Sheffield Steelers goalie quits for Frankfurt

Sheffield Steelers' north American goalie Tyler Plante has left the club for Germany - meaning Marek Pinc will be the man entrusted to help them retain the League title.
Plante goes into the Lions denPlante goes into the Lions den
Plante goes into the Lions den

Steelers and Plante, 28, parted company by "mutual consent."

He has signed for Frankfurt Lions.

Elite League championsElite League champions
Elite League champions

Lion sporting director Rich Chernomaz said: "Tyler is a very talented, great goalkeeper who has unfortunately never get the chance, despite its good position in Draft of 2005 to prove themselves on the NHL level. But he has played in Europe some success and we are delighted that he is with us now and strengthened our lion pride. "

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Plante recently sustained a high ankle sprain and has missed the last month with injury - but it was always thought he would be the favourite to regain his position at Sheffield.

Pinc, however, has overcome a bumpy start to show he is a quality netminder.

And Plante clearly didn't feel he wanted to take him on, for the slot, over the next couple of weeks.

"With Tyler back fully fit and Marek playing so well I was going to have to make a difficult decision" said head coach Paul Thompson.

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"Marek's current deal is up in two weeks and at that time one would stay and one would have to leave us.

"I was honest and explained this position to Tyler. I couldn't guarantee him anything. In the mean time a deal has come up in Europe and having spoken at length with Tyler we agreed it was best he moved on and took the deal on offer.

"Marek Pinc has played exceptionally well for us in the past few weeks. His sharpness and confidence have been there for all to see and I am happy to have him as our guy moving forward

"He has a strong character and temperament. You need that to be a starter here.

"We wish Tyler well and thank him for his service"