2004

84 Mike Blaisdell

Mike Blaisdell has won more trophies at the top level than any other coach in Britain in recent times. The Elite League title which Steelers captured earlier this month was his 12th since he took up coaching in 1993 with Nottingham Panthers. The dozen include Steelers' Grand Slam of four titles in 2000-01 and two other league trophies, and three Benson and Hedges cups with Panthers.

A hard-nosed forward from Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan on the Canadian prairies, 'Blaiser' plugged his way through over 300 NHL games and represented his country before coming to England in 1990 and playing three seasons with Durham Wasps.

A master motivator and a shrewd judge of talent, he guided Panthers to the Benson and Hedges in only his second season behind the bench. Since he joined Steelers in the middle of the 1999-2000 season, the club have never failed to win at least one piece of silverware each season.