Basingstoke Bison v Peterborough Phantoms – The Bison have won three out of four of their games against Peterborough this season, and have won both of the home contests. The scorelines have been fairly close in most games though, and Peterborough’s 6-3 home win in December is the only game to be decided by more than two goals. Basingstoke are in good form as they chase down 3rd place in the league, while the Phantoms are coming off an impressive midweek win against Manchester. This is the first of two meetings between these sides this weekend.

Guildford Flames v Bracknell Bees – In four games so far this season, Guildford have triumphed every time, while racking up 29 goals and conceding 12. This includes a 10-2 victory at home and an 11-5 win away at Bracknell. The last game between the Flames and Bees was much tighter though, a 4-3 overtime victory for Guildford. Bracknell will be hoping to capitalise on the Flames’ recent form (they have lost their last four league games) as they bid to keep hold of the final playoff spot. This is the first of two meetings between these sides this weekend.

Bees v Flames - Photo: Chris Callaghan

Milton Keynes Lightning v Swindon Wildcats – Considering MK’s dominance and Swindon’s lowly league position, games between the two teams have been relatively close. They have played each other five times already, and while the Lightning have won all five, two were one-goal games and two were two-goal games. The Wildcat’s form has been much improved recently, and last week they won both games (against Slough and Guildford), but Milton Keynes can clinch the title in front of their own fans with a win.

Romford Raiders v Slough Jets – Slough have beaten the bottom-placed Raiders five times out of five this season, and have averaged 7.4 goals per game in these contests. The closest scoreline between the teams came in their last contest, when a shortbenched Raiders side went down 5-3 at the Hanger. Slough need the win to stand any chance of winning the title, but Romford have very little to play for now this season and will simply look to entertain their fans at home.

Sheffield Scimitars v Manchester Phoenix – This series is yet another example of a team going for the clean sweep in the EPL – Manchester have won all five contests so far. The majority have been close games, though in the last

Basingstoke's Lauko dekes for the goal - Photo: Chris Callaghan

matchup last weekend, Phoenix strolled to a 4-1 victory. Since losing a few key players, the Scimitars have struggled, but have already secured a playoff spot, while Manchester have looked much better recently, despite their midweek loss, as they hope to cling onto third place.

Sunday

Bracknell Bees v Guildford Flames – See Saturday preview.

Manchester Phoenix v Romford Raiders – Much to everyone’s surprise Romford have won two of the five games between these sides this season. However, in the other three games they were comprehensibly beaten, conceding a combined 29 goals. Manchester have absolutely dominated at home against the Raiders, winning 7-0 and 12-3, and with the Phoenix playing to stay in third Romford will have to play out of their skins to get anything.

Peterborough Phantoms v Basingstoke Bison – See Saturday preview.

Sheffield Scimitars v Swindon Wildcats – Games between these sides have been very even this season. Out of five contests, Sheffield have won three, but each game has been very tight, decided by just one or two goals. Sheffield’s form has been fairly poor over the last few weeks, though they are coming off an impressive win against Guildford. Swindon on the other hand are hitting form at just the right time, and will look to overtake Bracknell in eighth.

MK Dman Zatopek winds up for the shot - Photo: Chris Callaghan

Slough Jets v Milton Keynes Lightning – Slough appear to be the only team in the EPL who have MK’s number. Out of five meetings Slough have won three, including 8-2 and 6-3 scorelines, whereas the Lightning wins were tight one-goal games. Unfortunately for the Jets, by the time they play this game, the EPL league title might already have been won by MK.

Bracknell Bees   9-6 Romford Raiders
Manchester Phoenix   4-1 Sheffield Scimitars
Milton Keynes Lightning   7-2 Peterborough Phantoms
Slough Jets   1-4 Basingstoke Bison
Swindon Wildcats   3-2 Guildford Flames

Sunday 14th March 2010

Basingstoke Bison   1-3 Milton Keynes Lightning
Guildford Flames   3-4 Sheffield Scimitars   (OT)
Manchester Phoenix   7-3 Bracknell Bees
Romford Raiders   1-6 Peterborough Phantoms
Swindon Wildcats   3-2 Slough Jets

A FEW really surprising results came up this weekend, while the title-race was all but decided.

After last weekend, I said that the big winners were Swindon as they closed the gap on Bracknell. While I don’t want to

Romford's Jozef Sladok goes for the hit v Bracknell - Photo: Chris Callaghan

just be repeating myself, Swindon are one of three teams that came out of the weekend really well. They recorded their second four point weekend of the season (first since October!), and against Guildford and Slough no less. Those teams were second and third in the league going into the weekend, and Swindon had lost every game (10 games in all) against the two sides this season. That has got to be a huge confidence boost for the Wildcats as they chase down the final playoff spot. They are now level on points with the Bees, and despite probably having a marginally tougher run-in, will be very confident after these results.

The next ‘big winner’ is an obvious one. Milton Keynes pretty much sealed the EPL title this week by beating local rivals Peterborough and Basingstoke, while nearest challengers Slough failed to pick up points. It is not quite mathematically secured yet, but this weekend was a huge step toward the title that they deserve. Aside from being the most consistent team, they’re proving that can handle the pressure, and that doesn’t bode well for the other teams come playoff time.

My third ‘big winner’ this weekend is Manchester. The Phoenix suffered a huge dip in form a few weeks ago, but now appear to be back on track. They beat Sheffield and Bracknell for a consecutive four-point weekend, and while they will have much harder weekends in terms of opposition, they must be happy to be finding their consistency again. The two wins saw them jump from fifth to third in the league.

Pinc shoots on Kaylor (Bracknell v Romford) - Photo: Chris Callaghan

After the ‘winners’, we have to have a look at the teams that will be disappointed with their weekend, the main two being Slough and Guildford. I think this is the first time in the season that Slough have failed to get a single point in a weekend. They needed to be perfect AND hope for MK to mess up in order to have a shot at the title, and while it’s still possible it’s a really big ask at this point. Guildford dropped to fourth in the league after only getting one point from their two games this weekend, and that really isn’t good enough for them. They lost to a highly motivated Swindon team, which was unexpected but understandable, but losing in overtime to Sheffield is a big point to let slip. Three teams (Guildford, Basingstoke, Manchester) are fighting over the 3rd, 4th and 5th spots, and everyone is gunning for third in order to secure an easier playoff opponent. Basingstoke have maintained their good recent form with a win over Slough on Saturday, and as it stands The Bison look set for a playoff showdown with Guildford.

Peterborough lost to local rivals Milton Keynes in a bad-tempered contest, but strolled to a routine victory against Romford at Rom Valley Way. The Phantoms have secured sixth place already, but need to maintain some good form if they are to make it to the Coventry playoff weekend, as they will be facing one of Guildford, Basingstoke and Manchester – there are no easy ties there and they will need to be on their game.

Sheffield and Bracknell both picked up two points this weekend. Sheffield have already booked their playoff spot, and anything from here on out is more of a learning exercise for their young team. I think later in the week I will add a post

JJ McGrath and Nicky Watt drop the gloves - Photo: Chris Callaghan

focusing on the Scimitars and the players they’ve lost, because I think it’s pretty significant in what it means for their fortunes, the players themselves and what it means for the future of British hockey.
Bracknell on the other hand must really be worrying now. I said last week that I thought they would be able to feel Swindon breathing down their necks, but now the Wildcats are literally on top of them. Despite the mounting pressure, the Bees know that they can rely on import pair Cesky and Pinc, while gritty British forward Nicky Watt is also having a great season, and a career year in terms of points (probably down to being on a line with the best imports in the league!). To illustrate that, over the weekend Cesky registered three goals and six assists, while Pinc put up five goals and three assists. There’s nothing new here, but Bracknell are extremely reliant on these two, and need them to keep this pace up in the last few games.

