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.

Sharp gets a 2 game ban!

According to the official forum, and taken from a poster who asked NM what was going on:

"1. Sharp is suspended for two games - this one and the MK game. 
2. The League have seen the fan video that was posted on YouTube or wherever and have decided that the suspension is appropriate. 
3. The Club are not happy with the decision and have asked the League to review it. "

So Andrew Sharp has been banned base dona  video review of a YOUTUBE clip? What the fuck?

I wouldn't mind if it was a proper video review involving the official match DVD, but a leaked (as it was clearly taken from our centre ice camera), incomplete video clip of the incident posted on fucking YOUTUBE? Once again the powers that be in British ice hockey prove beyond all shadow of a doubt they are about as professional as, well, amatuers really.

Fucking YOUTUBE, seriously?

Smackdown!

So, it finally happened. Andrew Sharp finally got his maiden fights under his belt as a Phoenix player.

And judging from the reaction, people either loved it or hated it!

Lets quicky cover what went down:

1st fight. Sharp and Payette have a little scrap. Payette seems to 'jump' Sharp, but the both exchange blows before Sharp pulls Payettes jersey over his head, and Payette wretles Sharp to the ice. Some folks are edging this to Payette based on the takedown, me? I'm calling it a draw.

2nd fight: This is where it gets interesting. Payette is out on the ice, agitiating, he spends an entire shift trying to draw a Phoenix player who isn't called Andrew Sharp into a fight, finally settling on Tony 'Killer' Hand. To do this he literally grabs Tonys stick and refuse to let go as they drift towards the benches for a line change. Tony looks a bit pissed off by this, and after about 10 or so seconds of Payettes juvenile bullshit motions that Sharp is to replace him on the line change. Now this is where stories diverge a bit. Frtom my vantage point Payette clearly sees (and hears) Tony call Sharp onto the ice, and given his experience knows what is about to happen. Sharp is coming onto the ice purely to throw some fists Mr Payettes way. For reasons known only to himself, as Sharp rushes at him, Payette decides to half turn away and 'turtle' the fight (ala Jamieson last season against Payette). all this results in is Sharp landing a monster blow which drops Payette immediately. Rather stupidly Sharp then aims a few puches at the prone Payette, before being dragged off. Tony gives him a little bollocking for being a bit too rough. Sharp isn't happy, but heads straight to the locker room as the ref indicates he is to do so. (Icidentally, people closer to the action thatn myslef heard Sharp trying to get payette to man up and 'Fucking fight' instead of turtle, and others claim the punches were actually Sharp trying to pull Payette back to his feet). Payette lies there like he has been knocked into next week.

Then something odd happens. Sharp is brought back out, and put into the penalty box, to serve just a 2+2. Payette has suddenly recovered and beigns a Benny Hill-esque attempt to chase the ref around the ice, almost hitting a lino at least once. Payette racks up an impressive penalty call of 2 + 2 + 10 + Game + Match, mostly for abuse of an official. Naughy boy.

Oh, and we won 7-0. But that seems to be secondary.

Plenty of folks enjoyed the fights (I know I did, nowt gets the blood up like some fists flying. Not that i want to see it every fucking game, but every so often it has to be done), and plenty didn't. I certainly heard comments to the effect that 'we don't need/want that in hockey'. And plenty of folks though Sharp was out of order for his 'suckerpunch' on Payette.

Now, I'm sorry, but Payette knew what was coming. No questions. He tried to pull a turtle, and it didn't work. Far worse from my viewpoint was his pathetic petulance after the fact, chasing the ref, etc. If he had used the brain he was born with he would have had a 2+2 just like Sharp, and a chance to take his 'revenge' if he so wished. Instead, he acted like a spoilt brat who has had his favorite toy taken away from him. Hardly the best example to a bench full of young Brits who need guidance from a sebior player (and make no mistake, at the Steeldogs Payette is the senior player).

And from a 'tough guy' perspective, Payette lost his pissing contest with Sharp on Sunday. He'll come back for another tilt, mark my words, and Sharp will probably come off a stand up fight worse. But I don't see a 'stand up' fight. I see some pathetic tit for tat revenge attack. Which could be very bad news indeed.

But just to re-iterate, we won 7-0. And we looked very comfortable and smooth in doing it. Bring on Jan 2nd!

