'˜Huge loss' as third Sheffield Steelers veteran goes
Sheffield’s 10-season defencemen hangs up his skates on a high after winning back-to-back championships.
It’s the second time he’s effectively quit. After a season out of action, Gerad Adams persuaded him to return to the club. But now the 35-year-old has decided he cannot continue to juggle full-time sports, office work and other family commitments.
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Hide AdSarich is fifth in the club’s all time appearances (577 games.)
Coach Paul Thompson said it was a huge loss: “What a servant to the club Rod has been. We talk about players giving their all for a club, Roddy almost ended up giving his life for the Steelers” (a reference to Sarich’s injury in 2013 where he lost part of a kidney.)
“Rod didn’t want the fanfare of leaving us and asked us to not include him in the post-season celebrations that included Hewey and Leggy. That’s the kind of guy Rod is, we wanted to wave the flags for him because he has been an exceptional player and a huge part of this organisation. We respected his wishes and he leaves us with every ounce of respect we have.
“He is a smart player. He will be a tough component to replace this summer. I’ve coached against Rod and he was a pain in my side.
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Hide Ad“In years to come he will be talked about as one of the Steeler greats. He had many qualities. His relationship with Jeff Legue on the power-play was a reason this club won for so many years.”
The coach added: “Rod has a full time career and has just become a father so he will have his hands full I’m sure.
“He is a huge loss for loss. An absolute quality individual. We repeat his decision but that doesn’t mean we will forget him or miss him hugely.”