Sheffield Steelers star Tomas Duba still open-minded about playing future

The veteran chalked up a 90.30 per cent save ratio across 48 games in his debut EIHL season.

His unflappable style was a significant reason why Sheffield ended the coronavirus-hit season with a Challenge Cup victory together with second place in the league.

Many arena fans had been hoping to see Duba back in South Yorkshire.

Sheffield Steelers player on importance of getting help for mental health issues

But the pandemic sees the Czech Republic goalie out of the crease and re-evaluating his options, including retirement.

"I am following the coronavirus situation and based on that making my ice hockey decisions," he told The Star.

"I don't see any change for the better at the moment so I decided to put my career on hold for a while and if this takes way too long or I lose my hunger, motivation and will to continue, I will retire completely."

Duba is currently living in his wife's home country of Finland.

"The situation here seems okay to us," said the former international custodian.

"Kids are attending school, masks are not mandatory and restaurants and shops are open so far.

"We feel quite safe here, compared to my home country, the Czech Republic, where the virus got out of control and people are in a long lasting lockdown.

"I am in contact with my parents and friends, and it is not easy there, at all.

"The Government in Finland has given some recommendations and the Finns are following them and respecting them.

"They never seem to have a problem with social distancing, it is in their nature, perhaps. Plus it's not so densely populated, which also helps."

On the ice, Duba says he was "in a practice mode until October."

But recently, he switched roles and is helping as a coach in a local junior program, developing young prospects.

A personal priority is to "stay close with ice hockey."

Duba said: "I often go to see Finnish elite league and I cannot help but compare with last season in Sheffield.

"The level of some games might be higher, but the wonderful atmosphere that one can experience in a Sheffield Steelers' game is really unique. That I really miss a lot, here.

"I thought that I experienced the best fan culture in Germany, but I was quite frankly shocked when I saw the "Orange army" for the first time."

Duba recalled how even exhibition games were sold out at the start of the season with "fans cheering the whole game long."

Ice hockey is back in Sheffield

The overall effects of the virus continue to wreak havoc with the sport.

Team GB has tweeted that the International Ice Hockey Federation had announced a raft of tournament cancellations.

"It sadly means there will be no World Championship tournaments for GB Women and GB U18s to add to the earlier cancellations for GB U20s and GB U18 Women."

*Meanwhile, Sheffield Steeldogs' next home game in the Streaming Series is on Sunday November 29 against Milton Keynes Lightning.

This coming Sunday sees the iceSheffield side travel to Swindon Wildcats.

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