The team that Cesky and Pinc got the majority of their points against this weekend was Romford. While I would love to have seen that the Raiders won and picked up some points this weekend, it became apparent a lot earlier in the season that this wouldn’t be a regular occurence. I do wish I was there on Saturday as they faced Bracknell though – 9-6 sounds like a pretty entertaining game, back to the days when teams were all about offence and no one bothered playing D. I just hope that the Raiders can be more competitive next season, be it in the EPL or the ENL, because consistent losses do tend to put a downer on a good weekend of hockey for me.

Bracknell Bees v Romford Raiders – These sides have faced each other three times so far this season, with

Bracknell's Callum Best fires the puck - Photo: Chris Callaghan

Romford winning one contest comfortably at home, but losing the other two, one at home the other at the Hive. The most recent match between them ended in a commanding 7-2 win for Bracknell. Both teams lost both games last weekend, but Bracknell will be motivated by their need to hang onto the last playoff place, and Romford have only won away once this season.

Manchester Phoenix v Sheffield Scimitars – Manchester will be looking for the clean-sweep in this match-up, having beaten Sheffield in each of their four meetings this season so far. Three of the four games were close contests though, and the well-drilled Scimitars are usually difficult to beat. Phoenix won both games last weekend as they look to win back fourth place and finish strongly, while it has been six games since the Scims last won away from home.

Milton Keynes Lightning v Peterborough Phantoms – League-leaders MK will look to continue their winning ways after a brief blip two weeks ago, with a win over their local rivals. The Lightning have won all five encounters between the two sides this season by two goals or more, and shut Peterborough out in the last match 3-0. Phantoms have picked up 11 points from the last 14 available, and will attempt to generate some momentum for a playoff push.

Slough Jets v Basingstoke Bison – Neither of these teams appear to ‘have the number’ of the other – of their five matchups Slough have won three and Basingstoke have won two, while each game was won by two or more goals. Slough have more to play for as they chase MK Lightning for the EPL title. Both sides are in-form, Slough having won their last five, while the Bison have won nine of their last ten. The same matchup last week finished 4-2 to the Jets.

Swindon Dman Joe Baird clears the crease - Photo: Chris Callaghan

Swindon Wildcats v Guildford Flames – The Flames have comfortably won all five games between these sides this season, including one 9-2 thrashing of the Wildcats. However, Guildford have hit a rocky patch, losing four of their last five. Swindon have also been poor recently, but did manage to thrash playoff rivals Bracknell last weekend, and need to keep picking up points to keep the pressure on the Bees.

Sunday

Basingstoke Bison v Milton Keynes Lightning – These two sides have played each other four times in the league this season. The first three were victories for the Lightning, but just over a week ago the Bison scraped a 3-2 win at home. MK are not far from sealing the EPL title, but Basingstoke are excellent at home and will go all out for the win as they bid to grab third place from Guildford.

Guildford Flames v Sheffield Scimitars – Sheffield and Guildford have only played each other twice this season, and the results from those games don’t make this game any more predictable! Sheffield won the first encounter in Guildford 8-4, before the Flames returned the favour by beating the Scims 4-0 in their own barn. Both teams have stuttered recently though Guildford, on paper at least, are the superior side.

Manchester Phoenix v Bracknell Bees – The Phoenix and Bees have played each other four times this season. The first two were emphatic Manchester wins, 6-0 and 8-3. However Bracknell have improved as the season has gone on, while Manchester have faltered, and a better indicator of the result of this game are the two more recent matchups.

Guildford netminder Dean Skinns - Photo: Chris Callaghan

Manchester still won both, but 5-4 each time. If that’s anything to go by this will be another close game.

Romford Raiders v Peterborough Phantoms – The Phantoms have dominated Romford all season, beating them five times out of five, whilst scoring a combined 37 goals past them. The last time they faced each other was the closest the Raiders have gone to beating the Phantoms, as they went down 7-5 with an extremely short bench (9 skaters).

Swindon Wildcats v Slough Jets – Slough have won the five games between these sides – the first two were by close scorelines, while the Jets dominated Swindon in the last three games, two of which were in Swindon. With Slough pushing MK hard at the top of the league, this is likely to be a repeat of last weekend’s Slough victory, though with Swindon chasing the last playoff spot both teams have plenty to play for.

Saturday

Basingstoke Bison v Slough Jets – This game sees two of the league’s in-form teams face-off. After their impressive win over Milton Keynes in midweek, Basingstoke have now won their last eight games, and are now just three points behind Guildford in third. Meanwhile Slough have been excellent all season, but have recently suffered two defeats to rivals Guildford, including one in the Cup on Thursday that had to be decided by penalty shots.

Peterborough Phantoms v Guildford Flames – Nothing illustrates the inconsistency of the Phantoms more than last weekend – two games against Bracknell, one a blowout 6-1 win, the other a 5-4 loss. Guildford meanwhile are finding more consistency, and have only lost two of their last ten games in the league, both against Slough! The result really depends on which Phantoms team turns up on the day.

Romford Raiders v Manchester Phoenix – In the previous two meetings between these sides at Rom Valley Way, the Raiders recorded two unlikely victories. With their recent upturn in fortunes they will be looking to make it a clean sweep, while Manchester will hope to get back on track after some surprising defeats.

Bees' Marashi beaten

Sheffield Scimitars v Milton Keynes Lightning – After an impressive Exhibition performance against Coventry Blaze in midweek, the Scimitars will hope to carry that form into the league. They face a tough test in top-of-the-table MK though, who will be looking to bounce back after losing their previous two games – before that they had won 15 consecutive games.

Swindon Wildcats v Bracknell Bees – This is a vital match for both teams as they continue to fight over the eigth and final playoff spot. Bracknell have won four out of five previous meeting with Swindon this season, including a 6-3 victory just two weeks ago. The Wildcats trail Bracknell by four points, and really need the win to close the gap.

Sunday

Action from the last Bees/Bison match-up

Bracknell Bees v Basingstoke Bison – Basingstoke will see this as a must-win game if they want to continue their push up the table, and will be encouraged by the fact that they’ve won all five of their meetings this season. On the other hand Bracknell can be dangerous at home (7 points from a possible 10 in last 5 home games), particularly with the lethal combination of Cesky and Pinc leading the way.

Manchester Phoenix v Peterborough Phantoms – Really there is not much on the line for this game bar pride. Manchester will want to keep pace with Basingstoke after losing 4th spot to them last weekend, but Peterborough are on a bit of an island in 6th. 11 points behind the Phoenix and eight points ahead of Sheffield in 7th,they need a miracle or a catastrophic collapse to move up or down the league.

Milton Keynes Lightning v Guildford Flames – Milton Keynes will be looking for revenge after Guildford triumphed in the same tie last weekend 4-2, ending their 15 game winning streak. The Flames meanwhile are 10 points behind MK, and are pretty much out of the title race at this point, but will look to push 2nd-placed Slough all the way in an attempt to earn a more favourable playoff matchup.

Sheffield Scimitars v Romford Raiders – Six weeks ago Romford won their first away game of the season in Sheffield, and will try and repeat the feat on Sunday. Their cause will be helped by their improved form, and the return to action of several players in the last couple of weeks. Sheffield on the other hand will try to halt their slide, which has seen them win just one game in the last twelve.

Kaylor's debut as Romford win in Sheffield (Photo: John Scott)

Slough Jets v Swindon Wildcats – With only one loss in their last five league games, Slough will be confident ahead of their tie with lowly Swindon, who have recently lost to fellow strugglers Romford and Bracknell. Jets captain Emersic will attempt to build on his outstanding goalscoring exploits of late which have propelled him to third in the league (with 47), but Swindon will be motivated by their pursuit of the final playoff spot.

In other EPL news, my team Romford Raiders announced this week that owner John Scott would not be in charge of the club next season. For anyone that doesn’t know, John is a long-time Romford fan, and also acts as club photographer. When the previous owners dropped out unexpectedly in the summer, John was the man that stepped up and made sure that there was a Raiders team on the ice this season.

It has been far from plain sailing for him in his first (and seemingly last!) season as owner…in fact, everything that could’ve gone wrong has gone wrong, from player departures, coach departures, coach arrivals, coach departures again(!), minibuses breaking down…well, you get the picture. But John has stuck with it and I know most Romford fans are very appreciative of that.

