A few musings...

Sooo, I've been al quiet and shit lately haven't I? Sadly, it isn't because I have nothing to say (as those who see me on match nights can attest to), but just a symptom of my general laziness these days.

I was tempted to post a long diatribe about people starting to panic after a few bad results, but frankly I felt it would most likely fall on deaf ears. Don't mean I wont have a small moan though....

Some folks need to give the guys a break. despite the not so stellar performances of late they most certainly have been trying. Sometimes, despite the bets will in the world, it is impossible for a team to get its collective shit together so to speak, and make things happen. Confidence dips, and it just get harder. Add in some injury problems (Speldas freak infection, Ladzi taking a puck to the face, Ciarans knock, Tonys freak ankle hit, and Wallaces busted wrist), and it is pretty easy to see why the rest of the guys struggled. Bad luck/karma tends to linger until someone says 'enough is enough' and gets on with trying to brrak it. Tom Duggan might have just been doing that for us this past few weeks. That young man has been playing out of his fucking skin.


And don't let Sundays result fool you. We were not as bad as it seemed. Sure, 5-0 down after 2 periods on home ice sounds bad, but it sure as hell wasn't for the lack of trying. Rockman was inspired between the pipes for Slough, and we just couldn't break him, whereas Slough got all the luck they needed in front of Fone. A few of us were in the abr come the end of the 2nd period saying how we didn't look like a team being outplayed by 5 goals. Luckinly we broke the back of the problem in the 3rd period, and if we had been able to have that luck earlier in the game, I don't doubt that it would have been a different game alltogether.

Sure, some are not matching the hype which we the fans gave them pre season (Faith springs to mind), but who does? Faith is coming into his own now he is playing in his natural role as a centre, which might possibly give Tony pause for thought when it comes to the lines upon his return to on ice action.

And don't forget, despite the bad results we are still only 3 game soff the league leaders. a 4 point weekend could see us jump up 2 or 3 places with ease, and back to back 4 pointers.... They say it isn't over til the fat lady sings. Well, at the minute, the fat lady isn't even in the venue, let alone warming up.

See y'all Sunday for my Birthday game (mines a pint of Carlsberg, if anyone cares...)

For F***s sake!

It never sodding rains, but it pours!

First off Spelda picks up a nasty infection in his ankle, which requires surgical intervention, putting him out of action for at least 6 weeks (just a guess). Fine, I can cope with that. Shit happens, and you move on.

Then Harabin (our other import D-man) takes a puck to the face in Guildford last night. Seriously? Are the Hockey Gods mocking us? Have we pissed them off that much? Something tells me we might be a little short of numbers on Sunday, making a tough game about 10 times bloody tougher.

And to top it all off some muppet Bracknell 'fan' (and I use the word 'fan' very loosely), decides to tweet the official Phoenix feed thusly:

@manc_phoenix harabin believe in karma?! Thinks its ok to knee the bracknell imports,well say hello to a puck to the face! KARMA BITCH

Nice, eh? Sometimes I despair. Our sport, nay any sport, has no place for morons like this. I know I can be a bit confrontational at times. Possitively aggressive even, but there is a line and this little piece of distended rectum corssed it. Especially with his repy to another Phoenix fan on Twitter:

hahaaa anymore fan mail? love that uv taken the time to send me your b******t many thanks douche's #loveyouall

Prick.

Ego boost!

I got called 'famous' on Saturday!

I didn't want to mention it in my earlier post, but, what the hell! It made me feel good, dammit!

Not that I consider myself 'famous', even within the social circle that is British Ice Hockey. Infamous perhaps, but not famous.

But still, it felt good....

That made a change.

So, thats the first Saturday night game of the season out of the way, and it was different (as Saturday games usually are). The crowd was healthy for a Saturday game, especially given the inclement weather and the opposition.  No offence to the Phantoms, but a Guildford or MK visit would have drawn a higher crowd. But those who were hardy enough to brave the almost constant drizzle made plenty of noise, and saw perhaps the sides finest performance so far this season.

