It's a Munnerful day as "Steeeeve" returns for Steelers (From This Is Lancashire)

It's a Munnerful day as "Steeeeve" returns for Steelers

9:46pm Tuesday 16th March 2010 in

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ELITE LEAGUE ICE HOCKEY:Sheffield Steelers' plans for next season took a massive step forward this morning with confirmation that Steve Munn would be returning to the club.

Munn, who scored last season's Playoff championship game winning goal has been playing in Japan this season after holding the Steelers blue line together for the previous two seasons in which time he became a cult hero at the Arena club.

Steelers head coach David Matsos said: "We have signed a stand out defensive defenseman, probably the best this club has ever seen, but more importantly we have signed a real man, a leader, a general and I couldn't be happier to have him back on the Arena ice and inside the Steelers dressing room.

"I think Steve had about 12 points last year, and yet was up for Elite League defenseman of the year and was our club's most popular player both in the stands and in the dressing room.

"We fully understood Steve leaving us last year, he had a great opportunity to play in Japan, to earn great money and experiance a whole lifestyle change. I think, though, that the love affair was two ways.

"We always knew that the Steelers loved Steve Munn and pretty early on in the year we realised that Steve loved us just as much and therefore finalising this deal was one of the simplest I have ever been involved in."

Munn confirmed that the Sheffield connection was just to hard to stay away from.

He said: "Don't get me wrong. I have loved Japan, the whole experiance has been amazing. The people, the lifestyle, the move is something I am pleased I did, but Sheffield is home to me and my family. In all my years of playing I have never felt so happy and comfortable at a place, never felt so connected with the club and the fans and never felt such an integral part of a winning team.

"I have kept a close eye on what has been happening this season and have genuinely been saddened by the results the boys have had. Coming off the two great seasons we had was always going to be tough and knowing the guys inside the room I know how much they will be hurting. I also know that they will die trying come Playoff time and I certainly wouldn't write them off, they know how to win, how to cross the line first.

"The whole Munn family is excited about returning. I can't wait to pull that Steelers jersey on again and skate out in front of the fans. I'm coming back to win, I'm coming back to where I think the Munns belong, Sheffield, and I can't wait."