He said to me recently: “I’ll value my spare time like never before next year, that’s for sure!

“I certainly think that this team could break even in the ENL with the reduced player wages and expenses, import houses, some local derbys, and once the team starts winning again on a regular basis that will bring the fans in, so maybe that’s the route forward for this club. But that’s for the people in charge next season to decide.

“There are still plans afoot regarding the rink, and the mayor was kind enough to come down here a few weeks ago and talk about the future of the rink. We talked about the possibility of it not being here, but maybe being on the edge of the borough, and if that didn’t work out then the chance that the rink was going to have a bit of a face-lift, so I’ll make sure to tell him that the lights should be first on the list with my photographic interest!

“There are definitely people who have some interest in having involvement in some way next season, and that will come out soon,” he concluded.

So there you have it. John may not be in charge, but by announcing it now he has given other people plenty of time to come forward, and we shouldn’t have the rushed situation of last summer. As to whether the Raiders will ply their trade in the EPL…we just don’t know yet. If the new owners feel they can be competitive and can afford it then I’m sure they would prefer to stick at a higher level, and I think most fans, myself included, would prefer that. But I’m not against moving to the ENL, and if that’s what it takes for us to be competitive then I think it would probably be the right move. For now we’ll have to wait and see…

Basingstoke Bison   3-2 Romford Raiders   (OT)
Milton Keynes Lightning   9-1 Manchester Phoenix
Peterborough Phantoms   6-1 Bracknell Bees
Slough Jets   4-1 Guildford Flames
Swindon Wildcats   4-2 Sheffield Scimitars

Sunday 28th February 2010

Bracknell Bees   5-4 Peterborough Phantoms   (OT)
Guildford Flames   4-2 Milton Keynes Lightning
Manchester Phoenix   2-4 Slough Jets
Romford Raiders   6-5 Swindon Wildcats   (OT)
Sheffield Scimitars   2-3 Basingstoke Bison

WOW. That weekend was one of the best in recent memory, both in terms of league-wide results and personal experience. First I’ll touch on why it was so good for me. My Romford Raiders managed a three-point weekend, their best of the season so far. In Basingstoke they grabbed a point before losing in overtime, but on Sunday they went one better with an overtime win against Swindon. I was lucky enough to be home from Stoke for the weekend to witness the win, and I’ve got to say it was like night and day from the last time I saw them play (a 12-3 loss to Manchester). Everyone busted a gut for the team, and a number of players had great games – special mention to captain Danny Marshall who looked as good as I’ve ever seen him at times. Aside from the fact that we won it was an exciting game, a real nail-biter, and one I was ecstatic to be there for.

Elsewhere in the league there were some really significant results. I think it’s interesting looking at the table that there are several mini-battles being played out between teams. The battle for the top of the league took an interesting turn, as Milton Keynes lost their first game in I-don’t-know-how-long on Sunday against Guildford, while Slough won both their games to step up the pressure on the leaders. MK losing is a real boost to the teams just below them because they’ve just been phenomenal this season. I saw them play right at the beginning of the season and they clicked right from the first face-off. It definately shows the benefits of having a relatively low turnover of players in the Summer. Guildford meanwhile will be hoping that this result will mark the start of a consistent spell for them. I don’t think they can get the title, just because for the majority of the season Slough and MK have outclassed them, but like a number of other teams this year they are more than capable of making a splash at Coventry.

The next ‘mini-battle’ is that of the ex-Elite teams, Manchester and Basingstoke. I’ll make no secret of the fact that I confidently predicted Phoenix to finish top of the EPL, and they showed how good they can be earlier in the season. Recently though the wheels have really fallen off. One of my Manchester-supporting friends told me that Courtenay looks disinterested at the moment, and the whole team is really struggling. Losing 9-1 to MK says it all really. No matter how good the Lightning are, a team with the quality of Manchester should never lose by that kind of scoreline! I would think their fans are really starting to worry now after their promising start, and they’re in danger of not making the Playoff weekend in Coventry at this rate. With Manchester’s winless weekend, Basingstoke took full advantage to jump into fourth. Bison are on a bit of a role at the moment, and they’re quietly sneaking up the table. I think they’ve won their last seven now, and with the experience they’ve got, if the get to Coventry they’ll be a real handful.

The last of the ‘mini-battles’ is for the eighth and final playoff spot, and is being fought out between Bracknell and Swindon. The Bees managed two points this weekend while Swindon got three, but I think Bracknell will be the happier of the two. Swindon really needed to beat Romford for that extra point, and as it stands they’re four points behind the Bees. With very few games left they need Bracknell to mess up, and I really don’t think they will. Swindon coach Ryan Aldridge isn’t a particularly popular figure with the fans and it’s not going to get any better for him if they miss out on the playoffs.

Of the other teams, I’m not sure quite what to make of Peterborough this season. They seem to vary wildly in form, brilliant one minute and poor the next. Their split with Bracknell did nothing to make me think otherwise, but you can never count the Phantoms out. They’ve got some real quality on their roster, though I personally don’t think they’ll make the Coventry weekend this season.

The only team yet to mention then is the Scimitars. It’s no secret that losing some of their best players to the Steelers has hurt them, and it’s pretty impressive that they’re still winning games with such a young and untested (albeit talented) team. Having said that, they lost both games this weekend, and while they will make the playoffs there’s no chance that they’re going to Coventry.

Overall a really good weekend’s action, and some results that have made the title-race, as well as the fight for eighth, even closer. Should be an exciting run-in, and I’ll be following it all on this blog so keep reading! I’m also looking to add a fixtures section to the blog, so fans of all teams can come here to see all the coming fixtures, not just those of their team.

Basingstoke Bison player coach Steve Moria (103) welcomed the new deal, saying “Who, what, where…I’ll hit you with me walking stick. I remember when all this was fields!”

Incredibly at the age of twenty four, this is Myers first full-time pro contract. After giving up his job as a surveyor at Christmas, he decided to concentrate on his hockey. The decision showed a rapid improvement in his game, so much so that his re-signing was seen as the most crucial by many Panthers supporters. Career best figures of 13+32 for 51 points shows his improvement.

Personally I’m absolutely chuffed to bits he’s returned, especially when you consider that there were strong rumours he was going to leave the club. I feel he has the ability to centre the first line, especially when you consider how good he is in the face-off circle. If he can improve his goal scoring record I feel he could become the best British forward in the league.

Panthers also announced two way signings today as Robert Lachowicz, James Neil and Joe Graham will ice for Panthers when they are not playing for Manchester Phoenix in the EPL, while Sam Bullas and Tom Norton will have the same arrangement with Milton Keynes Lightening. A good move for the academy boys and I can only see them improving from the benefit of more ice time.

Finally there was some more signing news today from Dingle Valley, as the Steelers announced the return of Mark Thomas to much apathy from the natives. The rest of the league pointed and laughed!

http://alphainventions.com/

The news that we were losing Basingstoke next season was regrettable but not unexpected. The news that Manchester will now be departing to the English Premier League with them on the other hand is very sad. As someone who saw the Panthers play at the MEN Arena to 10,000+ crowds a little over a decade ago, it’s difficult to believe that ice hockey in Manchester has tumbled so far.

This isn’t the Phoenix’s fault. The club were formed after the rather acrimonious collapse of their predecessor which left many Storm fans disillusioned with hockey. Add into the equation the subsequent (and necessary) re-branding, the drop in the standard of the game and the Phoenix being forced to spend two seasons without a playing operation and it’s easy to see why they’ve found it difficult to pick up the from legacy of the Manchester Storm. The Phoenix are run by a fiercely dedicated bunch of people and I sincerely hope that their departure to the second grade ultimately helps the club in the future. My worry is though, that the route they’ve chosen is a huge gamble that could ultimately end Manchester hockey.

Granted, persisting with Elite League hockey wasn’t the sure road to a long term future either, but this is something not even we can claim to have with any certainty at the moment. There is little doubting that British ice hockey is going through a difficult period and it is inevitable that there will be casualties when the next round of reform to the sport’s structure takes place. This is probably going to be sooner rather than later.