Indeed, THs men made it look easy towards the end, after a short benched Phantoms line up held out bravely in the first period. Losing Glowa to the 'Accidental High Sticks + Blood = 5+Game' rule (which is bloody stupid as a deliberate High Sticks can be assesed a lesser penalty!), then Ricky Skene after he blocked a Spelda slap shot with his neck (ouchies) didn't exactly help either. And you ain't getting a full match report on here. It's hard enough writing one for the Programme, let alone a secondary one for here!

Other than that, the rink sound did improve as the game went on. Come the 3rd period I could almost hear all of the announcements. And I bought myself a coat. Not the most exciting purchase imaginable, granted, but I did need a new one, so...

Oh, and it was nice to see Ciaran Long back on the ice. Hopefully we will have a full line up out there soon (No Archer last night... groin strain apparently. Brenda offered to rub it better....).

Back in the saddle...

So, the season has finally begun. 4 points from the opening weekend was quite possibly the most perfect way to begin. Not to impressed with the officiating though. Some outrageously obvious calls were missed, which surely can not instill confidence in the officials, but only time will tell on that one.

Anyways, given the weather, it certainly does not feel like hockey season. 27c? In September? What the fuck is that about?

See you at the rink!

Its driving me INSANE!

I can't take it anymore! The summer has run on for far too long! I NEED my hockey back!

It's not that I'm some desparate hockey obsessed freak.... oh, wait, thats exactly what it is. As I write this it is now September. Thats hockey time, not sat on my arse at home thinking about hockey time. And it's not even as if I have nothing else to do with myself, it's just I miss my hockey, quite possibly more so than is healthy, but....

Anyways, lets try and be vaguely sensible here. 2 more bodies added to the sqaud, and were are a step closer to being on the ice. Juraj Faith looks like he could be another of THs genius pick-ups, and should in all likelihood join the "100+" club (I.E. scores 100+ points for us). And it's nice to see Adam Summerfield replaced with a call up from the Metros in the shape of Jorge El-Hage. Yes, he's young, but he has to develop his game, and this is the next logical step for him.

And it was also a pleasent surprise to find that we have set a new record for Season Ticket sales, with over 440 being sold by the club. I guess those who thought that moving to the EPIHL would kill the club have now been proven somewhat wrong. ST sales are up, match night attendance is up, things are looking up (I'm sure winning some silverware helped). I guess the target for this season will be to raise attendances further (our average is just under 1,100, apparently, so 1,200 is a reasonable target), and to win some more trophies (I'm not greedy, retaining the League will do for starters).

And I would like to confirm 2 things:

1: I will be continuing in my role as Fan Liason for the coming season, so stop bothering Tambo, and come bug me instead!
2: I have stepped down from the board of the Supporters Club. Nothing sinister, it's just i have a wedding to plan, and something had to give, and that was it.

See you all at the Dome in a fortnight!

So close I can almost smell it....

...The new season that is.

Over in the EVIL, sorry, EIHL the pre season games have already begun, with the Sheffield/Cardiff 'Festival of Hockey' taking place (2 'serious' freindlies, some junior games, and a couple of 'Legends' games featuring a few names who have also played for Manchester teams), the Panthers play the Giants, and the Stingrays are playing the Blaze.

Non of the Scottish teams are playing, although none seem to have even a vaguely complete roster. Hell, Fife are talikg about starting the season with maybe just 7 imports. Could be on the wrong end of a few spankings early doors up in Kirkaldy.

Other than that, there isn't much going on. I would expect some news to come from the office on Tuesday, but apart from that.....

Roll on 17th September.

Its getting closer....

The long wait is slowly starting to near its end. The days are shortening, the autumn draws ever closer.

And thank fuck for that. I hate the summer. Its too warm, to bright, and there just isn't enough hockey!

Squad building continues apace with James Neil being the latest addition. The team is looking good, with 2 more to be added, including THs annual 1st line import goal machine (and you thought that was Cingels job...). There were hints at the shirt launch, with much mention of stamped passports, but that could just be a ruse. Time will tell.


