Monday 29 February 2016

Extreme Highs and Lows - Five things from w/e 28 Feb



This week’s five things is brought to you courtesy of some quite extreme highs and lows :

Photo from @mickgta


1> High : Mosienko for another year – The import most fans would have wanted signed up is ours for another year. With Roy already signed (he had a two year extension last year) we’ve got a couple of players to set the tone for more high energy, never give up hockey. Who next I wonder…

2> High : Cardiff three game loss streak – We started that ball rolling in the BBT, and it’s been kicked on further by the Flyers and Blaze this week. The EIHL title is up-for-grabs if anyone of the top four sides can put a five or six game unbeaten streak together.

3> Highs & Lows in Ice Sheffield – You know the results I talking about, and just as well I care more about the league than I do the cup. Here’s a theory for you - Maybe one goal is bigger than the other in IS and they swap them around each period – that might explain it!

4> Low : Bleedin Blaze again – How one team can have our number to this extent is bizarre. Sure the n/m is sometimes hot, but even including our results the Blaze are below 500 this year – take out these results and we would have the title, and Manchester would be in the play-offs.

5> Low : Simmsey again – Superb effort to both slag off your own fans, and yet still give opposition fans ammunition to fire against us too. We understand that players are tired and fatigued, but so are the opposition, and we’re allowed to ‘moan and whinge’ after a performance that poor – even Thomo thought the game was an embarrassment.

The final comment has to be about the league title run-in, but there are so many possible combinations remaining that my head is spinning.

  • If the Devils win-out then they take the title on 74 points, as they have a game in hand on us, and would beat the Panthers and Giants in the process, thus denying them the chance to catch up.
  • If the Giants win out then they end up with 71 points, and would beat the Devils three times, thus removing them from the chase. We can make 72 points if we were perfect too, so we could just beat them. So a Giant sweep of the Devils should be a good thing for us, but a 2:1 split would be even better.
  • If the Panthers win out then they leap-frog us, and finish on 70 points, which either the Giants or Devils could beat – the Devils could drop two games (but not the third) against the Giants and maybe still take it on regulation wins.

Blue : Current Table. Lilac : Extrapolated table based on conference win percentages
p.s. Note that every team has a better record against Gardiner teams than Erdhart except the Caps!

Realistically it’s unlikely that anyone will sweep their remaining games, and my predictions leave the Devils winning on 70 points (down four from a couple of weeks ago). So we need eight to tie (and probably lose on regulation wins tie-breaker), or nine to win. That means getting a result from each game - Fife twice, them down the road twice, and the bleedin Blaze again. It’s going to be a very tough ask.

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Game Highlights - February 2016


We've got you covered for match highlights in February:


Steelers lose at the Arena to the Devils 20 Feb


Steelers win in the BBT 21 Feb


Steelers embarrassed by the Panthers in the CC Semi leg1

Steelers lose in the NIC in CC Semi leg 2

Steelers beat Dundee in Ice Sheff 27 Feb


Steelers lose in the Skydome again 28 Feb


More added as they become available!

And if you want more links to previous games take a look at Robert's stats page here Click here

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:-
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Friday 26 February 2016

Big Match Preview - Coventry (Away)



The boys are back on the road for Sunday's fixture, and it's to a place which holds as much as bad result memories as the BBT this season. Yes folks, we're off to the SkyDome for the last time in regular season play to face the Coventry Blaze. See what I mean?


In recent weeks Blaze have tailed off, and allowed a little gap to form between themselves and Omar Pacha's Manchester Storm in the race for that all important eighth and final spot for the post season. Blaze know they need to start to find their winning groove once more if they are to stand a chance of trying to retain their grip on the Play-Off trophy which they beat us to last season and proved to be Gerad Adams' last act as the then Steelers Head Coach.

They have proven, alongside Edinburgh, the team that has been a major thorn in our side this season. Out of the 12 points on offer going into Sunday, Chuck Weber's men have garnered 10 of them and this represents a quarter of their entire points tally. This is a frightening stat in itself. Something has to change on Sunday, just like it did on Sunday just gone in Cardiff. Could this be the time that it does? If the game in the BBT is anything to go by, then who knows.

Looking at their roster, it's not that bad and a mystery to see them so low down especially when you have last season's Elite League All-Star goalie: the behemoth known as Brian (Stewart) in between the pipes. But the last game down there must have given Steelers heart that they can come away with the points and that Stewart is beatable as much as any goalie. It was dominated by the Stefan Hogarth show, and also a failure in a shoot out which none of the visiting shooters looked likely to score: Strömberg's miss was a real disaster if you haven't seen it yet.

