Post by dave92 on May 21, 2004 18:14:13 GMT 1
Will Steelers ace Mark report back for Duti?
SOUTH Yorkshire or South Tyrol - that's the question Steeler Mark Dutiaume is asking himself.
The ice hockey centreman has arguably been Mike Blaisdell's consistent and reliable player in his two full seasons at the Arena.
But, his form, as expected, has attracted the attention of better-paying European clubs.
And the first to register an interest is Bolzano HC, a well-heeled club in Italy's most northerly province. Will the magic of more money and the lure of an Alpine region turn Dutiaume's head?
After Steelers' play-off final victory, Dutiaume expressed an interest in returning - but accepted that he would be silly not to listen to more luctative offers elsewhere.
Now that period of reflection has started in earnest, with Bolzano testing Dutiaume's resolve.
The 27-year-old left-shot from Manitoba, Canada, was frequently suffering with niggling injuries last year - but ignored ther pain to play 50 league and Play-off games.
His strength on the puck, face-off draws, goals and playmaking are balanced with a careful eye on his defensive responsibilities.
'Dutes' has played in England since the 2000-1 season, but has yet to sample a season in the European leagues.
If he leaves, Blaisdell will wish him well - the coach has never stood in the way of players wanting to better themselves at the peak of their careers.
Bolzano was the team that ex-Steeler Shayne 'Bish Bosh' McCosh played for last season.
SOUTH Yorkshire or South Tyrol - that's the question Steeler Mark Dutiaume is asking himself.
The ice hockey centreman has arguably been Mike Blaisdell's consistent and reliable player in his two full seasons at the Arena.
But, his form, as expected, has attracted the attention of better-paying European clubs.
And the first to register an interest is Bolzano HC, a well-heeled club in Italy's most northerly province. Will the magic of more money and the lure of an Alpine region turn Dutiaume's head?
After Steelers' play-off final victory, Dutiaume expressed an interest in returning - but accepted that he would be silly not to listen to more luctative offers elsewhere.
Now that period of reflection has started in earnest, with Bolzano testing Dutiaume's resolve.
The 27-year-old left-shot from Manitoba, Canada, was frequently suffering with niggling injuries last year - but ignored ther pain to play 50 league and Play-off games.
His strength on the puck, face-off draws, goals and playmaking are balanced with a careful eye on his defensive responsibilities.
'Dutes' has played in England since the 2000-1 season, but has yet to sample a season in the European leagues.
If he leaves, Blaisdell will wish him well - the coach has never stood in the way of players wanting to better themselves at the peak of their careers.
Bolzano was the team that ex-Steeler Shayne 'Bish Bosh' McCosh played for last season.