It is a huge irony that Manchester is the club to depart from top flight over issues of money. It wasn’t that long ago that money was no barrier to them. The other irony of course is that it is us who now have the wealth, after years of having to grit teeth and watch richer teams (including Manchester) win everything, quite often at our expense. What we did differently to the Phoenix was to accept that the league had its ‘haves’ and that we were the ‘have-nots.’ We chose to stomach it and it ultimately would pay off in spades with the financial security the Panthers now seem to enjoy. There are differences between our situation and the Phoenix’s, mainly that we had a longer history and larger support when we were struggling, but the Nottingham Panthers are indicative of the fact that leaving the top grade for more ‘comfortable’ surroundings isn’t always the best policy.

Joining the EPL isn’t necessarily going to result in operating costs being reduced either. The idea that the EPL is a bastion of fair play and that it’s members compete on an equal footing to each other isn’t true at all. The only difference between the EPL and EIHL is that the EPL have the decency to admit that no wage cap exists. The playing power within the league is concentrated in a few clubs in the same way that it is in the EIHL. The smaller clubs have struggled to compete with the likes of Guildford Flames and we’re seeing very similar uncertainty amongst the smaller clubs of the EPL as we are in the EIHL. Isle of Wight look destined for the English National League, Bracknell and Telford look to be in precarious situations and Romford have been locked out of their rink (admittedly not for financial problems). The difference here is that we perceive Manchester will be one of the ‘haves.’ If that turns out to be the case, does that make them any better than Nottingham, Sheffield, Belfast and Coventry?

Joining the EPL seems like a logical option for the Bison. They’ve had near continual financial problems over the last few years and if they are to survive moving down a grade looks like the only way forward. Moving down will see them have at least two (and hopefully three) local derbies against relatively well supported clubs. Their travelling costs will also be considerably lower. With Phoenix, their nearest games will be against Sheffield Scimitars and (hopefully) Telford. It’s never good to rely on away support, but it will be considerably lower next season, while the club will have to travel to the South East frequently. The move relies on the continued support of the Phoenix fans, something which is no means a certainty beyond their famously loyal core support base.

I admit that all this is rather doomongerish. I sincerely hope that Manchester make a success of their move to the EPL, and that they will be visiting the National Ice Centre as an opponent to the Panthers again in the near future. What worries is me is that this decision has made me no more confident about their long term future than remaining a member of the EIHL would have done.

Good luck to the Phoenix and their supporters. I hope you prove us doubters wrong.

First of all, Manchester Phoenix announced that they were dropping to the EPL as they couldn’t afford to compete in the EIHL any longer. Once their drop to the EPL had been confirmed the Phoenix announced several signings for the upcoming season, including netminder Steven Fone from Coventry and Joe Graham from the Panthers. Personally I’m sad to see Graham go, but I’m sure he’ll benefit from the increased ice time.

The Steelers added to their squad with the much heralded return of Captain Average Jonathan Phillips! It has also been rumoured that Basingstoke netminder Kevin Reiter will be joining the Steelers for the coming season after it was revealed that Dave Matsos has been in negotiations with him.

The Hull Stingrays continue to build impressively for the new campaign as Curtis Huppe joins as player/assistant coach. There have also been rumours that the Rays next signing will be none other than pantomime donkey Andre Payette. Could be a very interesting time in East Yorkshire!

Coventry Blaze have also been adding to their squad with the worst kept secret in hockey, announcing the signing of Greg Chambers from Basingstoke, which Dave Simms inadvertadly revealed at the EIHL All-Star game!

Belfast have been very busy over the past week,  firstly announcing the re-signings of Brits Colin Shields and David Phillips and then announcing the signing of former San Jose Sharks draft pick Tom Walsh from HIFK Helsinki in the Finnish Elite league. Not content with that, the Giants then announced the signing of the utterly frightening Sean McMorrow! With over 200 AHL games and a single outing for Buffalo Sabres, he is no slouch, but it is obvious that McMorrow is here to play a role as 527 PIMs for St Hyacinth of the LNAH in season 2007/08 testify. make no mistake, this is going to be one serious hard man. The Giants are on the search for a new netminder though after Cardiff Devils announced that Stevie Lyle is to return to his former club on a three year contract.

Finally on to the rumours. Firstly it is rumoured that GB international Greg Owen is returning to the UK after a season playing in the land of cheese eating surrender monkeys (France!). There are different rumours regarding his destination, I have heard he is off to the Blaze, but other reports suggest he is in talks with Blaze, Panthers and the Devils.

Matt Myers is another who has several rumours about his whereabouts for the current season. Some reports suggest he will return to Nottingham, another report (OK, it was from the Sheffield Star so is more than likely completely untrue. I wouldn’t trust the date printed in that rag!) suggests he could be moving to the ECHL while another rumour suggests that he has signed for Coventry.

Staying with the Panthers, I’ve heard that the next signing announcement will be the return of British defenceman Danny Meyers. On the netminding front I’ve also heard that Panthers are looking at three netminders, one of which is former Blaze keeper Trevor Koenig. As ever these are just rumours I’ve heard and read and with all rumours are to be taken with a large pinch of salt. Makes the off season fun though doesn’t it!

It appears that some (well,one) feel that Dan Tessier shouldn’t even be playing and should have been banned for ‘spearing’ shrinking violet Brad Voth in Cardiff last week. The full post and the following exchanges can be viewed in this thread on THF. You have to be a member to view it but believe me, it’s worth signing up just to read it, it’s hilarious. Paranoia at it’s very best!

In more serious matters, the Newcastle Vipers today announced that they are delaying season tickets sales for 2009/10 while they evaluate their participation in the Elite League [Vipers Official Club Statement]. With Basingstoke already confirmed as moving to the EPL, losing another club will be a huge blow to the league. We’ll be looking at league structures once the season has finished.

Finally, on a lighter and happier note, we’ll be revealing the four new inductees to The Cat’s Whiskers Hall of Fame shortly into the off season. Who will be joining Les Strongman, Chick Zamick, Gary Keward, Terry Kurtenbach and Randall Weber? Find out soon.

The first period started at a frantic pace, with Dan Tessier & Brendan Cook going close for Panthers, David Beauregard going close at the other end. The scoring was opened with just 1.59 on the clock, David Clarke opening the scoring for the Panthers and the stands erupted with noise. The action continued at pace, and Panthers were looking to extend the lead on the powerplay when a horrendous error by Corey Neilson allowed Beauregard to skate in alone on Michel Robinson, who made an excellent save only for Tony Hand to be waiting to put the rebound into the empty net. 1-1 at 6.38, and those who thought the short handed goal would affect our play were appeased just over a minute later as Tessier played the puck across the crease for Johan Molin to regain the lead for the Panthers at 7.57.  The best was yet to come, while Phoenix were on the powerplay Brendan Cook broke free, used his speed to beat two Phoenix players then backhanded the puck through Stephen Murphy’s five hole to make it 3-1, a brilliant individual goal. Panthers could have gone 4-1 up shortly after as Tessier batted the puck in mid-air against the crossbar. Sadly, another defensive cock up allowed Phoenix to make it 3-2 just 31 seconds before the end of the period, Luke Fulghum allowed to skate in on Robinson and he applied a killer finish.

The anticipation of more of the same in the second period was sadly snuffed out, as referee Andy Carson took centre stage with a series of bizarre calls. First Ed Hill was called for slashing when he slapped his stick on the ice with absolutely no contact with a Phoenix player. Secondly, Robinson was called for tripping Beauregard when in reality the Phoenix forward executed a Tessier-esque dive of such beauty that most were expecting a diving call from Carson, when he didn’t the crowd certainly let Carson know what they thought of him! Thirdly, Tessier was called for a delay of the game after he put the puck over the glass from the Panthers side of the neutral zone, unfortunately the absence of an EIHL rule book leaves confusion as if he got the call wrong, some say it’s only from the defensive zone, others think it’s from behind the halfway line. Tessier’s reaction suggests he thinks it was the former! So much time on the penalty kill was bound to take its toll eventually, and Beauregard scored the equaliser at 37.40, although questions have to be asked as to why the defence left the Phoenix goal machine to have three goes at scoring!

