The Steelers took on the Belfast Giants at the Motorpoint Arena in the play-off final to claim the Grand Slam title.
This was only the fourth Grand Slam in Elite League history after the Giants last year, the Nottingham Panthers in 2023 and the Coventry Blaze in 2005.
Aaron Fox, Head Coach, said: “It’s just an incredible group of guys. I’m honoured to be their coach, what we’ve been through as a team, it’s something that will never be forgotten.
“It’s legendary, absolutely legendary. I couldn’t be happier for everybody. The character in this room is just through the roof. Every single guy made an impact this year. It’s really special.”
Fox referred to the ‘orange army’ of fans who began to chant and sing as Don’t Stop Believin‘ by Journey played in the background.
Fighting for the title, the first period saw the Steelers gain two goals making a strong start thanks to players Daniel Ciampini and Mikko Juusola.
Ciampini’s goal was assisted by Brandon Whistle and Dominic Cormier while Mikko Juusola’s was unassisted.
The game turned in the Steelers’ favour after a penalty call on Greg Printz, Giants forward.
He was assessed a five-minute major penalty for boarding on Steelers player, Patrick Watling, and the call was disputed by Giants coach, Adam Keefe.
The second period saw Belfast Giants player, Blake Speers, score with only eight seconds to go, putting the pressure back on the Steelers.
Despite the Giants getting one back in this period, the Steelers had dominated the second period right up until the last eight seconds.
In the third and final period, the Steelers focused on defence to protect their one goal lead. Kevin Tansey scored an empty net goal from 200 feet away to secure the title and claim the three trophies on offer.
Despite the Giant’s efforts to equalise, the Steelers took home the regular season title and the were the winners of the Challenge Cup.
