Workaholic Steeler Eberle ready to put in another massive shift

That's the view of team-mate Jonas Liwing, who was delighted to see the winger re-signed by coach Aaron Fox for season 2020-21 - should it be allowed to start up.

Eberle was something of a revelation last year. His 30+ statistic in the plus-minus column earmarked him as a true all-rounder.

And Fox recognised that by making him his first re-signing of the Summer, while handing him a salary increase.

Liwing, who played 17 regular EIHL games alongside Eberle believes the forward and goaltender Tomas Duba were the players of the greatest worth in the Challenge Cup winning campaign.

"My big favourite was Tanner Eberle," said the Swedish defenceman.

"He was the hardest working guy on the team - every game and every practice.

"He was great on the penalty kill and same on the power play, when he got the chance there. He really deserved a new contract."Liwing has high praise for the goaltender, too.

"I have to mention Duba who, at his age, played pretty much every game after (Pavel) Kantor left" he said.

"Above that I think he came to every practice as well, he never took a day off."

Liwing is now moving on, looking for a club in his native country.Reflecting on his injury hit time in South Yorkshire, the 37-year-old said: "I think it was a great experience. Apart from my injury, me and my family had a good time."The fans were amazing all year. It was pretty impressive that they were louder than the Cardiff Devils' fans during the Challenge Cup final."

*Another former Sheffield defenceman, Scott Aarssen, has retired - and with some regrets.

After leaving Steelers, he spent two years with Fife Flyers, but the premature end to last season put paid to a proper farewell to the UK.

He told The Herald: "It was a little weird and disappointing to finish in the way I did. But it wasn’t just me in that situation of course. There were a lot of other people in the same boat and we were all going through unique circumstances with the pandemic."