The Sheffield Steelers defenceman would dearly like to see the club recruit Jody Lehman for another term.

But he has been in hockey long enough to know it might not happen, and a replacement could be brought in.

Speaking on an audio link on thestar.co.uk, the Canadian said: "Jody is a huge part of our team. He is a goalie with a lot of experience. If I had a choice, he is the goalie I would want in a big game.

"I'd love to have him back, but Jody has got to look out for his best interests and the team - in case things don't work out with Jody - have to make arrangements to find a replacement.

"It's completely between Jody and the management and I have confidence that Mike (O'Connor) and Matty (Dave Matsos) are going to bring in a quality guy. If that's Jody, that's all the better because he is my teammate and I like playing with him.

"And if its another guy then we will just have to trust what the management has decided."

Dagenais hasn't given himself much of a break after the end of the season - he's already heading back to the gym.

"It's time to get back into it because, from what I hear training camp is going to be starting mid August," he said.

"You need to let your body heal and rest a bit and then you have got to get back after it.

"Next season is close - closer than you'd like to think."

CLICK ON THE GREEN PLAY ICON TO HEAR THE INTERVIEW

What do you think? Post your comments below.

READ MORE

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