VIDEO: Why Zack Fitzgerald was dropped by Sheffield Steelers tonight
But he went into the EIHL game having had to make the decision on which import to miss out - as he now has more fit overseas players than the League permits on the ice.
Fans' favourite Zack Fitzgerald was the healthy scratch - something of a first for Steelers.
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Hide AdThompson said it had been hard to make the decision but added the player has had a "tough time" recently with suspensions and injuries. That had interfered with his rhythm.
He had been in and out the line up, and the coach had to make a decision on where the team was, as a whole.But the American d-man would get his chance, when he eventually comes back into the line up.
Tonight's win at Sheffield Arena sees Steelers in fifth place.
There were some interesting results...
Saturday 17th February
Elite League
Belfast Giants 2 Edinburgh Capitals 4
Braehead Clan 1 Coventry Blaze 3
Fife Flyers 7 Dundee Stars 0
Milton Keynes Lightning 1 Manchester Storm 4
Nottingham Panthers 7 Cardiff Devils 2
Sheffield Steelers 3 Guildford Flames 2
FIXTURES
Sunday 18th February
Elite League
Belfast Giants v Milton Keynes Lightning - 4.00pm
Coventry Blaze v Sheffield Steelers - 5.15pm
Dundee Stars v Fife Flyers - 5.00pm
Edinburgh Capitals v Cardiff Devils - 6.00pm
Guildford Flames v Manchester Storm - 6.00pm
Nottingham Panthers v Braehead Clan - 4.00pm