That was fun...

Ok, so Im a lazy bastard and I didn't blog last weeks game. Suffice to say I left the rink very chuffed with another solid victory behind the team.

Anyways, on to this past weekends visit by MK... Phew, that was a tasty 1st period wasn't it? Tony 'Killer' Hand taking young Mr McPherson and giving him an almighty arse kicking, for the 2nd time. Jesus, you'd think he would have learnt last time: DO NOT FUCK WITH TONY HAND. HE WILL KICK YOUR ARSE. Which he did. Pretty conclusively. Altogether now: 'You got beat by an old age pensioner!'

Mind you, that decision wasn't as mind numbingly dumb-ass as his next one. Slashing the legs out from under Marcus Kristofferson at a face off...before the puck was fucking dropped. Not quite sure what he hoped to achive by doing that, except getting himself an early shower (hey, maybe he wanted all the hot water to himself)? And he was obviously not finished, as he had to be manhandled into the MK locker room (and allegedly made threats to Marcus Kristoffersons safety next time they meet. Alegedly, mind you).

Other than that, this was pretty good game, despite both teams indulging in the 'black arts' at times. Late checks, holding, hooking, eye rakes...it was almost WWE at times. But the goals were good. Our first line is simply amazing. The 5th goal was as perfect a phase of passing play as you will likely ever see at the Dome. Seriously, it was that fucking good. And given they guys on the line, I think the rest of the EPL will find it a very difficult line to shut down. Not that it matters, as the Brit lads on the other lines are more than holding their own.

Can't wait for Sundays game already. This is a good thing.

It has returned!

Yes, the new season has begun, and I'm back behind the keyboard!

Ok, so the game was almost a week ago, but I've been busy, what with working, writing game reports for the match night programme (which you have all read, right?), and doing stuff for the Supporters Club (join us!). But, here we are, so on we go....


Not that was a fucking brilliant way to start the season. A win at B'Stoke (always a tricky trip), then a nice 3-0 shutout of the Slough Jets in our own barn. Call it a small measure of revenge for last seasons play-off semi final loss, eh? And even though its early doors, I'm damned impressed with how the team is looking. The overall balance seems to be better, with more of the sqaud willing to play both ways, jumping up on the break, and tracking back when required.

And the first line... dear gods, they look awesome. Hand/Huppe/Kristofferson. Those names will scare the shit out of other teams in the coming months, which means I expext them to be targeted by every 'tough guy' in the league. Indeed, Sluff tried it with the Greener Sisters, sorry Brothers, but to no avail. And I have heard that Mr Wiggins is coming looking for a barney on Sunday, so I am expecting some fireworks there. And when it comes to toughness, we look pretty tough ourselves this season. Kristoffeson looks big and capable of handling himself, and Mr Holland... well, he certainly is a tough little S.O.B., isn't he? Cracking scrap in the 'friendly' against the Steeldogs, the first of many I'm sure.

And having had a little chat with BT at the open training session, I am as convinced as he is that the D is much, much more solid this season. Having the second import back there provides a better balance, which of course will help BT keep the puck out of the net, as a stronger D will give up fewer shots on goal.

So, bring on the Bison. I can not fucking wait. Ah... I love hockey season.

It's coming.....

Yes, the first full on update to this here blog type thing will be coming very soon. Y'know, like after the Steeldogs game. Or maybe something before it. I aint decided yet.

Oh, and keep an eye out for my debut piece in the match night programme.

It's been a loooong time, hasn't it?

Yes, it's been a bloody long time since I updated the Pyre. And yes, I am a lazy bastard, and thats why!

Actually, thats not really true. Truth of the matter is I've been a very busy boy. As you all know from the previous entry, I now do some work for the club (which currently dose not take up too much time, but I am pretty damn sure it will once the season begins). Now I can add to that the fact that I was successful in becoming a member of the Supporters Club Board. Yes folks, I got voted in! I know, I know, there must have been something in the water for that to happen, but nevertheless, happen it did.

So, with that in mind, I have been quite busy, talking to other SC board members, and working out just what the fuck I will be doing for the SC (beyond swearing less in public). Well, as it stands, I'm going to be responsible for pretty much the same as I am for the club, plus I'm also going to be the head of the new Block Reps team, and a few other sundry items to boot.

Now, where does this leave this esteemed publication? Well, once the season starts it will be pretty much business as usual. I shall endeavour to continue with my irreverant and sometimes sweary look at the Phoenix, plus anything else that takes my fancy (such as the shit storm going down on the other side of the Hills...more on that soon). So, despite what some folks seem to think I have NOT been gagged by the club. HURRAH!

Off season round up #1

So, whats going down, then.....

Well, the roster is looking good. 12 Brits already (11 if Farmer gets a spot in the US from his trial), some solid new names (Duggan, Holland), and a good core of returnees (Boothroyd and both Woods stand out for me). Foney has been given another season to prove himself, which I feel is the least we could do given the circumstances (playing whilst seriously injured). All we need to do now is sort out some quality imports....

Off ice, there are some interesting changes. The new sponsors block has caused a few upsets, but the club has in all fairness done everything it can to lessen the impact, including offering a free upgrade to the all new 'Gold Seating' block. Which is another new development at the rink. Comfy seats, private bar... for £2 extra a game. And by all accounts its proving popular.

And the off ice staff has had a change too, with a new addition to the team...ME!

Yes, I have joined the team as the 'internal communications officer'. Which means that its my job to do all the stuff that Tambo used to do as Fan Liason (plus a little bit more). So, anyone got any gripes, or quations they want answering through the forum, or on match nights, ask me (or expect me to answer them at any rate). And don't worry, the blog will continue. Oh yes, it will continue.... On top of that i will also be working as a 'Block rep' on match nights.

And finally, I am standing for election to the Supporters Club board on June 3rd too, so come down to the meeting (Cresta Court Hotal, Thurs 3rd June, for a 7.30pm start) and vote. And don't worry if you are not a SC member, as you can join on the night. Christ on a bike, I'm going to be busy!