Video: Sheffield Steelers' '˜good luck charm' ready for Nottingham Panthers

The 35-year-old veteran returned from ‘retirement’ last weekend to help coach the side to wins home and away.

And he ventured on to the ice on Wednesday to play a solid part in the 5-2 iceSheffield win over Edinburgh Capitals.

“It was alright, fun to be out there again that’s for sure” said the former GB defenceman. “You can’t find that in the office, that sort of fun. It was a good game, I really enjoyed it.”

He said he had a little way to go for match fitness.

“The tempo of that (Caps) game is not going to be the same as the Nottingham match, (Panthers are at the Arena on Saturday) but it didn’t feel too bad actually.

“Every day my hands seem to be getting better, in terms of passing and that. So another week and I think I will be alright.”

He said Nottingham matches: “were always intense. They are going to want to play spoiler and beat us in our barn, that’s for sure.”

He said it depended if the club’s injuries had cleared up - unlikely according to coach Paul Thompson - as to whether he gets one of the import slots.

Sarich’s return has certainly had a stabilising effect, both on the bench and the blue line.

He said he would be happy to be considered a lucky omen.

“Hopefully I can keep it going.”

Second place Steelers are six points behind leaders Cardiff Devils, who remain favourites to lift the title

“We need some help now, but as in the last couple of seasons it has been tight” said Sarich.

“We just have to keep winning, ourselves. That’s all we ever do...just win the next game.”

He said the team had strengthened since he played in the Champions Hockey League in September.

“The guys seem like they are pretty well versed, it is the end of the season, they should be.”

He said their run of eight wins from nine games had been aided by solid defensive work.

“Long may it continue.”