As for the shirts themselves. Well, mixed is the best way to describe the response. For myself, I quite like the designs. The cup jerseys maintain a nice continuity with the previous 2 seasons one, being Yellow/Black/White, but the regualr season jerseys have seen a change in colour scheme from the established Red/White/Black to a a Red/Black/Blue/White combo. And we are using the 'Latin' logo instead of the 'GameFace' for the forthcoming season.

The main issue folks have had though, is the sizing. The jerseys are being made by Rhino and are somewhat more snug than the last couple of seasons. The general consensus is that you need to add 2 sizes to your usual order (ie if you were an XXL last season like myself, you will likely need an XXXXL this season). Material feels nice too, and is different to last seasons.

Oh yes, and in much the same way that the Storm bought a new, supersized trophy after seeing how underwhelming the old BD1 trophy was, NM has risked the wrath of the EIHA (again) by buying a new, supersized trophy to replace the EPL one.. which was like a large egg cup really. The new one is nice and big, and will actually be visible at centre ice from the back of the seating. Which is nice.

2 more join the squad....

So, this weeks signing announcement saw TH add another 2 Brits to the squad in the shape of local favorite utility player Ben Wood, and Ryan Johnson, returning after a season on the wrong side of the Pennines.

Ben Wood, for my money anyways, was a no-brainer. He has improved season on season, and is a rare commodity: A true utility player, equally at home patrolling the blue line and in front of the crease. He is also a very popular young man, and probably the best of the 'home grown' players to come from within the set up at Alty.

Johnno's return took most folks by surprise. Not the greatest player ever, Johnno is a solid, reliable presence on the blue line, and a tiny bit of a character off the ice, too! I should know having been pressganged into a players photo by him at Coventry a couple of seasons back, and having to suffer the indignity og being stuck between him and Rhys McWilliams in the Skydome bog this past playoffs!

Added to this, TH has told the MEN that he wants a bigger squad than previous seasons to help combat injuries better. This makes sense. The past 2 or 3 years have seen us seriously short of bodies on the bench at difficult stages of the season. Adding another 2 bodies to the bench ( be it from the Metros, U-18s, or outside the Alty system) can only be a good idea. Plus, it has the added benefir of helping to blood new players, and give them vital experience of being on the bench during a senior game.

And the rumor that Andrew Sharp is signing for Guildford... brilliant. Some Guildford fans are practically distraught at the thought of 'Blunt' as they like to call hime sullying their beloved team uniform. Personally, i'll miss Sharpy next season if indeed he isn't part of the Phoenix roster. Although, him and Johnno... jesus, that would be trouble....

Some summer musings....

Yes, I still haven't done a write up of the fucking play-offs. So sue me.

Anyways, whats going on then? Well, Th has continued to build the squad, adding 2 more to the squad in the shape of newbies (to the Phoenix at any rate) Ciaran Long and Josh Ward. Both seem to be pretty useful pick ups, and reaction has been positive to their arrival. The announcement of Long in particular laid to rest an very, erm, long running rumour (it started somewhere around the play-offs) about his joing us for 2011-2012.

Anywyas, not much else has happened really in Phoenix land. Spread out wing a little further however, and all manner of stuff has been happening...

First up, Paul Ragan the 'Saviour of British Ice Hockey' (tm) has managed to do something that only bob Phillips has previously managed. yes, he managed to bankrupt both clubs. Although more impressively (if that is the word) Ragan managed to do it to both clubs on the same day. On what would ahve been pay day in June he rather callously wound the operating company for both clubs (Rink Corp) up leaving significant 6 figure debts. Mysteriously (or not if you prefer) just before this, he awarded licences to 2 different companies to run the respective franchises. The Steelers are now 'owned' by the guy who owns Rhino (and whose name escapes me for the moment). I say 'owns' as allegedly PR still has a 50% stake in the Steelers, but no one seems to be able to completely confirm or deny this. The Devils? AFAIK, Ragan is still the owner. The saga continues...

