Bolibruck returns to Sheffield

Bolibruck scored 27 points for the Steelers in the league in 2004

Sheffield Steelers have agreed terms with defenceman Kevin Bolibruck to return to South Yorkshire for a second spell with the club.

The 32-year-old was the lynchpin of the Steelers double-winning season in 2004 and has since played in Finland, Germany, Denmark and Italy.

Bolibruck told BBC Radio Sheffield: "I always knew that I would come back.

"My wife and I never closed our bank account when we left here before, we loved it with the Steelers."

Bolibruck won the league title and play-offs in 2004 after joining from Rochester of the American Hockey League.

Kevin is both an outstanding player and person

Sheffield Steelers coach Dave Matsos on Kevin Bolibruck

"I've had the chances to come back before but the time just wasn't right, it is now," he added.

"Over the years I have been chipping away at my education and now I have the chance to complete my MBA at the University of Sheffield, that was a huge draw for me and my family.

"Some say that it is a mistake to go back and that things are never the same but I don't buy that.

"I know about the pressure at the Steelers, I enjoy that. I put pressure on myself and I will play what ever role the coach asks of me."

Head coach David Matsos is thrilled to linking up with Bolibruck once again.

"Kevin is both an outstanding player and person and everyone in Sheffield knows by now how much I place on the quality of the individual," he said.

"I think the fans and the people at the club share my own opinions of Kevin, they have seen him with their own eyes and know we have just signed one of the best players that will play in this league next season."

The Steelers defence is now complete with Kevin Reiter and Dan Green sharing goaltending duties, and Bolibruck, Scott Basiuk, Randy Dagenais, Mark Thomas and Ben Morgan patrolling the blue line.

"I like our D - we also have the option of throwing Rod Sarich back there from time to time or on the power play. We have options, lots of them," Matsos added.