Kiveton Park’s Shudra makes a Giant move
Rotherham ice hockey star Cole Shudra has ended his 365-game career with Sheffield Steelers believing EIHL rivals Belfast Giants can make him a better player.
The 6ft 2ins Great Britain international, who was born and raised in Kiveton Park, needs a new challenge and more ice time after his South Yorkshire side failed to win a trophy.
The skater (27) was snapped up by Giants, who have won the league title in the last two seasons and want to make it a third in 2026-27.
Shudra – whose father Ron was an icon at Sheffield – said: “I am super excited to come to Belfast and very grateful for the opportunity to play for such a great organisation and in front of some really passionate fans.
"After speaking with Keefer [head coach Adam Keefe], playing for him will really bring out the best in my game and allow me to play my role effectively.
"I am coming in ready to work, compete hard every night, and do whatever it takes to help the team win. I can’t wait to get over to Belfast, meet the guys, and get the season going.”
Keefe said: "Cole brings young energy. He is bigger-bodied and offers a physical forechecking presence, which is something we needed to address.
"Cole has had some real success offensively when given a real opportunity in the National Ice Hockey League, so he has some real upside there, too.
"An added bonus is that he also has the ability to fill in on defence if needed.”
Shudra felt a move was needed after 45 league games and one goal for Sheffield in a disappointing season in which Steelers finished fourth in the regular division.
He made his debut for Steelers a decade ago after he and Maltby's Liam Kirk joined in an apprenticeship programme.
Since leaving Steelers system as a teenager, Kirk has become the standout figure of modern British ice hockey.
He made history in 2018 when the Arizona Coyotes selected him in the seventh round of the NHL Draft, making him the first English-born and trained player ever drafted by an NHL franchise.
He has established himself in Germany with Eisbären Berlin, where he has developed into one of the DEL’s elite forwards. In the 2025-26 season he scored 32 goals and recorded 55 points in 52 regular-season games – finishing as the league’s top goalscorer – before adding another strong playoff campaign as Berlin won back-to-back DEL titles.