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.
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.
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Thursday, June 02, 2011
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!
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!
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
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.
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.
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
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.
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.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
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...
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...
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)