It will be the British player's fourth season with the club after joining from London Racers in 2005.

Head coach David Matsos said: "Mark is an integral part of our hockey club, one of the livewires around the place, he is a valued and trusted member of the group of guys we have here."

"For me it was a no brainer, I looked around at my options and couldn't see a guy fitting into his job better than him, he loves it in Sheffield, he feels a real part of what we are doing here and it was a quick and easy negotiation."

Thomas has played 146 games for the Steelers, the last of which was the Play Off Championship final against Coventry.

"I think about that game every day" said Thomas, speaking from his home in Stockport.

"What a day, what a weekend that was. I want more of those games, more of those days."

"Sheffield have been good to me over the years, they took me in and gave me the chance, I still think there is more to come."