And speaking of the Devils, come December they very well might have no rink to call home. Again. It seems that Cardiff City Council has gotten cold feet about awarding the tender to Planet Ice regarding the permanent replacement for the WNIR, and has pulled the rug from under them. Problem is PI own the current rink, but only have a lease on the land it is built on (which is owned by CCC) until December.Cue PI threatening to dismantle the building and ship it elsewhere come xmas time. Naturally the Devils fans are up in arms about this... even though may of them actively campaigned against PI getting the tender in the first place. The Devils fans, you see baulked at PIs intention to construct what would effectively be the Coventry Skydome (2500 seats)with a nicer exterior, demanding instead a 4000 seat twin pad facility. Well, now the council looks set to give them their wishes (assuming anyone has the moeny to build something like that anymore as the only previous bidder with that on the table was...Paul Ragan) they are upset at PIs business decision to move on. Truthfully, I think that what the Devils want could turn out to be a 'white elephant' (the much smaller twin pad facility iceSheffield has struggled to turn a profit from day one), which would bankrupt whoever wished to run it, and PIs plan was more sustainable in the long run. This has legs yet, though, as I'm sure there will be a few more twists before the fat man in a red suit comes 'ho-ho-ho-ing'. (as an incidental deal, it has emerged that the newly bankrupt Devils got/get free ice time, significantly reducing over heads. Interesting).

And a piece of good news.. The Coventry Blaze have finally retired the 'Worst Logo In British Ice Hockey, Ever!' (tm) in favour of a new one. About fucking time! The old one looked like it had been drawn by a bored 10yr old in art class at school. The new one looks much, much more professional.

AN UPDATE!!!!!!

Yes, tis true, this is an actual update!

OK, it isnt the play off write up (my personal life has taken precedence lately), but it is a few musings on how the off season is shaping up.

Now, like almost everyone else, I was a tad disapointed to see some of last seasons squad choose to move on rather than defend their title, but if we continued on with the same squad, I honestly could see us being overtaken as everyone else would know where they needed to strengthen their squad.

Having said that thank fuck Ladzi is coming back. Huegely popular, and 110% dedicated to his job, having him back gives the D a solid core, alongside long time Phoenix player Luke Boothroyd. And the new signing... well, I ain't complaining one bit! Koulikov should prove to be too much for most EPL level D men to handle, so despite loosing Huppe to Guildford the goals should keep piling up. Mind you, with TH feeding the puck I think that even I would be good for about 30 goals!

Other than that there is a public meeting of the SC coming up, which I sadly am unable to attend due to prior commitments (yes, I have a life beyond hockey... weird, isn't it?). And we are awaiting next weeks 'big signing' news. Rumours seem to be pointing to a return to the Phoenix fold for Joe Tallari, and/or the arrival of Martin Cignel from the Edinburgh Capitals... I'll take either thanks! Cingel has been a standout for the Caps despite their mass of off and on ice problems, and we know what Tallari is capable off.

Aaaaannd, thats it for now!

Laters!

That was a hell of a weekend.

Indeed it was!

Despite the disappointment of getting knocked out in the Semi final for the 2nd year running (but what a comeback!), the Coventry weekend was a damn fun time.

Officially, my Coventry weekend ran from 10.30am Friday to 2.39pm Monday. I drank, oooh, loads of pints of beer, ate a lot of Wetherspoons breakfasts (Pancakes with bacon FTW), and had afr more fun than should be legal.

As a warm up for the full write up, here are a few selected highlights:

Being stood between Ryan Johnson and Rhys McWilliams in the bogs at the Skydome.
The back and forth chants between ourselves and Guildford.
Wetherspoons running out of the lager for the Beer & Burger Promo.
The bike chained to a pub chair for security(!).
Glow Sticks.
Tambos Flag.
Tambos Don Cherry suit.
Buzz Bee in drag.
And realising my hotel bill was £30 lower than I thought it was going to be.

Once thursday rolls around, i should have recovered sufficiently to report on the weekends shennanigans. As it is, I'm still processing the details myself.

