Exclusive: Levi Nelson reveals he won't be playing for Sheffield Steelers again

Fans favourite Levi Nelson has hung up the skates and will not play for Sheffield Steelers again.
Steelers' Levi Nelson in action against Belfast Giants.Steelers' Levi Nelson in action against Belfast Giants.
Steelers' Levi Nelson in action against Belfast Giants.

The cavalier winger, who forged such a sensational partnership with Robert Dowd, says it’s time to start a new chapter in his life.

After three dynamic seasons at the Elite League club, Nelson - whose dramatic goal won the Play Off final the season before last - told The Star: “I have decided to retire.

Levi NelsonLevi Nelson
Levi Nelson

“It’s something I have been thinking about for a while and now that I have made a decision I am at ease with it.

“Hockey has given me so much with travelling around the world and seeing places not many people get the chance to do in their life time, to meeting new friends along the way. It’s been a heck of a ride for me and my family.”

The former AHL winger added: “I have played for a lot of great teams and Sheffield is right up there with the best of them.”

Nelson wanted to thank the whole Steelers organisation for “making Sheffield home for my family and I.

“We loved our time in Sheffield and have made lots of new friends and memories that will last a life time.

“The decision to retire was a hard decision but at the same time it was an easy decision. I am ready and looking forward to the next chapter in our lives.”

Nelson, 30, said it was “not always easy being a professional hockey player playing overseas.

“There is a lot of great things that come with getting the chance to do what I have always loved to do playing hockey. But at the same time there are some sacrifices that you have to make. “

He said his wife and he had missed family and friends’ events in Canada.

“We are looking forward to being home year round with family and friends and being there for the special occasions birthdays and holidays we don’t usually get to be around for.

“I can’t thank my wife Tiffany enough for following me around the world from team to team and putting all her dreams and aspirations on hold so I can do what I love to do. “I am excited for her to be able to get a chance to do what she has always wanted to do and start up her own business.”