Things are getting better.

So, whilst we haven't exactly been playing with the style and fluidity of the early part of the season, things are picking up. And just in time too, with Guildford coming back to the Dome on Saturday. Banging 6 past the Bees will have given the lads a bloody good boost to their morale, and seeing Huppe play like he is will boost that even further.

Which is good. And what is also good is that Andrew Sharp coming in seems to have boosted the confidence of the Brit lads in terms of their physical play. The number of big hits has risen noticeably since his arrival, and about fucking time too! I was starting to get flashbacks to last season where we were all too easily out muscled near the boards. Not any more hopefully.

And Harabin... what a fucking peach Mr Hand got us there! I have rarely seen a player work as hard as he does every shift. He hits hard, holds his position well, and isn't afraid to give some verbal (or hand gestures) to players he has taken a disliking too during the course of a game. Just wait for the fireworks when he next meets Tubby Boy (aka Nicky Chinn). That will be a corker if Harabin decides he fancies a bit. Which I've been told he very well might. And to top it all, his end to end goal on Sunday... stunning!

Back to Mr Sharp, who has only really slipped up once in the manner in which we were 'warned' about, on Sunday. Although reports from ice level suggest that it was another case of an opposition player talking shite, then shitting a brick when Sharp asked them for a dance. He'll get a chance soon enough, mark my words (I'm looking at you, Payette). Other than that he has been reliable for the most part, and is surely due a goal if h can keep finding those gap in front of goal.

And finally, to finish up this surprisingly polite and calm posting, I'd like to thank Five Minute Majors Becky aka ladyhathaway) for making the fine birthday cake I received on Sunday. I enjoyed it, Mrs. Learned enjoyed it, the Barmy Bunch enjoyed it, Russ did, and Caz & Ang too! Hell, we all enjoyed it! And yes, I am officially as miserable old bastard now (like I wasn't before).

See y'all Saturday (and Sunday too)!

OK...I've been beyond lazy...

Yes, I haven't done an update since the start of the month. What can I say? I'm a busy guy with loads of other stuff going on (and believe me, writing one 500 word match report on a Monday evening is enough. There is no fucking way I'm gonna try and do two of the fuckers).

Anyhooos, what can i say about the past couple of weeks activity in the Dome? Well, lets see:

Being beaten by the Bison when we had the game won... Yup, we stole a defeat cleanly from the jaws of victory. And it fucking hurt. Especially after the muppet known as Wiggins had totally failed in his quest to draw a scrap out of the Phoenix players (hmm, hitting a player in the face when he won't fight you...thats a samrt move. Not.). Of course, afetr calling Mr Wiggind a muppet on THF, I was meerly being a 'sore loser'. Naturally I explained myself (more than once): Wiggins will always be a muppet in my eyes, as long as he keeps on acting like one, whether we win or lose against the Bison.

And to follow that...

Andrew Sharp joins the Phoenix. I'll freely admit that my first reaction was 'What the fuck? has Tony started to go a bit senile?'. Then I thought about it a bit. Sharpy ahs a rep for being a bit 'wild' shall we say, which might just work in our favour. After all, who's going to try and, oh say slash a player of the puck (Tubby Boy from dahn sarf, I'm looking at you!), when you know that Sharpy will just come onto the ice and try and ring your bell with his fists? It will certainly make a fair few of the leagues agitators/'hard men' think twice. (but please, Gods of hockey, let Sharpy twat the Greeners, preferably into the middle of next season). And being fair, if any coach can control Sharp, its Tony. He controlled Anglestad, Cloots, and Payette easily enough. Which brings me to my next point of interest...

Payette joins the Steeldogs. Which means Sundays game over on the wrong side of the hills should be a bit tasty. I'll stick me neck out and say there will be at least 1 bout of fisticuffs in iceSheffield. Dont want to call the winner though.

Thankfully from a non fighting perspective a semblance of normailty reigned this past weekend as we won our home game, if in a slightly nervy manner. The lads were/are clearly a bit down, so hopefully a return to winning ways will perk them up a bit.

Hell, it better, as I'm getting seriously pissed off with going home miserable. It don't exactly keep the missus happy.

See you all on Saturday, peeps. I can't fucking wait.