...it could be Nottingham as the chant rings out. Once again the end of another Steelers season and we finish with a trophy, I'll take that. Sure we came up short in the Play-Off Final against a Blaze side that just oozed confidence and took their chances when they got them, but hey we won the big prize didn't we? If you had told me that we would have had the season we ended up with in late January when we lost Frank Doyle, I would have metaphorically bitten your hand off and giggled uncontrollably in your face too!
It's not been that bad. So instead of boring all and sundry with assessments of the players that iced for us, I'll do by position and write a paragraph or two about them.
Netminders: This season we used five netminders, which for an EIHL season is absolutely mental. We started with Frank, Geoff and Andy and in everything looked good in that respect. The timing of Frank's injury came at the wrong moment, Geoff injured too, and the team in disjointed form. Frank had been, at up to that time, consistently keeping us in games and giving those in front a chance to get the W. But along came Josh, how we managed to find him I don't know but he was a cracking acquistion. Sure he didn't have the best of games in the POF, but neither did some others, but he really proved G's trust in him on many occasions.
Sam Gospel, the one game wonder, is surely destined for bigger and better things I am sure. He could be the new Ben Bowns given time to develop. As for "Swinton Andy", he's just one who turns up and is prepared to play second (or in effect third) fiddle to those ahead of him in the pecking order. He's the archetypal clubman who just is there for when the team wants him even though he knows his chances are limited to slim or none. Geoff was just damn unlucky with injuries again, it makes you wonder did he run over a proverbial black cat again.
Summarising then: Doyle - He's gone as retired, but leaves us with many great memories. Unice - Retain unless G can find a Brian Stewart type goalie as an alternative. Woolhouse - Might have to retire due to consistent injuries over the last two seasons but will be always be welcomed back if he wants it (Geoff gets married in the summer and that might have a bearing on what he does next). Gospel - The Future, deserves a shot to be an EPL starter and one to keep a close eye in his development. Jaszczyk - Third choice again if best, but needs serious ice time elsewhere at a lower level.
Defencemen: Seven players used in the six slots this season, and each of them different in their own way of players. From the attacking flair of Ben O'Connor acting like a fourth forward to the coolness of the experienced Darrell Hay, we got it all. Still even at play-off weekend, I could hear people mumbling why did we sign Ben O'Connor. Crikey, the guy is as good as signing an import offensive signing, and he wants to play for his "club" that he has supported since he was a bairn.
Cullen Eddy excites me, and for someone who was just a stay at home defenceman in the AHL, he's developed his game all round but just needs to eliminate the minor mistakes that keep happening from time to time (same applies for Ben). Mark Thomas has had a steady season as has Rod Sarich, remember both had a few injuries (Rod's kept him for a whole season). Gord Baldwin made improvements, and chipped in with timely goals when needed whilst Dustin Kohn was useful when he was fit but you could see how nervous he was in taking hits off the opposition.
In summary: O'Connor - He's staying having signed a deal that keeps him here until 2017, just needs to iron out the defensive aspect of his game which leaves him exposed at times . Eddy - Year two of his deal, he is very much in the Fata mould and I can see him having an even better campaign next time out. Hay - Brings experience and calmness in defence, goes very much unnoticed every night. I'd have him back if he fancies another year here. Thomas - The mistake that led to Blaze's third goal was the only real blot on a decent season for the Stockport-born blueliner, if he gets a new deal then it'll only be a single year one before he probably finishes his career in the EPL.
Sarich - Like O'Connor, some people doubt him but Rod's had a decent season even if he is not as offensive as he used to be like back in the day. His versatility and he can be one of our two dual nationals next season counts as a return for me. Baldwin - Improved immensely, and would be a decent fit again even if his Uni deal is up. I see him going back into Europe however. Kohn - We never really saw the best of the former New York Islander because he was susceptible to injury. Like Baldwin, his Uni deal is now up and I can see him going home to finish his career in the ECHL or CHL.
