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Rod needs to cure his Euro 'Blues'
ROD Sarich failed to give a proper account of himself in his first taste of European hockey.
His performances for the 'Blues' of Finland fell short of the standards his subsequent teams enjoyed - including Sheffield Steelers.
Now, after four smooth-skating seasons at Sheffield Arena, Sarich feels he has some unfinished business overseas.
And if the right offer comes along, it will see him start his 14th season on the continent.
That isn't what Sheffield fans will want to hear, but few would begrudge him the right to challenge himself at higher levels.
"I have had a couple of offers from various teams, but we are just trying to sort out some of the kinks in them," he said today.
"They have come from Denmark and Austria and there are rumoured to be others interested.
"I played in Finland for a few months and it didn't go too well. That sort of thing stays with you.
"I was young when I was there (2003-04) and it was a great opportunity. But I wasn't that happy and the hockey was not that great either.
"I went back to the States to learn some more and then arrived in Sheffield. Now I'm not sure where I will be next season."
Sarich wants to get the European bug out of his system, saying that it had always been an ambition to play in a top team in countries like Germany and Austria.
"It gives you personal satisfaction to play at the highest level you can," said the Canadian defenceman.
"But people say the grass isn't always greener. I'd have to ask whether it was worth going to a team that doesn't do so well but pays more or stay with Sheffield and win. I've certainly not ruled that out."
Sarich is only 28 and hopes to continue playing into his mid-30s. After that, he may investigate working in chiropractic health care.
The chances of a return to Sheffield by another d-man, Kevin Bolibruck, are increasing.
Despite bigger salary offers from Nottingham Panthers and Coventry Blaze, the 32-year-old ex-Canada international is likely to be more impressed by an offer to study for an MBA at Sheffield University.
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Friday 10 February 2012
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