15 pages.
15 pages.
About the fucking intro video. What the fuck?
Surely as a fanbase we have more important issues, like the state of the rink (still dirty and barely cleaned week on week), the ice (still not good enough, and still has holes around the boards), certain players not pulling their weight (Mr Courtenay), but a fucking intro video? Give me a break.
Some folks don't like the music ('I want Ladies & Gentleman back! Boo Hoo!'), somne folks do like the music, some don't even care and seem to be bitching for the sake of doing so.
But seriously, 15 pages? Sheesh!
Reminded me of one of the reasons I don't post there very often anymore.
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.
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.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Monday, September 28, 2009
Last nights game...
Well, first off, the better team won. Fact. We were out played and outclassed last night by a very well drilled and focussed MKL squad.
But we were poor. Loose passing, players looking disinterested (yes, Big Ed, I'm looking at you...), and a 'headless chicken' approach to chasing the MKL players made for an embarassing sight at times. Back to Big Ed... If you don't want to be playing here, why fucking bother? Last night he made almost no effort to win the puck at all, often just shrugging his shoulders after loosing it, rather than battling to win it back. He was embarassed by the mighty fine efforts of Ian Bowie, who was a shining example to the entire roster last night. rarely have I seen an MOM award given that was more deserved.
Sure, some frankly piss poor reffing didn't help. The amount on missed or ignored calls was beyond belief. At times it looked like the ref just did not want to call a penalty no matter what was going on. And when he did...
But I refuse to blame the ref. We played like shit and get the result that a performance of that quality deserved.
I could rant on some more, but right now, I'd rather be happy...
But we were poor. Loose passing, players looking disinterested (yes, Big Ed, I'm looking at you...), and a 'headless chicken' approach to chasing the MKL players made for an embarassing sight at times. Back to Big Ed... If you don't want to be playing here, why fucking bother? Last night he made almost no effort to win the puck at all, often just shrugging his shoulders after loosing it, rather than battling to win it back. He was embarassed by the mighty fine efforts of Ian Bowie, who was a shining example to the entire roster last night. rarely have I seen an MOM award given that was more deserved.
Sure, some frankly piss poor reffing didn't help. The amount on missed or ignored calls was beyond belief. At times it looked like the ref just did not want to call a penalty no matter what was going on. And when he did...
But I refuse to blame the ref. We played like shit and get the result that a performance of that quality deserved.
I could rant on some more, but right now, I'd rather be happy...
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
First weekend thoughts....
So, after having a day or two to gather my thoughts...
Rather obviously, saturdays result was an absolute corker. Winning 7-4 on the road, with four of the goals coming from a forward who had only just arrived and had not even practised with his team-mates was the best way to begin a campaign possible. Big, big ups to Ed Courtenay for his performance.
And then to Sunday. Well, swindon showed up, and they gave us a hell of a game. Clearly more used to the style and standard of reffing in the epl, I feel that they made this work to their advantage. From my viewpoint, there was rather too much 'slash and hack' with the sticks, and too much holding the stick. The ref seemed very loathe to award penalties for these indiscretions, even if they were happening in his full view, and I did note that Tony mentioned this to him (and some Swindon players) on more than one occasion during the course of the game. Apart from that, the game itself was fast and furious, with Swindon taking the lead 3 times, only for the Phoenix to pull it back. Even at 4-3, things didn't look over comfortable, but the problems which were apparent are nothing 2 or 3 weeks more practise and games won't sort.
Highlight of the night was simply seeing the team skate out for the first ever EPL game at the Dome. The future starts here.
Now on to the shitter of the night. Our (not so) great rink management have decided that they are now gfoing to run the VIP Lounge, rather than let the club do it. Bad idea. On sunday the bar, which is usually rammed full and buzzing, was almost empty and very, very subdued. And it didn't help that when people ordered hot drinks, the satff were going outside and using the vending machines to provide these, which is beyond cheeky. Not to mention an absolute rip-off. A Hot drink in the bar was charged at £1.50... but the machines only charge £1.20. If you bought one, demand your money back on Sunday.
Personally, I think the rink have dropped a major bollock here, and have turned something which made them (and the club) a reasonable amount of cash (especially post game) into a dead duck. No atmosphere, no players meeting the fans (they are now going direct to the American Bar & Grill after the game). Thanks for ruining it, Vern. Myself and my cohorts will be heading to the Station Inn after the games now. Indeed, rather than get to the rink for doors, I believe we ware going to stay there before the game until about 10 mins before face off, and not buy drinks in there during the period breaks. Thats probably £50 a game lost just from us, let alone the other 50 or so folks who were absent on Sunday. Add it up.
Pricks.
Rather obviously, saturdays result was an absolute corker. Winning 7-4 on the road, with four of the goals coming from a forward who had only just arrived and had not even practised with his team-mates was the best way to begin a campaign possible. Big, big ups to Ed Courtenay for his performance.