Blaze will of course fancy their chances, but if Steelers play like they can do (and yes, they have won in the SkyDome this season already) then there is a chance that Thommo's men can come away with the points and boost their chances in the title run-in. A strong road game is what is required, and that means again a solid defensive showing from those on the blue line and taking it to the Blaze on the offensive side of the game. It's a game we can win, we need the same belief that carried us to a regulation win in Cardiff but in the SkyDome.  It's certainly not beyond us.

Prediction Time? Expect yet another hard fought game in Warwickshire. I'm going for us to triumph here by 3-2, but it could go beyond 60 minutes easily. The balance will be re-dressed.
 

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Big Match Preview - Dundee (Home)



After the Challenge Cup exit in midweek, Steelers are back in Elite League action this weekend. Saturday sees them visit the scene of the Tuesday's nightmare, Ice Sheffield, as the Dundee Stars come visiting. Stars are coached by former Steeler Marc LeFebvre as you know and are looking to get back into a winning groove which has seen them slip down the Elite League standings.


With important points on offer in the League, it's imperative that Steelers do not lose this one. Cardiff's loss last night (Thursday) in Fife has opened the door and made the title race that bit more interesting with just a couple of points separating the Devils from ourselves; Nottingham - with a couple of matches in hand on both - lie four points adrift ready to pounce should the top two slip up at any given moment.

Whilst Stars don't have any real big names to shout home about, captain Bobby Chaumont (formerly of Braehead and Fife), forward Lou Dickenson (ex-Edinburgh), ex-Cardiff Devil Dougie Clarkson and veteran goaltender Trevor Koenig (ex-Newcastle and Coventry) are probably the names that leap out from the roster. But what LeFebvre has instilled in his team is a work ethic that is on par with others, and we know for sure that we will be in for a battle from that first puck drop.

From what we hear, Steelers will be at as full strength as they can be. That means they will be missing Colton Fretter and Rob Dowd still; but reports say these two could be back in the next couple of weeks and that must be a boost for Paul Thompson as the title race up hots up. It will be like having two new signings on the books, and Fretter's possible return leaves Thommo a decision whether to keep Conny Strömberg as an extra import or release the veteran Swede. Rather you than me Thommo is all I'm saying on that.

One thing Steelers need to do, is something that they didn't do on Tuesday - defend. This means everyone from front to the back end, and come away with some home redemption. With Cardiff having a potential home banana skin against Coventry, the teams could be just separated on regulation wins come the end of Saturday's match action. Seven matches remain for both sides, and we are now in the thick of it. Whoever retains their respective composure; is going to be the champions.

Prediction Time? Steelers will have to work hard for this one as Dundee won't roll over as much as some might think they will. I'm going for a 5-2 home win. What about you?
 

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Tuesday 23 February 2016

Big Match Preview - Challenge Cup Semi Final vs Panthers.



Over the next couple of nights, the two big names in the Erhardt Conference lock horns again for a place in this season's Challenge Cup Final. Steelers versus Panthers and it's a repeat of the semi final last season which Steelers remarkably won on aggregate despite playing a rookie netminder in the NIC.

Will it be a repeat? Read on..

I am penning this moments before the puck drops in the first leg which is being played in the strange confines, well for a Steelers-Panthers game anyway, of Ice Sheffield. This has happened after the public wrangling over the semi final venues which featured certain parts of both organisations but that's now old news and it's time to decide who gets through to the Final at Sheffield Arena on March 6.

Both sides will be at as full strength as they can, with Steelers still missing both Colton Fretter and Robert Dowd as they are still on the way back from injuries. Marek Pinc will be in the home goal and he will need an excellent performance to back stop the home side as they look to take a decent advantage into the second leg in the Lace City just 24 hours from now. Tyler Mosienko had an excellent weekend just gone scoring five goals, should have been six but hey ho, and Paul Thompson will be hoping the centre will have another stellar performance in his locker to give his team a fighting chance. Mathieu Roy ended a goal drought on Sunday in Cardiff so maybe it's time for him to shine again.

Panthers had an upside down weekend just gone. Losing 6-2 in Belfast on the Friday; a performance that had some fans questioning why certain players were still in the black and gold and also bemoaning the loss of David Ling from the roster. They redeemed themselves 48 hours later with a home win over Coventry but it took a couple of Evan Mosey strikes to get the points after Chris Bruton and Drew Fisher had cancelled out a 2-0 home lead. Neilson's biggest dilemma I think is in goal. Does he go for Shane Madolora or Miika Wiikman? The former had a bad game when he faced Steelers last time out but will Corey give him the chance to get redemption.