All level going into the third, and thankfully Carson allowed the game to flow as he had done in the first. It was also noticeable that the Phoenix were visibly tiring, hardly surprising considering their mad schedule over the last few weeks. Panthers re-took the lead at 44.08 when Cook got a tip on Nick Toneys shot to fool Murphy. Pandemonium once again in the NIC stands. Panthers continued to press and made it 5-3 at 52.46 as Tessier gleefully slammed the puck into the net after it had stuck in the crease . 71 seconds later it was 6-3, Tessier once again with a beautiful finish into the top corner on the powerplay after a great feed from the returning Matt Myers. To their credit, Phoenix continued to press and could have pulled one back in the last minute but for a sensational save from Robinson going across his crease to stop an almost certain goal, how important will that save prove to be? There was still time for more entertainment. Finally, after over 20 years of waiting I saw Tony Hand get squished into the boards and no penalty called, a truly wonderful moment!

It has to be remembered that this game is still only half done, but going into tonight’s second leg with a three goal lead should be enough to see us through, especially as Phoenix looked dead on their feet at the end of the game. Credit to Phoenix though, they contributed to one hell of a great game and gave it their all. We are just 60 minutes away from a place in the final four, let’s hope we’re still smiling around 8.00 tonight…..

Sheffield Steelers v Edinburgh Capitals

The champions take on 8th placed Edinburgh for a place in the final four. Straight forward win for Sheffield then? Well no, not exactly. The Caps reached the play offs on the back of some scintillating form, winning seven of their last ten regular season games, including wins against Coventry, Belfast and Cardiff. The Caps can go in to this tie full of confidence and they certainly won’t give the Steelers an easy passage into the final four, and in forward Mark Hurtubise and Netminder Pasi Raitanen they have two players who could pull a shock.

As for the Steelers, everyone knows their quality and their uncanny ability to grind out results. The defence and Jody Lehman in the nets have had a superb season and they are the key to their success, probably not the most entertaining but when winning is all that matters entertainment is secondary. Personally I’d love to see The Caps pull off a shock (to be honest if the Steelers were playing an Al Qaeda Select I’d probably be on the side of Bin Laden!!) but I feel the Steelers defence will be too strong and they’ll make the final four.

Coventry Blaze v Newcastle Vipers

On paper this is perhaps the easiest tie to call, the Vipers are down to bare bones with only 11 fit skaters and some of them carrying injuries. Despite the Blaze finishing the season with just four wins from their final eight games, including losses to Edinburgh, Hull and opponents Newcastle I can’t see anything other than an overall win for Paul Thompson’s men especially as the Vipers have won only four of their last fourteen games!

The only slight glimmer of hope that the Vipers have is their netminder Andrew Verner. If he can produce two sensational performances then the Vipers do have a chance of making the NIC. The form of Blaze netminder JF Perras will also be key especially as he has been ridiculed by many Blaze fans this season for his performances, personally I think he is being unfairly blamed for not being Trevor Koenig. Blaze to take this with two wins, however I may start a campaign for the Vipers to qualify automatically on the grounds that MRA hog roasts are so flippin’ lovely and deserve recognition!

Nottingham Panthers v Manchester Phoenix

I hate having to predict this one. Both heart and head say Panthers all the way, but there’s always that little bit of a nagging doubt hanging around like the smelly, unpopular kid at school! Look at it this way, we were here last year when Cardiff went and knocked us out, could the Phoenix do the same? The difference this season is that the Panthers have a bit of mettle and in Bruce Richardson have a born winner, who will accept nothing but 100% from himself and his team mates. This is now also the stage for Jade Galbraith to shine, there is absolutely no doubt that the guy has talent, he now has to show it consistently along with some gut busting effort for four games if we are going to win the thing. Panthers should take this over two legs, but……..

The Phoenix have probably the most consistent and naturally gifted player in Tony Hand, despite his 41 years, and also have goal machine David Beauregard. They are not a two man outfit though, far from it. Luke Fulgham, Bruce Mulherin and Josh Garbutt are more than capable of making their own stamps on the tie. The big question mark against the Phoenix is how much has the Challenge Cup and BKO cup final defeats taken out of them. How much do they have left in the tank? On that basis I will take Panthers to win the tie over two legs………Please!

Belfast Giants v Cardiff Devils

This one is far, far too close to call. The staunch defence of the Devils versus the free flowing attack of the dual cup winning Giants. The irresistible force against the immovable object. This one is the most intriguing of all four ties as I don’t think anyone knows which way it will go. As with Manchester, a lot will depend on how much Belfast have left after their two cup triumphs, but they have several individuals who could win the game such as coach Steve Thornton, Bobby Robins, Paul Deniset and top points scorer Colin Shields.

The Devils though have ended the season in tip top form, winning their last six league games, so they are the form team going into the play-offs. Want another reason why they could go through? Pyre of Sheffield Brad Voth, who I believe is more robot than hockey player! Here is a player who can genuinely win a game on his own. Add a great defence and I’ll stick my neck out and say Devils will win…….Just!

Saturday March 21, 2009.

Graeme Macleod reports on Edinburgh Capitals vs. Manchester Phoenix in the Elite League at Murrayfield Ice Rink for Edinburgh Sport Online.

THERE was playoff joy for the Edinburgh Capitals at Murrayfield Ice Rink as they secured their quarter final spot with victory over Manchester Phoenix.

‘We are number eight’ was the chant from the bumper home crowd in recognition of their side clinching the final spot in the eight-team playoffs. But it could get even better for the Capitals if results go their way tomorrow as they could pip the Newcastle Vipers to seventh place.

Either way, coach Doug Christiansen will be relieved to know that the pressure is off the trip to Hull tomorrow as the Northumberland side have been on the Capitals’ tails all season.

The Capitals made a bright start to this match and Mark Hurtubise almost opened the scoring on one minute. His angled-drive from the right was saved by Manchester netminder Stephen Murphy though.

Jason Cassells then saw his effort blocked by Murphy before Kyle Horne’s long-range shot was saved on the line as Edinburgh piled on the early pressure.

Hurtubise then dispossessed Phoenix’s Kenton Smith and tried his luck from range. But Murphy was equal to the shot as he made another save.

Manchester threatened at the other end on five minutes when Tony Hand played a pass into the danger area from the left. David-Alexandre Beauregard looked the apply the finish but he flicked his shot across goal and wide of the target.

A slip by Phoenix defender Josh Garbutt gifted Edinburgh the opening goal in the 6th minute. Mark Hurtubise took advantage of the Manchester man’s untimely misfortune to nick the puck and race towards goal. He then tempted Murphy from his goal-line before flicking a shot through the gap left by the visiting netminder.

Action at Murrayfield where Edinburgh Capitals defeated Manchester Phoenix

And Edinburgh were two up less than a minute later. Martin Cingel picked out Jason Cassells on the right. The Capitals forward then flicked a great shot beyond Murphy and into the roof of the net.

Manchester were handed a powerplay when Edinburgh were given a two-minute penalty as a result of Joe Dustin’s trip. And they took full advantage as they halved the deficit on 11 minutes.

After Kyle Bruce fired past from close range from the right of the goal, the puck broke to Nathan Ward. He picked out David-Alexandre Beauregard with a pass inside and the Phoenix forward applied a close-range finish.

But Edinburgh did not let that set back get them down. And as soon as they were back to a full compliment of players, they re-established their two-goal advantage. Mark Garside raced up the left after winning possession as the Capitals counter-attacked. His shot was blocked but the puck broke to Doug Christiansen. With his back to goal, the player-coach laid it off to Kyle Horne who smashed home from a considerable distance.

The visitors probed for a way back into the game and Luke Fulghum resorted to shooting from almost the half way line. Pasi Raitonen in the Edinburgh net was equal to the shot though as he made the block.

