to be options, not just for me but for the whole group and I think we all pretty much decided that the combination of the group, the city, the building and of course those crazy fans meant that why wouldn’t you want to return and try and do it again
“Add to that the CHL, what an experience that will be. As players you want to play against the best and I think we aren’t just there to make the numbers up, we want to make some noise in that competition”
Mitch has also seen many of the other clubs signings this summer and commented “The EIHL is getting better year on year, lots of teams have beefed up and as always we know there will be no easy game”]
