So yet another ice hockey season has come to an end. It's been a season of highs and lows, both on the ice and off the ice. It's pretty much had everything. Brian Stewart's entertaining goalie tantrums, unfortunate forced retirements, DoPS-gate, THAT Joe Grimaldi incident, coach changes, delayed TV games, fan unity, unexpected comebacks, over achievers, under performers and even Braehead Clan fans being the life of the party at the Playoffs this weekend.
When all was said and done though, out of five trophies/awards, all of them went to different teams and all bar one of them went down to the wire to decide. Safe to say, for one reason or another, we had our monies worth this season.
That being said, I feel that now that the season has come to an end, it's time to breakdown the Steelers team player by player and who I'd like to see stay or go. So, without wasting any more time, let's begin!
Frank Doyle - Well, what can be said? He was performing pretty solidly until his injury that forced an early end to his season. It is a real shame that it near enough looks like it is also the end of his playing career as well. If so, I'd like to wish him and his family all the best for the future. Verdict: N/A.
Josh Unice - WHERE THE CHUFF DID HE COME FROM?! Pretty much no-one had ever heard of this guy but we sure as heck know about him now. A goalie that has pretty much become a bit of a cult hero in Sheffield and deservedly so. Terrific performances, multiple shutouts, stunning saves and near enough being the reason why we still had a shot at the league title in the last game of the season because of THAT overtime save in Nottingham. He is signed to go and play in the AIHL during our Summer, which would pretty much rule him out for the CHL. That being said, I don't see why we can't sign a high profile enough goalie for the CHL games while Josh is experiencing Australia. It will be interesting to see how Gerad approachs this slight predicament. Verdict: Stay.
Geoff Woolhouse - Yet again caught by the injury bug after working so hard to regain fitness. There isn't a lot that can really be said unfortunately. We know what he is capable of, but I think the injuries are starting to mount up. Verdict: Let go.
Andy Jaszczyk - Made one or two appearances over the course of the season. Did well in his part game shutout earlier on. Has filled in nicely as the bench door guy behind Doyle/Unice. Also didn't end up in the back of an ambulance this year either. Progress! Verdict: Stay (3rd choice goalie).
Sam Gospel - This kid made believers out of us and with his unforgettable performance in Nottingham could well have made believers out of the rest of the team. From that one game, the team never looked back and hunted down that league title. This kid has some serious potential. I hope no-one signs him as a back up for next year as that will drastically hinder his growth. The kid needs and deserves a number one EPL job. I hope he gets it. I really do. Verdict: One for the future.
Gord Baldwin - BAMBI! Well, he started this season the way he ended the last one. Really solid play and was also using his size a lot more to clear the crease and bully people about. He was also hitting more often as well. I really liked what I was seeing this year from him. Sadly though, he is another that had his season cut short due to injury and I think the team was worse off as a result. He is also at the end of his 2 year university deal, but I'd like to see us try and retain his services. Verdict: Stay.
Cullen Eddy - The man with the backwards name. As soon as he was unveiled at the shirt launch before the start of the season, you could hear a lot of ladies jaws dislocate and hit the floor. Instant hit with the ladies and as soon as he hit the ice he was an instant hit with the fans. Hard hitting, in your face, aggressive hockey player. By no means afraid of the rough stuff and certainly one that loves to run his mouth at the opposition. He had one or two moments during the season. Odd times crossed that line once or twice, and personally I think at times his passing can let him down, but other than that, a fairly solid player, a proper hockey player. He's on a university deal so he'll be back next season, but I'd have kept him anyway. Verdict: Stay.
Rod Sarich - The old warhorse made a return this season after a year out of the game and for the most part was pretty solid. Still had he usual occasional unfortunate mishap but his ability to play anywhere really paid dividends this year with injuries and depth issues elsewhere on the team. When playing at the back, he was able to focus a bit more on the defensive side of his game, and when needed to play up front he was a force to be reckoned with, showing that there was still plenty of life left in those legs. It's been nice to watch Rod play in more of a depth/utility role this season. I'd like to see the same again next season. Verdict: Stay.