There was controversy on 18 minutes when Hurtubise was clean through on goal and was taken out by a Manchester defender. But referee Moray Hanson did not award a penalty spot to the obvious disgust of the home support.

Manchester should have grabbed another goal back in the last minute of the first period. Bruce split the Capitals’ defence with a grat through pass which sent Ward hurtling towards goal. He had time and space on his hands but he could only send a tame shot straight at Raitonen. (First period 3-1).

The Phoenix did grab their second goal of the evening two minutes into the second period. Fulghum emarked on a mazy run up the left but his shot was blocked by Raitonen. The loose puck dropped to David-Alexandre Beauregard though, who was on hand to knock home the rebound for his second goal of the game.

The Capitals came roaring back again though and netted their fourth goal three minutes later. Hurtubise played the puck from almost behind the Phoenix goal on the right to Mark Paterson at the near post. The Edinburgh forward did the rest as he scored his first goal of the season with a close range finish.

Manchester came close to netting their third goal of the game on 28 minutes. Bruce Mulherin picked out Ward with a reverse pass but his powerful drive was kept out by Raitonen, who knew little or nothing about the save.

Flughum then saw his shot blocked by Raitonen before Edinburgh almost added a fifth but Hurtubise shot over from coming in from the left.

Manchester set up an intriguing final period though when they reduced the leeway to one with a goal on 37 minutes. There were loud shouts from the home fans for a foul in the build up but when the Capitals could only clear the puck as far as Manchester’s Brett Clouthier, he fed Lucas Burnett on the right. The Phoenix man then flicked a shot past Raitonen and referee Hanson was again incurring the wrath of the Capitals’ supporters. (Second period: 1-2).

The Capitals were first to threaten in the final period when Taylor Christie raced in on goal but he flicked his shot past the left hand post.

Raitonen was having a fine night in the Edinburgh net and he again kept the visitors at bay on 51 minutes. Beauregard picked out Hand on the right but his shot was held by the on-form Capitals goaltender.

Paterson almost scored his second of the night when he marrauded up the right. His angled shot though was kept out by the outstretched leg on Manchester’s replacement netminder, Adam Summerfield.

But Edinburgh rounded off a memorable night with two late goals to make the points save. Mark Hurtubise scored a classy goal as he tormented and teased the Manchester defence by cutting in from the right and weaving past two visitng players. The Capitals forward then rifled a stinging shot into the net bia the underside of the crossbar to give the hosts some breathing space on 57 minutes.

Then with less than 30 seconds remaining, Edinburgh added a sixth. Hurtubise raced down the right but was denied a hat-trick by a smart Summerfield save. The rebound fell to Jason Cassells though and he did the rest from close range to secure the Capitals’ playoff spot. (Third period: 2-0).

Final score: Edinburgh Capitals 6; Manchester Phoenix 3.

Edinburgh Capitals – Pasi Raitonen; Kyle Horne, Taylor Christie, Mark Garside, Jordan Steel; Mark Hurtubise, Sean Perkins, Craig Mitchell; Neil Hay, Mark Paterson, Adam Stefishen; Doug Christiansen; Joe Dustin; Jason Cassells; Martin Cingel. Unused – Sean Donaldson.

Penalty minutes 6; Shots on goal 24 (Murphy 21; Summerfield 3); Powerplay 0/1.

Manchester Phoenix – Stephen Murphy; Adam Summerfield; Kenton Smith; Alex Dunn; Tony Hand; David-Alexandre Beauregard; Josh Garbutt; Nathan Ward; Brett Clouthier; Bruce Mulherin; Luke Fulghum; Adam Walker; Kyle Bruce; Carl Graham; Lucas Burnett.

Penalty minutes 2; Shots on goal 26; Powerplay 1/3.

Saturday March 21, 2009.

Graeme Macleod reports on Edinburgh Capitals vs. Manchester Phoenix in the Elite League at Murrayfield Ice Rink for Edinburgh Sport Online.

THERE was playoff joy for the Edinburgh Capitals at Murrayfield Ice Rink as they secured their quarter final spot with victory over Manchester Phoenix.

‘We are number eight’ was the chant from the bumper home crowd in recognition of their side clinching the final spot in the eight-team playoffs. But it could get even better for the Capitals if results go their way tomorrow as they could pip the Newcastle Vipers to seventh place.

Either way, coach Doug Christiansen will be relieved to know that the pressure is off the trip to Hull tomorrow as the Northumberland side have been on the Capitals’ tails all season.

The Capitals made a bright start to this match and Mark Hurtubise almost opened the scoring on one minute. His angled-drive from the right was saved by Manchester netminder Stephen Murphy though.

Jason Cassells then saw his effort blocked by Murphy before Kyle Horne’s long-range shot was saved on the line as Edinburgh piled on the early pressure.

Hurtubise then dispossessed Phoenix’s Kenton Smith and tried his luck from range. But Murphy was equal to the shot as he made another save.

Manchester threatened at the other end on five minutes when Tony Hand played a pass into the danger area from the left. David-Alexandre Beauregard looked the apply the finish but he flicked his shot across goal and wide of the target.

A slip by Phoenix defender Josh Garbutt gifted Edinburgh the opening goal in the 6th minute. Mark Hurtubise took advantage of the Manchester man’s untimely misfortune to nick the puck and race towards goal. He then tempted Murphy from his goal-line before flicking a shot through the gap left by the visiting netminder.

Action at Murrayfield where Edinburgh Capitals defeated Manchester Phoenix

And Edinburgh were two up less than a minute later. Martin Cingel picked out Jason Cassells on the right. The Capitals forward then flicked a great shot beyond Murphy and into the roof of the net.

Manchester were handed a powerplay when Edinburgh were given a two-minute penalty as a result of Joe Dustin’s trip. And they took full advantage as they halved the deficit on 11 minutes.

After Kyle Bruce fired past from close range from the right of the goal, the puck broke to Nathan Ward. He picked out David-Alexandre Beauregard with a pass inside and the Phoenix forward applied a close-range finish.

But Edinburgh did not let that set back get them down. And as soon as they were back to a full compliment of players, they re-established their two-goal advantage. Mark Garside raced up the left after winning possession as the Capitals counter-attacked. His shot was blocked but the puck broke to Doug Christiansen. With his back to goal, the player-coach laid it off to Kyle Horne who smashed home from a considerable distance.

The visitors probed for a way back into the game and Luke Fulghum resorted to shooting from almost the half way line. Pasi Raitonen in the Edinburgh net was equal to the shot though as he made the block.

There was controversy on 18 minutes when Hurtubise was clean through on goal and was taken out by a Manchester defender. But referee Moray Hanson did not award a penalty shot to the obvious disgust of the home support.

Manchester should have grabbed another goal back in the last minute of the first period. Bruce split the Capitals’ defence with a great through pass which sent Ward hurtling towards goal. He had time and space on his hands but he could only send a tame shot straight at Raitonen. (First period 3-1).

The Phoenix did grab their second goal of the evening two minutes into the second period. Fulghum emarked on a mazy skate up the left but his shot was blocked by Raitonen. The loose puck dropped to David-Alexandre Beauregard though, who was on hand to knock home the rebound for his second goal of the game.

The Capitals came roaring back again though and netted their fourth goal three minutes later. Hurtubise played the puck from almost behind the Phoenix goal on the right to Mark Paterson at the near post. The Edinburgh forward did the rest as he scored his first goal of the season with a close range finish.

Manchester came close to netting their third goal of the game on 28 minutes. Bruce Mulherin picked out Ward with a reverse pass but his powerful drive was kept out by Raitonen, who knew little or nothing about the save.

Flughum then saw his shot blocked by Raitonen before Edinburgh almost added a fifth but Hurtubise shot over after coming in from the left.

Manchester set up an intriguing final period though when they reduced the leeway to one with a goal on 37 minutes. There were loud shouts from the home fans for a foul in the build up but when the Capitals could only clear the puck as far as Manchester’s Brett Clouthier, he fed Lucas Burnett on the right. The Phoenix man then flicked a shot past Raitonen and referee Hanson was again incurring the wrath of the Capitals’ supporters. (Second period: 1-2).