Forwards: This was the section that G radically overhauled after the play-off triumph, only the Brit core survived. Jeff Legue left for the EPL but came back after 3 months away to become a handy import third line centreman. As is the G way, he somehow finds gems where others struggle. After he had seen a move to Norway fall by the wayside, Mathieu Roy found his way into Sheffield and what a signing he has proven to be. 101 points in a season, a figure only bettered in the EIHL by Jade Galbraith in his inaugural Braehead campaign (Galbraith got 104 in 2011-12): a sign of a quality player indeed. Roy brings the complete package to the table. Also coming in were proven two way forward Colton Fretter and sniper Mike Forney, both continued to put up impressive numbers in their respective campaigns.
Tyler Mosienko arrived in the House of Steel with a point to prove, after leaving Denmark under a cloud of controversy. The reason behind it was well documented and opposing fans latched onto it but Mosi wowed us with consistent performances where he showed up every single night. Could this love from the Steelers "family" cause him to return next campaign. Tomas Petruska was doing alright until injury curtailed his season after coming in as a late replacement for Danny Bois who had flattered to deceive. Bois himself was a replacement import, coming in after the desperately unlucky Pascal Morency was forced into retirement after recurring concussions. We do also thank Devin Didiomete for his short stint when Tyler was suspended.
As for the Brits, each of them did contribute in their own way. Jono Phillips led by example and scarcely had an off night. What he does not pick up in terms of points, is far outweighed by his work ethic. Which is the same for his fellow Welshman Phil Hill. Jason Hewitt seems to be getting his game back after a few below par seasons, and has deserved his testimonial next campaign whilst Luke Ferrara looks a decent player who will set the league alight in years to come. This leaves me with Dowdy. Despite a hand injury which sidelined him for a while, Robert really came to the fore as the season drew to a conclusion: scoring many clutch goals and outlining why he is the Club's Premier British forward.
To summarise: Roy - What a player, so happy we've kept him for 2 further seasons. I'm sure the European Leagues would have snapped him up if he hadn't. Fretter - He's back too on the second of his two year deal, experienced two way forward who will put better numbers next (even though these aren't bad) season. Forney - Could score 60 goals if he takes more of his chances, so I'd retain him but on flip side think he'll play in somewhere like Sweden or Italy. Legue - Another returnee (to some people's disdain) and will be our second dual national I believe now. Experienced third liner now, always capable of important goals (he won us the league remember?) and will rack a few more before he retires.
Mosienko - We need to bring this guy back too, no question! His work ethic is unbelievable, love it. He must stay. Petruska - If he's fit and G wants him, then OK but I am sure we could upgrade on him though. Phillips - Captain Fantastic in my eyes. Always shows up every night and leads by example, so that's a yes. Hill - Maybe, because he's a great penalty killer but time is not on his side now. He's won a League title and been a Play-Off Champ with us but I wonder what his plans are. Hewitt - Showed a lot of signs that the old Hewy was returning, maybe give him a one year deal to tie in with his testimonial then re-assess. Ferrara - If this kid thinks he's done with EPL, give him a contract with us. Already shown more than enough to say he's got what it takes. Dowd - Already returning (which will please Mam), If he plays like he did in the stretch, could be a record points season for him.
So that's the team summarised by position. What in closing, did I think of the season as a general rule of thumb? It was a typical Steelers season to be honest, with many peaks and troughs. Doyle's injury threatened to derail us completely but Unice proved a good replacement. Yes we won the league the hard way, but sometimes you have to do it like that. The Challenge Cup still eludes us, but we made strides in that. As regards Play-Offs, I think we were running on empty come the Final as far as I could observe. The hard fought semi against Hull really took its toll (Blaze's semi was a lot less intense) and hats off to Coventry: they fully deserved to win it with Stewart and O'Marra outstanding.
I'll close this season review with: "WE'RE ALL GOING ON AN EUROPEAN TOUR, AN EUROPEAN TOUR, AN EUROPEAN TOUR!" (repeat continuously).....unlike Robert "The Meerkat" Farmer and the Panthers who are quite simply NOT. Coming next week, the final article of the season: "The Alternative Elite League Awards of the Season"; presented by me.
Until then it is, adios hockey fans...
