STEELERS' Play-off championship win and consistent league form depended hugely on the influence of club captain Jonathan Phillips, his teammates stressed today.
Every member of the Sheffield set-up has been impressed by the leadership of the Welshman, who took over the skipper's duties halfway through season 2006-7 from import Shawn Maltby and has kept the 'C' ever since.
Today two spokesmen for the dressing room paid tribute to their leader.
Defenceman Ian Manzano said: "He has been a model of consistency all year, the guy works hard every shift of every game.
"He has also weighed in with some timely goals - and last Sunday (the opener in the Play-off final win against Coventry Blaze) was key and just what we needed at that time.
"It must have been an easy decision to make him captain, he is a good guy and everybody listens to what he has to say."
Forward Dan Tessier was equally generous with his praise.
"Jonno works hard all the time and is one of the better captains in this league. I give him every credit for what he has done all year and especially that goal against Coventry.
"A great team needs a great captain and we've got one."
Phillips will be retained as skipper by coach Dave Matsos for next season.
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