And then to Sunday. Well, swindon showed up, and they gave us a hell of a game. Clearly more used to the style and standard of reffing in the epl, I feel that they made this work to their advantage. From my viewpoint, there was rather too much 'slash and hack' with the sticks, and too much holding the stick. The ref seemed very loathe to award penalties for these indiscretions, even if they were happening in his full view, and I did note that Tony mentioned this to him (and some Swindon players) on more than one occasion during the course of the game. Apart from that, the game itself was fast and furious, with Swindon taking the lead 3 times, only for the Phoenix to pull it back. Even at 4-3, things didn't look over comfortable, but the problems which were apparent are nothing 2 or 3 weeks more practise and games won't sort.
Highlight of the night was simply seeing the team skate out for the first ever EPL game at the Dome. The future starts here.
Now on to the shitter of the night. Our (not so) great rink management have decided that they are now gfoing to run the VIP Lounge, rather than let the club do it. Bad idea. On sunday the bar, which is usually rammed full and buzzing, was almost empty and very, very subdued. And it didn't help that when people ordered hot drinks, the satff were going outside and using the vending machines to provide these, which is beyond cheeky. Not to mention an absolute rip-off. A Hot drink in the bar was charged at £1.50... but the machines only charge £1.20. If you bought one, demand your money back on Sunday.
Personally, I think the rink have dropped a major bollock here, and have turned something which made them (and the club) a reasonable amount of cash (especially post game) into a dead duck. No atmosphere, no players meeting the fans (they are now going direct to the American Bar & Grill after the game). Thanks for ruining it, Vern. Myself and my cohorts will be heading to the Station Inn after the games now. Indeed, rather than get to the rink for doors, I believe we ware going to stay there before the game until about 10 mins before face off, and not buy drinks in there during the period breaks. Thats probably £50 a game lost just from us, let alone the other 50 or so folks who were absent on Sunday. Add it up.
Pricks.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
War of the Roses...
Well, we won it. It wasn't as easy as some folks may have expected, as the Scims are a very well drilled side (as they should be after the best part of a month together), and seemed very confidant coming of the back of beating Hull in a friendly, then winning a pre season tournament in Fife.
But, impressive as the Scims were, I was more impressed with our boys. Despite just 2 hours training, and 2 games together, they already ahve the makings of an extremely confident, skillful side. To those fans of other teams who seem to think that we will be a '1 line' outfit, with no-one to back up Hand & Big Ed.... think again. Almost every guy on the ice on Sunday looked like the real deal. No one making up the numbers here.
Now, my stars of the match were Andre Mattsson and Andre Payette. Mattsson is an absolute beast of a d-man. Fast, skillful, and very strong, it will take a phenomenal forward to get the better of him over a full 60mins. His positional play was awesome.
And big old Payette... Captain for the weekend, and seemingly relishing it. This man can play hockey! Y'know, like he did back during his time in Coventry. He ain't just a goon and he seemed to thrive on the responsibility. And major kudos for doing the rounds in the bar afterwards, trying to have just a few words with everyone present. Thats what I like to see.
Other stuff.... New shirts look better in the flesh. Got my order in for a Cup jersey, so fingers crossed the legend 'Learned 1' will be seen around the Dome in two weeks time. Also, the ice looked good. Plenty of logos, and clear, visible lines. Still looked a little soft, but I put that down to it having just been laid, and the warmth in the rink on sunday. Indeed, it was much warmer than usual, which is a tiny cause for concern, but not much.
And that about wraps it up.
Oh, and Swindon fans coming down next weekend, if you want to meet up and chat, bring yourselves over to the Station Inn, opposite the bus station. Myself and a number of other Phoenix fans will be in there from about 3-ish.
And we're done. No swearyness this time either.
But, impressive as the Scims were, I was more impressed with our boys. Despite just 2 hours training, and 2 games together, they already ahve the makings of an extremely confident, skillful side. To those fans of other teams who seem to think that we will be a '1 line' outfit, with no-one to back up Hand & Big Ed.... think again. Almost every guy on the ice on Sunday looked like the real deal. No one making up the numbers here.
Now, my stars of the match were Andre Mattsson and Andre Payette. Mattsson is an absolute beast of a d-man. Fast, skillful, and very strong, it will take a phenomenal forward to get the better of him over a full 60mins. His positional play was awesome.
And big old Payette... Captain for the weekend, and seemingly relishing it. This man can play hockey! Y'know, like he did back during his time in Coventry. He ain't just a goon and he seemed to thrive on the responsibility. And major kudos for doing the rounds in the bar afterwards, trying to have just a few words with everyone present. Thats what I like to see.
Other stuff.... New shirts look better in the flesh. Got my order in for a Cup jersey, so fingers crossed the legend 'Learned 1' will be seen around the Dome in two weeks time. Also, the ice looked good. Plenty of logos, and clear, visible lines. Still looked a little soft, but I put that down to it having just been laid, and the warmth in the rink on sunday. Indeed, it was much warmer than usual, which is a tiny cause for concern, but not much.
And that about wraps it up.
Oh, and Swindon fans coming down next weekend, if you want to meet up and chat, bring yourselves over to the Station Inn, opposite the bus station. Myself and a number of other Phoenix fans will be in there from about 3-ish.
And we're done. No swearyness this time either.
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