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.