From Sheffield Steelers website
On Saturday night, Sheffield Steelers will celebrate the 1,000th EIHL game played by Great Britain captain Jonathan Phillips.
The Steelers most decorated captain joined the Yorkshire-based club back in 2006 when signed by Dave Whistle from his home town Cardiff Devils.
Phillips was immediately appointed an assistant captain and after a year with the club was made captain, something he has retained ever since, other than the 2013-14 season when Steven Goertzen led the club.
The Steelers have won four league titles (2009 / 2011 / 2015 / 2016) and three playoff championships (2008 / 2009 / 2017) under his leadership.
Heading into this weekend’s game, Phillips has played 844 games for the Steelers, scoring 156 goals, 273 assists for 429 points whilst sitting out 732 penalty minutes.
“He has been an incredible captain, the best team-mate and a great friend,” said former Steeler Mark Thomas. “He isn’t a ranter in the dressing room, he leads by example. If he has something to say he will say it directly to you.
“The Steelers won’t realise just what an important part of the club he is until he eventually calls it a day.
“He is an exceptional athlete and leader. He is a Steeler through and through, it’s inside him and to play 1,000 Elite League games is an incredible achievement.”