This could be a long one.....

So, lets start with Sundays game.

We beat the Panthers 4-2, which, being honest was a major surprise. In all honesty, for me, getting a tie, with an OT loss would have been a result, but the Gods of Hockey smiled upon us this time, and presented us will a well earned victory. After a sluggish first period from us, we improved and made ourselves some luck (Cloots goal was one of those 'It didn't actually go in, did it?' moments), and the empty netter was the icing on the cake.

And it must be noted, Robinson looks far better with the Panthers D infront of him than he did at Edinburgh. Could be a very astute signing there.

Now, onto some other stuff.

So, Neil Morris has gone public about how he is supporting the team commercially at this time after some (unnamed) sponsors have been unable to match their commitments due to the current economic climate. Good. I'd rather he was honest about this rather than pretending all is well, as other team owners have done (and likely will continue to do so). Yes, it makes things alittle more precarious for next season, but I have every confidence in Neil and the Phoenix team.

And as we enter the new year, the inevitable 'new league' rumors are begining in earnest. Allegedly Hull and Newcastle are looking at joining an updated 3 import Northern League, alongside Fife and Dundee. Other teams rumored for this NPL include Flintshire, Blackburn, Sheffield (Scimitars), and Whitley (no mention of us, interestingly).

Other rumors involve Basingstoke and Hull (again) joining the EPL, and the EIHL dropping all the way down to 6 imports. Certainly Basingstoke to the EPL has a ring of truth to it (more local games, less travel), but given that Hull tried the EPL for 1 season and found it just as expensive as playing with more imports due to higher travel costs, I feel that this rumor may only be partly true (although I have a feeling that Basingstoke could be persuaded to stay in the EIHL). As for the EIHL dropping to 6 imports.... won't happen. The 'Big 4' will not countenance such a drastic lowering of imports and the percieved (important word that one) drop in standards it would bring. My guess is for the import limit to be dropped to 9, maybe 8 at a push.