He believes the signing of Scott Basiuk from Manchester Phoenix will bring a defensively harder yet offensively more versatile edge to the team.

"Scott has got great size; he makes it pretty tough for you" said the GB forward.

"He can be pretty physical, he's got great shot on the point, I think Matty (Dave Matsos) will be using him on the power play."

The decision to return to Sheffield made by Rod Sarich and Jody Lehman is equally welcomed by Tait. "Talent-wise, it's difficult to think of anyone who has got more skill, than Roddy.

"He is very smooth on the ice, rarely gets fazed; he just gets better and better.

"It will be interesting this year if Matty loosens the leash a little bit and let's him go offensive that little bit more, but that's down to Matty. We'll get big things from Roddy again."

Of goaltender Lehman, he added: "I was with Jody in Coventry a few years as well as here last year and he practices as hard as he plays and wants to win just as much as the next guy.

"He doesn't give second best and doesn't accept it from anyone else either."

Tait says Steelers are favourites to win the championship in some rival teams' eyes.

"I have talked to a few people in Coventry and they said we are going to be the team to watch this year.

"But everyone of the top four are going to contend. Some of the smaller clubs Edinburgh and Hull are going to take points off people all the time.

"It is up to us to raise the bar a little.''



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