The Canadian centre was the most gifted and consistent points-scorer in the Play Off championship-winning line up but was dropped amid rumours of a personality clash with team-mates.

Some of them have privately confided that Tessier's character jarred with them.

And Steelers official Dave Simms told The Star today: "Personally, I thought Dan was ok, but maybe I was in the minority. A minority of one."

Coach Dave Matsos has pointedly made it clear that he is looking for a forward who "will fit in our team on and off the ice."

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Speaking on video at our thestar.co.uk website, O'Connor stressed that the club had no issue with Tessier's on-ice contribution.

"We can't take anyt hing away from Dan. He performed very well for us and did everything we asked of him. He played his part in bringing a championship back to Sheffield.

"But sometimes hard decisions have to be made and Dave Matsos is not shy to make them, he is going a different type of direction, he wants a different type of player and irrespective of Dan's desire to join the police force in Ottawa, Matty made that decision."

O'Connor claimed he was not "in the dressing room" and it was "not my place to comment" on any tensions.

But he said: "Everybody marches to the beat of a different drum and sometimes the fit is not what the coach is looking for and I think that's perhaps why Dave is looking elsewhere."

Asked if that "fit" was more off the ice than on it, he said: "You draw your own conclusions."

n Several import defencemen are waiting to see if Rod Sarich quits Steelers - so they can challenge for the chance to take his shirt.

Sarich is uncertain whether he can commit to another term with the Play Off champs because he is seeking a university course which may not be available in Sheffield.

Matsos says: "I don't want Rod to go but am keeping my options open in case he does leave and have a couple of guys wanting to join us."

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