The Capitals were first to threaten in the final period when Taylor Christie raced in on goal but he flicked his shot past the left hand post.

Raitonen was having a fine night in the Edinburgh net and he again kept the visitors at bay on 51 minutes. Beauregard picked out Hand on the right but his shot was held by the on-form Capitals goaltender.

Paterson almost scored his second of the night when he marauded up the right. His angled shot though was kept out by the outstretched leg of Manchester’s replacement netminder, Adam Summerfield.

But Edinburgh rounded off a memorable night with two late goals to make the points save. Mark Hurtubise scored a classy goal as he tormented and teased the Manchester defence by cutting in from the right and weaving past two visitng players. The Capitals forward then rifled a stinging shot into the net via the underside of the crossbar to give the hosts some breathing space on 57 minutes.

Then with less than 30 seconds remaining, Edinburgh added a sixth. Hurtubise raced down the right but was denied a hat-trick by a smart Summerfield save. The rebound fell to Jason Cassells though and he did the rest from close range to secure the Capitals’ playoff spot. (Third period: 2-0).

Final score: Edinburgh Capitals 6; Manchester Phoenix 3.

Edinburgh Capitals – Pasi Raitonen; Kyle Horne, Taylor Christie, Mark Garside, Jordan Steel; Mark Hurtubise, Sean Perkins, Craig Mitchell; Neil Hay, Mark Paterson, Adam Stefishen; Doug Christiansen; Joe Dustin; Jason Cassells; Martin Cingel. Unused – Sean Donaldson.

Penalty minutes 6; Shots on goal 24 (Murphy 21; Summerfield 3); Powerplay 0/1.

Manchester Phoenix – Stephen Murphy; Adam Summerfield; Kenton Smith; Alex Dunn; Tony Hand; David-Alexandre Beauregard; Josh Garbutt; Nathan Ward; Brett Clouthier; Bruce Mulherin; Luke Fulghum; Adam Walker; Kyle Bruce; Carl Graham; Lucas Burnett.

Penalty minutes 2; Shots on goal 26; Powerplay 1/3.

Panthers sharpshooter, Dan Tessier

It’s fortunate that living here in Nottingham, there are very few, if any, UK cities that are superior to follow the game. Not only does it host the oldest, most historic club in the Nottingham Panthers, it also boasts a fine ice stadium, the National Ice Centre, in which to watch the game. Arena hockey is not widespread in the UK with only a handful of teams fortunate enough to skate in them and the NIC has long been the favoured home of the Hockey Play-off Finals each Spring. It could be argued that the term ‘Hockey City GB is still Nottingham’s own.

I used to be very much a regular watching the Panthers on a Saturday evening but gradually, and for various reasons, that ended. One of those reasons was that the league downgraded in quality through clubs suffering financially and the resultant strict club wage-capping. From watching superior Canadian professionals of a good standard icing for the ‘black and gold’ on game night, more reliance was put on cheaper, often locally -bred options. There’s a fair argument that this was/is a preferable, more manageable state of affairs but that’s perhaps a debate for another occasion.

I miss my hockey and this season I’ve been back in the seats at the NIC on a few occasions, observing what’s happening down there on the ice. Last night the visitors were the Tony Hand-led Manchester Phoenix. Tony Hand, whilst not necessarily the most popular player in British hockey is nevertheless rightly lauded as one of this country’s greatest-ever talents. Now forty-one years young, his playmaking abilities appear very much intact. He is still the ‘smart’ he always was. It was difficult for me to envisage that I’d first seen Tony playing for his native Murrayfield Racers in Edinburgh when he was just a boy of fourteen years of age – playing in a team of men in a very tough sport indeed. That and the fact that he was drafted by the Edmonton Oilers of the NHL point to a very special player indeed.

Another interesting figure in the Manchester line-up is Montrealer, David- Alexandre Beauregard. The left-shooting sniper has a superb goals-to-games ratio but that is only part of his story for the player has the disability of having only one eye, the other being lost in a nasty mid-game accident. The fact that his hockey career thrives despite his disability is incredible enough consider this however, during the game that David lost his eye, after a stick blade pierced his eye, he continued on the play and completed the move by scoring before leaving the ice for medical treatment. Canadian hockey players – they breed them tough.

David-Alexandre Beuaregard in Tulsa uniform

A slow, stuttering start to the game and the portents were not good. The Panthers play was generally ragged with players making basic and elementary errors. Worryingly there seemed to be little passion, emotion or momentum from the home side and during the early stages the Panthers took a five-on-three penalty and went a goal down unsurprisingly. What followed was a turgid display by Nottingham throughout the first period which bordered on amateurish. Things picked up a little after the first intermission with the play ebbing and flowing between two well-matched teams. Both goalies, Manchester’s Murphy and the Panthers’ Michele Robinson, another Montreal product, made excellent contributions as both sides struggled to find the twine.

The third period finally begin to make the admission fee look value for money as a real hockey game broke out. Nottingham went ahead with a deserved goal from James Ferrara before player-coach, the excellent Cory Nielson crashed home a slap shot to give the home team a three-one lead with just ten minutes left. Nielson had a tremendous game – very authoritative and assured in his play, he led his team by example with his control, toughness and intensity.

Amid exciting scenes at the end of the contest, Manchester hauled the game back to three-two after pulling goalie Murphy and going with six skaters. The ploy was successful for the Lancashire club but there was little time for an equalising goal as the Nottingham team ran out worthy winners. Such is hockey.

On balance an entertaining game then with most of the NIC crowd alighting the stadium into the cold night air satisfied and happy. I’ll be along there again soon.

————–

The first period is perhaps the worst I have seen the Panthers play this season, shocking passing and very little intensity. Phoenix opened the scoring through Luke Fulghum on a 5 on 3 powerplay after just two minutes, remarkable in that Tony Hand was on the ice and didn’t get an assist! Panthers new signing Ed Hill endeared himself to the faithful by taking an obvious cross checking penalty just 14 seconds after Matt Myers had gone into the box for hooking. Panthers were very disjointed for the remainder of the period and were extremely lucky not to go two goals down when James Ferrara passed straight to a Phoenix forward in the slot, thankfully Michel Robinson stopped the shot.

Into the second and Panthers improved, and got an equaliser through Kevin Bergin after some great work by Bruce Richardson. This was Bergin’s 21st goal of the season, and he has inexplicably been a target of some fans to be cut! I can only ask why? He scores important goals, works the corners and gives his all! I really do wonder what some fans are watching at times. Both teams came close to adding to the scoreline, particularly Phoenix who hit the crossbar.

The Panthers showed their superiority in the third, out shooting the Phoenix 21-8. It was still 11 minutes into the period before Panthers finally took the lead, James Ferrara’s shot from point taking a deflection and beating Stephen Murphy. Straight after Dan Tessier went clear, but Murphy blanked him. A powerplay bullet from Corey Neilson (which Murphy is still looking for) made it 3-1 and the points were heading to the NIC. Phoenix waited too long to pull Murphy for the extra attacker, and although they made it 3-2  it was too little too late. Not the best of games, but I’ll take the two points every time.

The first period went to plan. Panthers, minus David Clarke, Johan Molin and Rumun Ndur, carried on where they had left off in Cardiff. Even during Blaze poweplays, Panthers looked most likely to score and it was a short handed goal that gave Panthers the lead. Blaze netminder JF Perras, looking very low on confidence, inexplicably stayed rooted to his crease as Matt Myers chased down a pass from Nick Toneys and threw himself at the puck to poke it through Perras five hole. Much laughter ensued! Despite having several clear cut chances, Panthers failed to add to the lead and went into the interval in the lead.

As has happened so often this season, a different team turned up for the rest of the game! Panthers looked lethargic and short of ideas during the second and Blaze took full advantage. Sylvain Deschatelets scored the equaliser from close range before a horrendous error by Kevin Bergin gifted the puck to Erik Hjalmarsson who squeezed the puck past Robinson. With the crowd subdued Blaze went into the second interval with a 2-1 lead.

