Sheffield Steelers aim for the skies as airport becomes new sponsor

Play-off Champions Sheffield Steelers are hoping to shoot for the skies in the new 2014/15 season after securing a new sponsor.

Robin Hood Airport Doncaster Sheffield will be supporting the ice hockey club with a new sponsorship deal which begins in September.

The announcement comes after the Steelers were crowned Elite League Play-off winners following a 3-2 overtime win against Belfast Giants on April 6.

Doncaster Sheffield Airport has recently announced new routes to Belfast, Isle of Man, Riga and Bucharest, as well as new routes for 2015 to Antalya and Zante. It will mean Steelers fans and additional clubs' supporters will have direct access to Northern Ireland for future English Ice Hockey League games against Belfast Giants.

Steve Gill, managing director at Doncaster Sheffield Airport, said: "We are pleased to establish a link with the Sheffield Steelers and are already looking forward to a successful campaign when the new season starts later in the year.

"The new Belfast route will provide fans with easier access to Northern Ireland and vice-versa helping more supporters attend key games. Steelers fans are known nationally for giving their team fantastic backing at home and away games, so we think these flights will be of interest.

"Our sponsorship of the Steelers will raise the profile of all the destinations we now have available at the airport and we are excited about helping the club enjoy more national success in the future".

Mike O'Connor, commercial manager at Sheffield Steelers, said: "We are delighted Doncaster Sheffield Airport has given its backing to the Steelers. It is fantastic to have an international airport right on our doorstep and it will be ideal for our matches against Belfast Giants.

"We look forward to working with the airport in the new season and hopefully it will be a successful partnership which will help bring more silverware to the House of Steel!"