It will be Sarich's fourth year with the Steelers, having already played 169 games for the club.

"I'm delighted to be back with the Steelers, Sheffield is now my second home," said Sarich.

The Steelers had made their intentions clear from the end of last season to re-sign Sarich but the Steelers most offensive defensman caught the eye in Europe.

"It's nice when you get interest in your services. It's flattering for sure and, yes, I listened to the other clubs," he said.

"I do feel, though, that I'm a Steeler and my heart is certainly here in Sheffield.

What do you think? Post your comments below.

"After winning the Play-off Championship last season it just made me more excited about returning and giving that league championship a proper crack.

"Everyone in Sheffield talks about history, those teams that have delivered a league title. I would like to join that list of players

"I enjoyed playing with this group of guys. We moved forward so very much last year and, with nearly all of them returning, I think we have a great chance to deliver this season.

"It's important that we get off to a good start and there will be no excuses. We all are fully aware of what to expect so lets go out and win it."

Head coach David Matsos said: "Rod was always one of my top targets. Few players can make things happen like he can.

"Sure he had some interest elsewhere and I gave him the chance to examine that. I like the facts that other clubs want our players. It shows we have good players.

"With the D I'm building, I hope that we can see more of Rod offensivel. W,hen he skates at you, defences are always in trouble. He will be a key player for next year if we are to win this league title."

Steelers' second-string goalie, Davey Lawrence, will be a Telford Tiger next season.

The 23-year-old Barnsley-born netminder, who decided to quit the Elite League to get more ice time away from import competition, has signed for Claude Dumas' side.

He will have to earn his place, though - he is up against home-grown hero Daniel Heslop for a spot between the posts.

Lawrence said: "I wanted to join an English Premier League team as a starting goalie and when I talked to Tigers I liked the sound of the team they are putting together, so it seemed like a good move.

"I remember playing in Telford as a child and there was always a great rivalry between Telford and Sheffield.

"Everyone wants to play to win. There is no point in playing otherwise. I want us to be pushing towards the top four places in the league, and would be looking to bring some silverware to Shropshire.

"I want to win every game if I can.

"The ambition would be to bring Telford back to being a winning side."

READ MORE
Ice Hockey
Football headlines.
Football gossip.
More Blades
More Owls.
More Spireites.
More Rovers.
More Reds.
More Millers.
More rugby.
More boxing.
Sports columnists.
All sport categories