Prediction? This is going to be close and the team that makes the fewer mistakes will win overall. Panthers powerplay is probably their biggest threat, and in David Clarke they have a man who has a deadly one timer. Steelers have been good on the penalty kill and this will need to be perfect tonight and tomorrow. They have to take their chances when they get them and play smart if they are to make a second successive Final.

Steelers to win leg one by 4-2, Panthers to win leg 5-2: therefore 7-6 overall on aggregate. I've been wrong before, so time to prove it again lads..


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Monday 22 February 2016

Hockey Soapbox 14 - Mosienko love


Here’s our fourteenth week’s Frozen Steel blog fan view on four or five hot topic items.
It’s time to get on your soapboxes people!

Easy choice for player of the week


Contributors this week are: Mark Duell, Robert Newbolt, Phil Beddoe, Eric Green, Glynn M and Andy Roberts (our latest recruits).

The normal starting point – What’s your hot topic item from the EIHL this week?

Andy - Obvious choice would be was Tyler Mosienko's "goal" - from the skate a goal or not?  I am still pulling splinters out of my backside. But hot topic for me is will the Clan be beaten to the Gardiner Conference by either Fife or Dundee? Both are currently in front of the Clan, but Clan have games in hand. If Stars and Clan win their games in hand on the Flyers all three will be on the same amount of points. If either Flyers or Stars take the conference title it will generate some unsavoury playoff quarter final ties for the so called "big boys" so I suspect teams are starting to take a sly look at the Gardiner Conference title race.

Mark - Has to be washed out goal of Mosienko's against Cardiff in the Arena for me. From where I was sat it looked a decent goal, and some of the pictures seem to indicate the same. It changed the dynamic of the game, and caused our collective heads to drop. I think if it had stood then we would have gone on to win that game comfortably.

Robert - The title race is back on. With Cardiff and Sheffield splitting the weekend Devils have not pulled away.  Also Manchester had two wins to move into eighth place and Coventry dropped four points to leave them floundering.

Phil - Braehead's current losing streak.  They were right up there but now look to be overtaken in the standings by Nottingham and maybe even Belfast so if I was Finner I'd probably be quite worried as the Clan should have won the league by now with their conference advantage (although that advantage will narrow further if Stars can keep on improving and Fife can maintain their current form into next season).   Good luck Finner.

Glynn - Main talking point around the league this weekend had to be 1st v 2nd & the disallowed goals. Not just the Mosienko one but the one down in Cardiff too. Both looked legitimate goals to me, however from what I saw of Darnell he gave ours initially before the Lino chipped in their interpretation of it, Whereas on the Devils one Darns instantly (& repeatedly) indicated No Goal. I know we can play the blame game, but I'd sooner have Darns as ref than some of the other refs in this league though. 

Eric - What was the main talking point for me? Dear God Man!!!! Are yer blind Tom, do you need a stick and a dog? John McEnroe once said "you’re kidding me" well I think some Steelers would like to tell him that... Luckily enough he felt sorry for us and decided to reciprocate at the BBT...
Tom Darnell is my hero....

Any players stand out for you this week-end? I’m guessing there’s lots of Mosi love out there.

Robert - Tyler Mosienko stood out head and shoulders above the rest closely followed by Conny Stromberg. Mossy is Steelers main and only real scoring threat at the moment because of injuries. Obviously Roy is playing injured, and there is no real scoring presence available to PT but the other players really stepped up this weekend, even on Saturday.

Mark - Tyler Mosienko, without question to be honest. Five goals, should have been six, in a weekend! What a player he is. I really hope he's around for a third term next season. He certainly befits the description of a clutch player.

Phil – Tyler Mosienko was the standout player this weekend but a mention must go to Stromberg too as he's been great. Vestberg has also been great on the ice and on the piano! :)

Andy - Tyler Mosienko. 5 goals against a very good Devils teams this weekend. That sentence says it all for me. 100% effort every game and never gives up. I hope we already have his signature for next season.

Glynn - Tyler Mosienko, but this weekend I think Desbiens, Stromberg & Vestberg had excellent weekends too. The Swedes & Dessy have been great editions this season, Vestberg & Dessy are so reliable & strong, Stromberg has been adjusting to British hockey but think he's getting his feet now 

Eric - There's only one stand out guy for me this weekend. Tom Darnell!!! How on earth could he rule out Mosienko's goal? Mossy would have scored six - and because you didn't have yer dog and stick with you, he had to settle for just 5...

