Sheppard departure opens up new opportunity for Tait

The 33-year-old forward came in as Dave Matsos's No 2 at the beginning of the 2007-08 campaign after spending three seasons with Elite League rivals Basingstoke Bison.

And in a move which helps explain his decision to return to Steelers after just one season in Italy, the player-assistant role will now be taken on by Ashley Tait, who helped the South Yorkshire club to two play-off titles and a league championship prior to his departure for Ritten Renon.

During his time at Steelers, Sheppard was a genuinely influential figure, playing 182 games while posting 63 goals and 106 assists.

Last season saw him finish third in the Steelers overall points rankings, with 21 goals and 41 assists, some return in a side that struggled to produce any consistency all year.

But a barren season - in terms of major honours at least - has left Matsos intent on re-inventing his side as he goes all out to create a more entertaining on-ice spectacle, meaning Sheppard had to make way.

"As a person the club couldn't of have had a more committed player," said Matsos.

"I know he will go onto great things and I hope he has enjoyed his time here with us as much as we have appreciated everything he has done for us.

"We have to recognise though that as a fifth-placed team that didn't even make the final four weekend, we have to go in a different direction.

"Spaces on the roster have to be found for players that will change our hockey club and make it bigger, tougher and more entertaining."

In his last season with Steelers before moving to Italy, Tait posted 63 points in 56 games, including 25 goals.

The previous season, after making the switch from Coventry Blaze, Tait posted 28 goals and 35 assists in 51 games.

His season with Ritten has been fairly productive, with 12 goals and 22 assists coming in 42 appearances for the 34-year-old.