Dustin Kohn - This one really isn't easy for me to type, because what I'm about to type isn't exactly going to make for good reading for some people. I feel disappointed. I feel somewhat robbed. Over the past two seasons I feel like we've never really ever been able to see Dustin at the absolute top of his game because of injury after injury. Right as he'd start to get into the swing of things and start to play some incredible hockey, BANG, an injury. The guy clearly has some serious playing ability. His ability to skate with and without the puck is wonderful on the eyes. He reads the game incredibly well. It's just those pesky flipping injuries. It's almost become a little bit of a liability, which is a shame, a really big shame. He's at the end of his university deal (along with Baldwin) so nothing is certain for next season for him yet. Part of me wants to keep him, but the injuries make me not want to keep him. It's a tough one for me and possibly a tough one for Gerad as well. I'd like to see us give him a shot in the CHL games, because a fit and healthy Dustin Kohn is a really big asset to any team. Verdict: Stay (for CHL and see what happens afterwards).
Mark Thomas - Mr Testimonial and Mr Overtime himself. I'll be honest, I've not been his biggest fan over the past couple of seasons, but this year, I thought he upped his game at times. I think he plays his best hockey when he is using his size a lot more and plays with more of a mean streak to his game. I still don't think we see it often enough, but it's been nice to see glimpses of it at times this year. Unfortunately though, with how fast the league is starting to get, and with the speed and quality of CHL hockey at the start of next season, I think we need to alter the back end a bit, and unfortunately, Mark Thomas would be something I change about that back end. For what it's worth though, future shirt retirement? Absolutely. Verdict: A regretful leg go.
Darrell Hay - Is he on a two year deal or not? I really don't know any more, but quite frankly, who cares? I'd have him back in a heartbeat for next season. He is effectively a defensive version of Doug Sheppard. Does all the little things right. What he does goes somewhat under the radar to many people. He reads the game well. Picks his moments to jump in and out of the play and he can lay a hit or two as well. Good, solid, experienced all round player. This one is EASY. Verdict: Stay.
Ben O'Connor - Honestly, I really don't need to say a lot. Came in part way through the season and stole the show in terms of British defencemen. His offensive contributions are second to none. He has his odd moments where he tries to get too flashy and gets a little caught out of position, but overall his signing was a season changing one. Again, a very easy one, especially with him being on a multi-year deal. Verdict: Stay.
Jeff Legue - Well, who expected that 3 year deal at the Steeldogs to come to a sudden end? I sure as hell didn't. Whilst his return sparked mass debate among the fan base, and his play since has done that also, I feel that overall Jeff has contributed very nicely. Again, someone that only needed to be in a depth role, but his inclusion added an extra bit off speed and offensive to the third line. It gave the opposition something different to think about. Not only that, to be in a position where he could be used on the SECOND powerplay unit? That speaks volumes to me. Pretty sure he is staying next season anyway, but I'd have him back in this new role any day. Verdict: Stay.
Mike Forney - Earlier on in the season, despite his points output, I wasn't all that horny for Forney, and to be honest, that opinion hasn't changed much either. What I said earlier on in the season still stands. If he is back next season, fair enough, but I think he is replaceable. His constant faceoff problems and how he seemingly vanishes at times against bigger and more physical opposition just annoys me too much. Verdict: Let go.
Mathieu Roy - To quote Jono Phillips after the Challenge Cup win in Nottingham, HOLY S***BALLS! This guy is absolutely EVERYTHING I look for in a hockey player. Goals, assists, stands up for his teammates, chirps the opposition, is a pain in the arse in front of the net, blocks shots like his life depends on it and has a beard for the freakin' ages! I am seriously glad he is already signed for another two years. Verdict: Stay (forever).