Who will win the league and how close will it be?

Robert - Think it is still Cardiff’s to lose, mainly because of regulation wins. But they have a difficult run in and the transition of playing arena (if it ever happens) may well have an unsettling effect.

Mark - Still Devils title to lose, but we were in the same boat last season so who knows. Devils to squeak it, maybe by a point. Those dropped points in Coventry and Edinburgh will come back and haunt us terribly.

Andy - A couple of weeks ago it was a two horse race (Devils/Clan) for the title with Steelers having only an outside chance. After the Clan’s recent results you might think it was a one horse race now. Not a bit of it! We are back to a three horse race with Devils, Steelers and now Panthers in the hunt. After we lost on Saturday I think that most of the league had decided the title was heading to the Devils, but The Steelers didn't read the script! Cardiff Devils are still the firm favourites but with them having to play Panthers twice, the Panthers having to play us twice and the Devils having three games against the Giants, the title is far from over. I reckon it could go down to the final night of the season!

Glynn -  I think any of the top 3. Heart obviously say Steelers, head is going more towards Cardiff since we didn't close the gap this weekend, but the dark voices in my head (Please call the Dr's) are saying that Nottingham could make a late charge, but I hope not... It will be close though, probably right down to the last weekend/game.

Phil - Ask me in another week when the in form Fife have played Cardiff :-)

Eric - Ah!!! The usual easy question. My answers are... "Someone will!" And, "Close". Question here editor.....  Who's reffing our run in? If it's Tom can his dog accompany him please?

Who will make it through to the CC final, and will you attend regardless?

Mark - I hate to say it but I'm going for a Panthers-Cardiff final. We will win our "home" leg but not repeat the events of last season's semi-final second leg in the NIC. Will I attend the Final? Possibly, but if I do I will be one of the adopted Cardiff fans for the day.

Glynn - hoping for another Steelers v Devils final, but who knows. I'll probably be there whether we make it or not, but if it's not us there then I'm hoping Devils or Giants beat the Panthers.

Phil - Now there a tricky one.  A win for us at Ice Shuff and a win for that lot down the road at the NIC.  As to who will emerge the outright winner I'll stay on the fence for now I think.

Robert - Unfair question to put to me really as I will be going anyway; but if I was a paying fan I’d only go if Steelers get through.  Cardiff will be there, and after last night who knows? But I think it’ll be Sheffield.

Andy - Before last night I had Devils and Panthers down to go through to the final in early March. The fight and resilience the Steelers showed last night has changed my mind. I am going for a Devils vs Steelers final. The Steelers need to take as big a lead as possible to the NIC from what will be a strange game at Ice Sheffield. Who would have thought a Steelers/Panthers game would be played at Ice Sheffield and not be sold out a week before the event? If the Steelers make the final I will be there. Whether I attend if we don't make it will depend on the price with the Playoff finals weekend coming up soon.

Eric - Well I'm going Tuesday night, so that could be the kiss of death for the Steelers, unless that is if Michael Hicks is centre stage, then please EIHL, make sure he brings Tom's dog!!!  As for Wednesday I think we will win in the NIC. So final my bet is... Steelers v Belfast. But if Tom and Michael are reffing it's anyone's game.

Who will make the playoffs, Storm or Blaze? I think the Blaze will do it, but what about you?

Andy - A tough one to call. Storm on a great run of form and Blaze struggling you would think it would be a no brainer! I am actually going to pick the Blaze as they are 3 points adrift, but have 3 games in hand. Surely the Playoff champs want to defend their title don't they?

Robert - I hope Storm do it. And the run they are on now they could. Also it would mean I wouldn’t have to suffer watching Coventry win again after Sheffield wins the title. (You read it here first)

Glynn - Well Storm may have been on the up lately but I'd think Blaze will make it through to the QF's. 

Mark - Storm are making a terrific run for it, and Blaze are having a bit a bump in the road. Still think Weber's men will make it; but they're making hard work of it. Just hope that if they do, we don't draw them for obvious reasons. Would be good if Storm got to the final 4 as well, just to see Pacha and his personal entertainment at the POFW: teddies out of the pram and all that.

Phil - Erm.. Storm.  No.. Blaze.  No.. Storm..  (Getting splinters now).  I know, the Coventry Storm! :)

Eric - Well hopefully the Storm, cos we can beat them. I think we will make it all the way. One proviso though, EIHL, if we make the final can Tom Darnell, his dog and his stick come and watch.. and can John McEnroe ref!