Mark
Forwards: This was the section that G radically overhauled after the play-off triumph, only the Brit core survived. Jeff Legue left for the EPL but came back after 3 months away to become a handy import third line centreman. As is the G way, he somehow finds gems where others struggle. After he had seen a move to Norway fall by the wayside, Mathieu Roy found his way into Sheffield and what a signing he has proven to be. 101 points in a season, a figure only bettered in the EIHL by Jade Galbraith in his inaugural Braehead campaign (Galbraith got 104 in 2011-12): a sign of a quality player indeed. Roy brings the complete package to the table. Also coming in were proven two way forward Colton Fretter and sniper Mike Forney, both continued to put up impressive numbers in their respective campaigns.
Tyler Mosienko arrived in the House of Steel with a point to prove, after leaving Denmark under a cloud of controversy. The reason behind it was well documented and opposing fans latched onto it but Mosi wowed us with consistent performances where he showed up every single night. Could this love from the Steelers "family" cause him to return next campaign. Tomas Petruska was doing alright until injury curtailed his season after coming in as a late replacement for Danny Bois who had flattered to deceive. Bois himself was a replacement import, coming in after the desperately unlucky Pascal Morency was forced into retirement after recurring concussions. We do also thank Devin Didiomete for his short stint when Tyler was suspended.
As for the Brits, each of them did contribute in their own way. Jono Phillips led by example and scarcely had an off night. What he does not pick up in terms of points, is far outweighed by his work ethic. Which is the same for his fellow Welshman Phil Hill. Jason Hewitt seems to be getting his game back after a few below par seasons, and has deserved his testimonial next campaign whilst Luke Ferrara looks a decent player who will set the league alight in years to come. This leaves me with Dowdy. Despite a hand injury which sidelined him for a while, Robert really came to the fore as the season drew to a conclusion: scoring many clutch goals and outlining why he is the Club's Premier British forward.
To summarise: Roy - What a player, so happy we've kept him for 2 further seasons. I'm sure the European Leagues would have snapped him up if he hadn't. Fretter - He's back too on the second of his two year deal, experienced two way forward who will put better numbers next (even though these aren't bad) season. Forney - Could score 60 goals if he takes more of his chances, so I'd retain him but on flip side think he'll play in somewhere like Sweden or Italy. Legue - Another returnee (to some people's disdain) and will be our second dual national I believe now. Experienced third liner now, always capable of important goals (he won us the league remember?) and will rack a few more before he retires.
Mosienko - We need to bring this guy back too, no question! His work ethic is unbelievable, love it. He must stay. Petruska - If he's fit and G wants him, then OK but I am sure we could upgrade on him though. Phillips - Captain Fantastic in my eyes. Always shows up every night and leads by example, so that's a yes. Hill - Maybe, because he's a great penalty killer but time is not on his side now. He's won a League title and been a Play-Off Champ with us but I wonder what his plans are. Hewitt - Showed a lot of signs that the old Hewy was returning, maybe give him a one year deal to tie in with his testimonial then re-assess. Ferrara - If this kid thinks he's done with EPL, give him a contract with us. Already shown more than enough to say he's got what it takes. Dowd - Already returning (which will please Mam), If he plays like he did in the stretch, could be a record points season for him.
-------------------------------------
So that's the team summarised by position. What in closing, did I think of the season as a general rule of thumb? It was a typical Steelers season to be honest, with many peaks and troughs. Doyle's injury threatened to derail us completely but Unice proved a good replacement. Yes we won the league the hard way, but sometimes you have to do it like that. The Challenge Cup still eludes us, but we made strides in that. As regards Play-Offs, I think we were running on empty come the Final as far as I could observe. The hard fought semi against Hull really took its toll (Blaze's semi was a lot less intense) and hats off to Coventry: they fully deserved to win it with Stewart and O'Marra outstanding.
I'll close this season review with: "WE'RE ALL GOING ON AN EUROPEAN TOUR, AN EUROPEAN TOUR, AN EUROPEAN TOUR!" (repeat continuously).....unlike Robert "The Meerkat" Farmer and the Panthers who are quite simply NOT. Coming next week, the final article of the season: "The Alternative Elite League Awards of the Season"; presented by me.
Until then it is, adios hockey fans...
Mark
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