It will be an 11th consecutive season with the Sheffield Steeldogs for Tim Smith, his 12th in total after amassing 448 league and play off games for the club.
Smith makes a return to the Steeldogs after stepping away from the club and the sport midway through last season.
Head coach Ben Morgan confirmed the return of his own defensive blue line partner 24 hours after the club’s induction day with the ownership group saying “When we put together this squad, player development and the need for genuine leadership was at the heart of every decision. In Tim we have this in abundance.
“The decision for Tim to step away from not only the club he loves but the game entirely was the toughest decision he’s ever had to make in his career.
“With a clear mind, and a renewed faith in what we are creating within our club, I’m excited and relieved to see Tim make the decision to be back where he belongs.
“Tim will continue juggle family, work and junior hockey coaching this season but undoubtably give 100% for our club and loyal fans”.
For his part, Smith was delighted to be returning to the Steeldogs and said “I’m really looking forward to the season ahead. When Morgs took the job, I knew the effort and detail he would put in, with his natural desire to compete and succeed. I also knew that he would be building a team that would compete at the top-end of the table.
“Hockey has always been about competing and playing to win for me, and when he asked me to be a part of the squad this year it was a difficult opportunity to turn down.
“Last year didn’t end how I would have ever wanted it to, and after speaking with the club I didn’t want my time with the Steeldogs to conclude in the way that it did.
“I can’t wait to get back into action and challenge for silverware”