Bits and pieces....

So, the mighty Phoenix are just 3 points away from the first (meaningful) piece of silverware in the clubs existence. Am I excited by this prospect? You bet your arse I am! Its been a fucking long time since a Manchester team won a trophy, and dammit, I want this one! Going to the play offs will be even more fun than usual with a trophy to brag about.

Other than that....

It was awesome to see Harabin back out on the ice this past Sunday. We've certainly missed his strenghth and calmness at the back this past couple of months. Flipside to that ray of sunshine is Duggan screwing his shoulder up. I really feel for the poor lad. Of all the times in the season to have an injury like this, right before the play-offs is not the one!

And the first line. What can I say except...fucking WOW! 333 points (at the time of writing) in the league between them, and all 3 men over 100 individually. This has truly been a record setting season. Howe the fuck we will follow this one next year is beyond me. Seriously. How the hell do you replace even 1 player who can do 100 points for you Because make no mistake, if Kristofferson stays in the UK expect the EIHL and its money to come a callin' for the Scandinavian goal machine.

Other than that its been a weird 4 weeks, with me being off the booze on Docs orders... First time in over 10 years I've watched games without having at least 1 pint. But rest assured, after last season herculean efforts at the bar (£150+) in Coventry, I will be having a few over that weekend, so consider yourself warned.

Recent stuff

So, its been a bit quiet here on The Pyre of late, and i hold my hands up, its my fault.

I've been quite busy with some non hockey related stuff in my personal life, and starting a major project for the Supporters Club (all will be revealed in good time). The net effect of this has been me not having time to update the blog as much as I would like to have done..

Anyways, here we are again. things are looking good out there on the ice. Top of the league with a reasonable cushion, results being ground out when perhaps they shouldn't (a sign of a championship capable team.. just look at Man U), and a decent cup run (brought to a halt by Basingstoke). And its not looking too bad off it either, in some respects. Almost 550 seats sold for the play-offs (about 1/4 of the seats available in Coventry), the match night presentation is getting back to where it was under the previous director, and the club has been talking to the fans once more (something which has been lacking this season, and again, something I am partly responsible for).

Ok, things ain't all great. Ladzi is hurt, and the rest of the guys keep taking knocks. I'd wager most of them are carrying a minor injury at the moment. Tom Duggan took a nasty hit from behind on Sunday and has injured his knee, although we don't know how badly as per Phoenix policy (keep the opposition guessing).

the thing that is bothering me the most though (and this could derail our title hopes) is the frankly piss poor officiating we seem to see a lot of at the Dome. Take this Sunday. The ref (who I won't name) was woeful. He was often out of position, or so far behind the play he missed most calls. He washed out a goal thanks to this, and then gave another when he refused to make the call that is in the rule book (Man in the Crease, fwiw). This same ref has been shit every time we have had to use him. And sadly, from what i gather he won't improve as he apparently believes that he is doing a good job on the ice...

that is all for now...

Small changes

Those of you who are regular visitors to this blog might have noticed I've added an entry screen (courtesy of Blogger) when you visit.

This is in response to a number of complaints I have had recently about the use of adult language on the blog. It seems that my warning at the top of the page has been insufficient for some newer visitors, and as such I have had to take this step to remind people that this is a blog written by an adult, who likes to use adult language, especially when discussing a subject that he feels passionate about. Within this blog, I let off steam. Often times, the easiest way to do this is with some carefully chosen expletives. I certainly am aware that my usage of the 'C' word before Xmas upset people, but I did justify the context, which is rare for myself as I feel that if you have to justify the context, then you shouldn't be saying what you are saying in the first place.

Regardless of this, everyone is now pre-warned. I can, and do use adult language. I make no apologies for this. I will continue to use this language when I deem it to be appropriate. I don't make people read this blog, you all read it of your own volition. Please, if you have an issue with what i write on here, contact me directly, not via a 3rd party. I'm easy enough to get hold of either online, or at the rink.

Thank you for your time.