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Saturday February 1st 2014.
Time 7am.
Big weekend ahead, first job shower and shave before breakfast with the bunch, everyone excited, this weekend is the annual weekend away supporting the Steelers for the Greenbunch.
Last season we spent an absolutely cracking weekend up in Scottish land. Taking in Braehead on the Saturday evening before relocating to Edinburgh to watch the guys play at Murrayfield ice arena. The upside was we won both games, the bad news, it was ruddy cold at Murrayfield.
This season, however no relocation and a plane journey to Belfast...
The weekend started months ago when my wife arranged the flights, hotel etc, so this weekend has been a long time coming for the bunch, and if I'm honest, we've been talking about it for weeks. And now it's here.
The Giants in pole position and the Steelers second, so although our record this season is not to good when we have played them, we are going hopefully to see them give the Giants a good couple of games. Enjoy the atmosphere, Belfast City centre and the opposing fans.
Checked on weather! Hmm! Could be interesting, if they cancel the flight this could be the shortest diary in Steeler fan history. Checked e-mails Ok! Twitter seems to have brought some good news! Steelers have signed Chris Blight @Blitzkrieg from the Cardiff Devils.
Can't help but feel for the Devils fans, seems it's just one knock after another. Hang in there guys...It s,eems it's there year in turmoil.
Anyway next stop East Midlands Airport bound Belfast City Airport...
Saturday February 1st 2014.
Time 4:00pm
Arrived at the Premier inn next to the Odyssey Arena. Flight over was as predicted "interesting" and the landing more so. One or two other Steelers on the flight, and for some unknown reason we all seemed to be seated to the rear of the aircraft, Oh! The aircraft, well what can I say "Quaint" springs to mind.
Checked in, and, oh look! Thommo! Right the team must be staying here too. All the locals are saying its busy and there seems a lot here for the game.
Right Dinner, a pint and then change for the game, will update you later, when we have seen the arena and felt the atmosphere.. Hopefully I will still be sober enough to fill you all in. Cheer now...
Sunday 2nd February 2014.
Time 7:30am.
Woke up to a lovely sunny Belfast.
After the early morning ablutions, down stairs for breakfast.
But first our thoughts on last nights game and the overall atmosphere. The O is a nice size arena and when we got there, approximately 30 minutes before face off it was rather full, the atmosphere for the arena was pretty good, we were sat in what looked like a couple of blocks of Steeler fans, it must be said at this time that there was a group of Steeler fans in fancy dress, who throughout the game never stopped singing and enjoying themselves, and whatever they had been drinking, I would certainly have a barrel.
The game itself started at a quick pace, all be it going one down quickly, we were soon back in it, thanks to our gritty 3rd line. Both sets of fans were trying to out sing each other, and although I say so, the Steeler fans made a good show of singing, throughout the game.
When we went 2-1 behind, I for one thought we didn't deserve it, as there was very little in the two teams. The second period was a little less frantic as both sides seemed to cancel each other out, with the Giants possibly edging the better play, both sides created, but no addition to the score. The third, however, was taken by the Giants, who came out on the fore-check and took the game to us, resulting in us taking penalties and ultimately a certain Mr Szwez, making us pay. The last 10 minutes of the game were all Steelers with Rob Dowd firing in a bullet, on one of our few power plays. The closing stages saw the Steelers really pressurising the Giants net. Well played Murphy, he saved some rubber, had a bit of luck, and benefitted from us missing some golden opportunities to get back into the game..
Back to hotel for a few bevvies! 11:00pm bed.....
Sunday 2nd February 2014.
Time 9:00am.
Had breakfast, Steve Goertzen and Kohn are down for breakfast and before we left for the delights of the Titanic centre and the city centre, we also bumped into Mr Meyers and Mr Thompson in the hotel lift, Tommo saying” this is what they looked like on the road, on a Sunday morning”, if that's the case his roomy looked as if he could have done with another hour in bed.
Out and about, it's really chilly, but it's only a short walk to the Titanic centre, I would certainly encourage any hockey fan coming over,to not only pick up a game at the Odyssey, but to take in the Titanic centre, an excellent two hours passing quite easily taking in, and listening to some interesting facts of this disaster, the staff are well clued up on the history, and like all the local people we have met so far, are very, very welcoming.. Full credit to them.
Time 12:30pm.
Walked into Belfast City centre and took in the Victoria Square centre and the observation dome, again well worth a visit with some awesome 360* vista’s of Belfast City.
Time 3:00pm.
Back at the hotel, quick drink and then back to the O next door, dear oh dear, can life get much more stressful!!! NOT!!! Hoping for 2 points tonight, if we play and take our chances more clinically tonight, then there is no reason we cannot share the spoils and gain 2 points from this weekend.
Time now 3:30pm.
Ready round 2, off to the rink, not as many here this evening, something to do with a game and a funny shaped ball that is occurring at the same time. Steelers fans seem to be in good voice again, so it seems the headaches of last nights shenanigans must have dissipated somewhat.
Face off. Only difference from last night is that Cheverie does not seem to be icing for the Giants, could be to our advantage, as the guy seems to be a play-maker and gets lots of assists.
Mrs Greenbunch after 20 seconds states “Well we haven’t conceded as quickly as last night”. Yeah right!!! Commentators curse we call it, Yep 1-0 down with a shot that seems to go right through Doyle, he’ll certainly want that one back.. This game quickly became a quick more physical game and Legue fires us level. But before the end of the first we again were chasing the game again and trailing 2-1. De-Ja-Vue..
The second period on the previous night seemed to be Belfasts, tonight however, the tables are turned, I have to admit that’s one of the best periods of hockey i’ve seen us play all season, and we well deserved going into the second break 2-3 up..
Something really funny happens in the third, Belfast bring it back level, and looking back, it seems that a few of the goals were scored very early in the periods. Both sides then push for the breakthrough, with both net-minders making some brilliant saves, and both sides missing golden opportunities to take the lead. Unfortunately the Giants break the deadlock, and then proceed to hang on grimly to the slender 1 goal advantage. At this time and throughout the second period the Steelers fans certainly out sung and supported our team 100%, these fans are passionate about the team. Needless to say the Steelers fans at least owned the Odyssey at that time.
Sunday 2nd February 2014
Time 6:30pm.
Back at the Premier Inn, surprisingly not as down as i would have thought. Yes! we lost both games, but if i’m honest, and I am being honest, we lost both games on the toss of the Belfast Giants being a very well organised team, and A BIT of LUCK.
That to me was the difference between these two sides, and either one could have won either game with that little luck and bounce of the puck.
It simply was that close…….
Oh!!!! and p.s.. A proper referee for the second encounter, Scratch that, please delete proper from that statement. Thanks for taking the time to view my ramblings, but this has been a great experience meeting wonderful and friendly people, from the Players, to the Giants fans, Arena police, cab drivers and the general public.. The Bunch will certainly be back next season for a visit..
CHEERS…….
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A big thanks from Frozen Steel to the Greenbunch for a great read. Look out for more from the Belfast weekend throughout the week.
@FrozenSteelBlog
@Greenbunch257
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