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Players urge Steelers to hang on to Ash
SHEFFIELD players are upping the pressure on their Steelers bosses to re-sign Ashley Tait.
Recently defenceman Mark Thomas has described Tait as "simply irreplaceable; at a different level".
Fellow blue-liner Randy Dagenais says only Belfast's Colin Shields comes close to Tait as the best Brit in the Elite League, adding: "Ash's leadership, experience, poise and confidence is vital to us. He scores huge goals too.
"Imports can be replaced, but Brits are key to the team.
"We were successful last year because we had the likes of Ash, Jonathan Phillips, Mark Thomas, Jason Hewitt and Rob Dowd, who, of course, was exceptional."
Rod Sarich also joined the clamour today.
He said: "If he ends up not coming back those will be big shoes to fill. Losing that experience and ability would leave a big gap.
"Ash is a natural goalscorer. He is always in the right spot at the right time and has good speed too."
Ex-Coventry Blaze and Nottingham Panthers man Tait, aged 33, has had two seasons at Sheffield Arena.
Club general manager Mike O'Connor said: "Ash is looking at the continent, where there may be greener pastures. He hasn't shared with me where.
"He has had a fantastic career in Britain and maybe he is looking to stretch himself.
"Whether he goes remains to be seen, but we have got to crack on looking for a potential replacement."
What do you think? Post your comments below.
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Friday 10 February 2012
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