The Panthers seemed to have more about them in the third, but with Perras growing in confidence throughout the match and trying our luck from long range and angles, the equaliser would not come. The moment of the period  was a superb, perfectly executed mid-ice check by Danny Stewart on Corey Neilson which knocked both players off their skates! Blaze lost Hjalmarsson to injury shortly after, and incident made worse by several Panthers supporters booing him off. Classless and uncalled for in my opinion, injured players should not have to listen to that, I was thoroughly ashamed!

The killer blow came as Michel Robinson was pulled for the extra attacker, Danny Stewart broke clear and made the game safe. At the end Corey Neilson stormed off to await his team, no doubt the ‘hair dryer’ treatment greeted them as they returned to the dressing room!

Panthers now drop to fourth place and our league title hopes are in tatters. The fat lady has sung once again

Panthers 5 Phoenix 4

Just 14 days after the 4-1 lesson that Phoenix (and Tony Hand) taught us, and the lesson in humility that Bison taught us last Tuesday, Manchester were back at the NIC intent on doing the same. I really like the look of Phoenix this season, strong defence, three strong forward lines and arguably the best British netminder. I thought they’d do well this season but after seeing them I think they are genuine contenders for the league title, so on that score I was very happy with our first victory in six games.

However the first period was a case of ‘here we go again’, especially after the unexpected broken glass break. With the length of time that took I thought the NIC had called Trent Valley Windows to replace the glass and they couldn’t fit us in until next Thursday! To say we were sluggish on the resumption is an understatement and we were quickly 2-0 down. So, Nick Toneys picked a good time to score his first Panthers goal, and what a beauty of a finish it was after a superb cross ice pass by the bloke Steelers didn’t want any more! 1-2 became 2-2 as Danny Meyers slapped in his 2nd of the season. Panthers being Panthers the euphoria didn’t last long as Phoenix regained the lead and went into the second interval 3-2 up.

Fortunately Panthers came out all guns blazing, scoring 3 on the bounce. The returning David Clarke on the half volley, Dan Tessier with an easy finish after Brendan Cook and Matt Myers pulled Stephen Murphy’s pants down with some quality passing. If Murphy was pant less then he was practically stripped naked by the fifth as Clarke and Meyers set up Cook with some quality passing. Nerves jangled as the Mancs made it 5-4 but Panthers held on to win a highly entertaining game. All the more pleasing as I consider Phoenix, along with Coventry and Belfast, to be a team we need to beat regularly to have any hope of winning the league.

Blaze 4 Panthers 3 (Penalties)

Sunday away games are rather difficult for me to get to, due to the fact that I train with Rec Team Nottingham Knights at the NIC on Sundays. However, the dressing room conversation once the result came through was the usual “well, I’m happy with a point from there”. I wasn’t happy with a point. If we are to compete for the title then we have to take two points at places like Coventry, Sheffield, Manchester and the like and as we hadn’t been behind in the whole match until the penalty shoot out my mood before the Knights took to the ice was pissed off to say the least! I felt vindicated when a friend arrived at the end of training, to say she was also mad at the result was an understatement!

Interviews

The Mick Holland interview will be on the site in the near future, I’m just finalising the questions before sending them to him. Also lined up for an interview is David Simms. The interview I did with him in 2003 can be found here, but it is high time it was updated and some new questions were thrown at the man on the Steelers mike. No idea when this will take place but I’m hoping to go up to Sheffield and interview him face to face. If you have any (reasonable) questions you’d like me to put to Dave, please get in touch.

Cat’s Whiskers Hall of Fame

Five years since the last inductees were chosen, the Hall of Fame committee has met and chosen four new entrants for the Hall of Fame. The profiles are being written at the moment and I’m hoping to release the names very shortly. If you want to have a look at the five current members of the Hall of Fame follow this link.

Finally…good luck GB

This weekend Team GB travel to Poland to take part in the 1st round of the Olympic Qualifying Tournament and all of us here at The Cat’s Whiskers would like to wish the team good luck and hope they can make it through to the next round.

Panthers 1 Phoenix 4

First home game for a few weeks and almost 5,000 in attendance. So, you’d expect a rousing performance to bury the memory of Sheffield and send the punters home happy? Errrrrr. no!

We were out thought, outplayed and out witted all night by a superbly drilled Manchester team and their 41 year old veteran player/coach Tony Hand. Panthers had no answer for Hand, who scored a superb hat-trick, and failed to get any cohesion going through the forward lines, who were mixing lines due to David Clarke’s absence. The lack of settled lines told on the forward play, and Phoenix took full advantage.

Before the season I predicted that Manchester would finish fourth in the league, on Saturday night’s performance I think I was being unfair to them! They’ll upset a few teams this season, keep an eye on them.

It’s a wonder they can breathe!

Sunday night saw the Panthers in Cardiff and unfortunately it was another defeat. However we did gain a point from taking the game into overtime and according to a mate who went it was a much improved performance from Saturday. Kevin Bergin also had a tussle with Brad Voth which can be seen with other highlights from the game here.

The video also shows Welsh boxing legend Joe Calzaghe doing the ceremonial puck drop before the start of the game. Several Panthers fans gave Calzaghe some light hearted chants over his refusal to fight Nottingham boxer Carl Froch. The Ring Magazine light heavyweight champion seemed to enjoy the banter and gave a bit back to the Panthers fans. Unfortunately, Cardiff has more than it’s fair share of sanctimonious, goody two shoes among its fan base, and they were out in force on THF today! Apparently the Panthers fans showed a complete lack of respect and how if another boxer was in an opposition rink they’d applaud them and not take part in any banter at all, yet they failed to notice that Calzaghe seemed to enjoy the banter and gave a bit back!

Not content with that some Devils fans were simply hopping mad that Dan Tessier refused to shake hands with Brad Voth at the end of the game. Imagine that, not shaking hands! Take Tess to the gallows now your honour! Perhaps the Cardiff fans would much prefer the headbutt that Shannon Hope was so fond of using in the post match handshakes! As the title says, heads shoved so far up their own orifices its a wonder…well, you know the rest!

I’ll get me gloat!

Gloating isn’t a pleasant trait, but seeing as the Panthers form has taken a slightly downward turn our friends from t’up road have come out in force for a good old dig, generally since their team beat us 6-3 last Sunday. All has been quiet during our winning streak but this week has brought some of them out in force. I’ve changed the names to protect their identity but one serial irritant is, let’s call him Punstar, who only seems to appear for a good old dig after a Steelers victory but is strangely nowhere to be seen when the Dingles are experiencing a bad patch!

Some are far more eloquent in their digs. Another poster, lets call him Don321, is far more well written but the end result is the same. However post something that Don321 disagrees with and you’ll feel the full force of his rolling eyed indignation!

In all seriousness, why do they feel the need to do it. I don’t go on Steeltalk and gloat, they’re not exactly what you call a receptive audience! I guess it must make them feel special for some reason, I mean let’s face it, their team isn’t very likely to do that this season!

Personally, I would bring the UK league season more in line with those of North America, starting in October and ending with the play-off finals on May Day Bank Holiday weekend, which would prevent this from happening again.

As well as stopping imports using the start of the season as a fitness and training camp, I also see other benefits to this, the main one being that the play-off finals will be on a Bank Holiday weekend every year giving an opportunity for the event to be extended to three days and also incorporate the EPL finals. The format could be an EIHL & EPL semi-final on both the Saturday and Sunday with both finals on the Bank Holiday Monday. Obviously this would require discussion, leadership and organisation, qualities that are sadly lacking on the British Hockey scene, but it wouldn’t be impossible would it?

Obviously there would be downsides to this plan, such as fitting in GB’s trip to the world championships (however, moving to one play-off weekend would give Paul Thompson the opportunity of picking from EPL as well as EIHL rosters), but again that is something that could be worked around and I think the change would benefit the UK game as a whole.