Jason Hewitt - I bet a few of you have been looking forward to this one! I'll be honest, I said to Hewy's face in Braehead (when he was injured) that whilst I hadn't been his biggest fan over the previous couple of seasons, I was absolutely loving the way he had started this season and was gutted that he had got injured. Personally, I think that derailed his season for a bit, as most injuries tend to do with players, but overall, it was an improvement on previous seasons. Sure there was a few times where I publicly didn't agree with some stuff he did or didn't do this season and he rightfully called me up on it, but quite frankly, that was back then. If my years are right, next year would be his testimonial year. I'd say he's done more than enough this year to show that he can still contribute enough to warrant another contract and get his testimonial. In my opinion anyway. Verdict: Stay.
Tomas Petruska - Another player that came in part way through the season. Took him a couple of weeks to find his feet but once he got going I was becoming more and more impressed with what I saw. Unfortunately, he got injured in the Challenge Cup final and that ruled him out for the rest of the season. I'd like to see what he can do over the course of a full season. Maybe he could be the guy that replaces Forney? Verdict: Stay (if necessary).
Jono Phillips - The captain. I have only ONE issue with Jono from this season. The poor bugger just could not hit a bloody barn door. He could of had a bucket load of goals this year. Then again, he isn't signed for his goals or points production. His speed is still there, his leadership is there, his ability on the PK is there as well as putting in 100% on every shift. Pretty easy this one. Verdict: Stay.
Tyler Mosienko - The guy is something else. He really is. He and Roy have been my fave players to watch this year. Roy is already staying. I'd do whatever I could to make sure this guy stayed also. He gets absolutely everywhere on the ice and can be a real game changer. His hockey IQ is absolutely something else entirely and the way he and Dowd have played as a unit this year has been mesmerising, I fear though, those European teams will come calling back once again. Verdict: Stay (at all costs).
Phil Hill - This is another tough one for me, because I know how I'm going to end this. When he had regular ice time, he was a much needed source of energy. He came alive with the signing of Bois and we really started to see the Phil Hill of old. However, as the season wore on, I think a little bit of life was starting to leave those legs at times. He has continued to give it everything he has got shift after shift and I don't have an issue with that at all. I think he still has something to give, but maybe not so much to the Steelers. Maybe another team elsewhere in the league. His experience will help wonderfully with other younger British talent. I think we may have now seen the best of Phil Hill. Verdict: Time to move on. Let go.
Luke Ferrara - We actually saw more of Luke than what I was expecting in all honesty and I'm glad we did. He improved game on game and I'm pleased to see that his season ended on a high with Peterborough winning the EPL Playoff title. Certainly one to watch for the future. Would like to see more of him again next season. Verdict: Stay.
Colton Fretter - Yeah, this is an easy one. Bags of skill, can score and set up others. Also not afraid to play with an edge to his game. Can see why this guy has the CV he does. Very pleased with what he brought this season to the Steelers. Believe he is on a two year deal anyway. Would like to see a few more goals out of him next season. Done very well in his first EIHL season. Verdict: Stay.
Robert Dowd - Now, Dowdy was a bit of an enigma for me earlier on in the season. He was giving it absolutely everything as always, all that was missing was that scoring touch. Eventually, BANG, it was back. Scored some timely goals down the stretch, including some lovely highlight reel stuff. As the season wore on, it looked like he thought he would score every time he shot the puck. That's the real Dowdy right there, and it was really good to see. More of the same please! Verdict: Stay.
Well, there you have it folks. That's my verdict on the players of this season and who I think I'd like to see stay or go. What are your thoughts? Do you agree? Do you disagree? It'd be good to hear your thoughts and have your feedback as always.
Furthermore, it's been quite a fun experience updating you all this season. I look forward to carrying on with that next season and beyond. If you think it could be improved somehow, feel free to let me know as well.
Other than that, I hope you all have a lovely off season, and I'm sure we'll have plenty more to say once signing s are actually made.
Until next time folks!
Alan
@FrozenSteelMNL
Thanks for reading guys. If you want to get involved please contact us on twitter or find us on Facebook and like us and leave a comment:-
@FrozenSteelBlog
@TomWalkeden
@FrozenSteelMNL
@hockeybhoy
@RatedRDG
Check out the Frozen Steel Podcast
Check out the Frozen Steel Match Night Talk Show
Or Email the team at frozen.steel.91@gmail.com
No comments:
Post a Comment