WARNING!

WARNING!!!!!!!!

This blog can, and does contain language which many readers may find offensive. If you don't like swearing, it might be a good time to read a different blog...

Seriously. this is most certainly a blog written by an adult, containing adult language.

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

The Brit Squad.

So, not even at the end of May, and Tony Hand has already signed (and announced) his entire Brit contingent for the inaugural EPL campaign here in Mancland.

And overall I'm impressed. At the official announcement meeting for the switch to EPL hockey Tony promised a young, hungry squad of Brits, and he has most certainly delivered. he has signed guys with EIHL experience, guys who are straight out of ENL/SNL/Juniors, and kept himself in there to provide a core of unmatched experience.

If the import signings match up to the Brits in terms of quality, and given Tonys track record I see no reason to doubt that they will be, we could, nay should be looking at some very exciting times ahead for the club.

And it also looks like Bracknell and Romford will both be icing EPL sides too. Sadly, no IOW (a road trip I know many were looking forward to), and Telford still look doubtful, but the EPL is gearing up to be damn good.

Bring on September.

Sunday, May 03, 2009

And one more thing...

Some folks are already saying tht they wont watch the team in the EPL, and will instead go to various EIHL games, as the EPL will be 'rubbish hockey'.

Well, numb-nuts, it's EPL or fuck all hockey. If y'all want to watch an artificially high standard of hockey which exists to please the owners of but 4 teams, fine. Do that. Just don't come crying when it all goes tits up.

Oh, and don't let the door hit your arse on the way out.

Pricks.

(Yeah, I might have offened them. So what? Their attitude offends me.)

PHOENIX TIL I DIE!

So, about this move then.....

Well, I've had a few days now to get things sorted in my own head, so here goes...

Firstly, I'm just as excited by the prospect of my team playing in the EPL as I was when it was first mooted to me early this year. Given our building size, crowds and financial base, the EPL is the ideal level for us to be at.

So, players so far. Well, I aint exactly complaining. Tony Hand will lace em up for the forthcoming season, giving us easily the most potent playmaker in the EPL by default. No D is going to relish facing Tony at all. Top points scorer come this time next year? Dont bet against it.

Steven Fone as starting netminder... Great. Sure, Smurph would ahve been better, but I'm sure he would have considered EPl a 'step back' for himself, especially with Lehman now being a Team GB player, So Fone is a more than adequete replacement (and a bit of a cult hero after hsi loan spell here 2 seasons back). He will also help his back up, the returning Adam Summerfield to progress hopefully (I fully expect Adam to start a few games this coming season).

Walker, Graham, and Boothroyd all return to the ice as well. Walker becomes the longest serving player at the club, IIRC, 09-10 being his 4th season at the Dome. All 3 made strides last season, and should form a solid core of Brits around which Tony can build the team. Graham in particular should benefit from more ice time, and I fully expect Boothroyd to be part of the 1st line D. Walker could be a good shout for wearing an 'A', as the 'senior' Brit (outside of Tony).

New boy Joe Graham.. Don't know much about him except that he has iced for the Panthers a few times.

And Ben Wood has been promoted from the ENL side. I believe big things are expected of this young d-man.

Imports? Tony is playing his cards close to his chest here. All he has said is they will all be high quality (ie not CHL/UHL cast offs), and one he has offered a contract to will be the best the EPL has ever see. Given his track record for unearthing quality guys, I have no reason to doubt this.

The new ticket prices look good. Not as chea[p as the 'established' EPL clubs, but better than the last few seaosns up here, and competative whne compared to other local options (Alty F.C., Sale rugby). Hopefully we will see a rise in attendances as a result.

And I honestly believe that the club will take the EPL ethos to heart, and won't come in being the 'Big Fish in the Small Pond'. we are in this for the long haul.

I can't wait til September now. Bring it on.

Friday, May 01, 2009

We're EPL!

So, the cat is finally out of the bag.

As of NOW, the Manchester Phoenix are officially and EPL club. 4 imports, no work permits, lots of local lads, and cheaper tickets.

Brilliant.

I'll have more later this weekend once I have got everything sorted in my own head.