That’s all folks. Hope you enjoyed reading our thoughts, and we’d love you to get involved too.

Help set the agenda for next week with your questions, or even better get involved and give your views as one of the panel. We would love different views and different participants each week. Please contact Mark @frozensteelblog or Tony @Disgu15ed, or find us at the game. 

Brief Bios of those panellists you’ve just been listening to in the series so far :
  • Alan is @frozensteelmnl for match night updates and @AwkwardGinge for everything else. Has been watching Hockey for many years, and given half a chance will regale you with tales of the London Knights. Catch him on the Breaking the Ice podcast too. 
  • Andy is the big man with the big horn (or VuVuzela if you prefer) who can be found at most home and away games, and propping the bar up afterwards. Andy is @ic3creamman.
  • Bethan represents the younger end of the fan base, after being dragged along to her first Steelers game in 2007 and has loved the team ever since. Follow her on Twitter at @bethan_4
  • Eric is a season ticket holder and can be found shouting encouragement to our players and scorn at the zebras alongside three generations of his family in block 115. Views can be found @greenbunch257
  • Glynn can be found @glynnm76 or just look out for the shirt with Glynn M on the back often seen lurking around block 116.
  • Mark is one of the main men behind the Frozen Steel blog, being the Editor and Podcast pundit, and has watched the club since its inception. Find him at @hockeybhoy
  • Phil has been a fan since watching the final game of the London Racers at the Sheffield Arena back in 2005 and has adopted block 106 as his second home. He now wishes he had listened to Elliott Hall and had started watching earlier! Find him on @pbeeodd
  • Richard is the big man with the big drum who until recently was to be found leading both the Rock the Block choir and his family in 218. Now looking for a new block to call home, his views, and invites to come join you, can be directed to @CaVaLiEr666
  • Robert is chief architect of steelers-stats.co.uk, the go-to guy for Steelers history from days gone by, and the man behind one of the big White House spotlights! Robert is @steelersstats.
  • Tony has been watching the Steelers on and off since Tony Hand arrived, and has been a regular for the last eight years or so. Enjoys contributing to the blog with his weekly five things and can be found @Disgu15ed


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:-
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Overruled goals - Five things I learnt w/e 21 Feb


It’s been another cracking week in the Elite league, ensuring I’ve got plenty to share and at least five things I learnt this week just from one incident.

Photo from @Mickgta


1> Overruled Goals – These must be the some of the most emotionally painful moments in sport. The huge highs of celebrating the goal followed immediately by the crushing feeling of loss, and then the taunting from the opposition fans. The quicker technology is implemented to review the calls made on the ice the better.

2> Pivotal moment – Momentum is huge in sport, and we went from 3:2 up (albeit very briefly) to 2:3 down very quickly as our players failed to cope with the Devils pressure and their own sense of injustice. On Sunday morning this felt like a huge moment in the season, but by Sunday evening some of those wrongs had been righted.

3> Darnell hate – After allowing a dodgy overrule from his assistants against us, he then disallowed a goal for the Devils due to a man in the crease. Was that a make-up call, or was he right – either way he’s disappointed a lot of home fans this weekend.

4> Pants-trick denied – After achieving a huge hat-trick from Mosi on Saturday, I was left wondering what we would have called his four goal night if Darns hadn’t washed that one off? The answer it seems is ‘Pants-trick’ and you’ll have to search me out, or google ‘The Puck Podcast’ to find out why.

5> In other news – It’s been well reported that the Storm are streaking , leaving the Blaze temporarily outside the top eight in their playoff race - but have you seen who they have beaten? After losing to the Panthers twice, they’ve then beaten the Stars and Caps three times, and the Clan twice, and lost to us. Fair play, it’s a nice record, but can they replicate it when they play cross-conference?

.. and I hardly mentioned the win in the BBT, nor Tyler’s 5 (6) goal weekend, nor victory against the Storm, nor Finner’s future - could have had ten things this weekend.

I’ll leave you with one final thing about the run in. The full season equates to 32 in-conference, and 20 other-conference games for a total of 52 games. We have only 4 Erdhart (in-conference) games left, whilst the Devils have 6 and the Panthers have 7. On the flip-side we have 3 Gardiner games left, whereas the Devils and Panthers only have 2. We’re still not favourites, but does that conference mix in the remaining games make you feel a little bit better about our chances?

If we carry on with our current win record we will finish on 70 points (we had 74 last year) – and the Devils will probably need to win three of their six Erdhart games to top that - three against the streaky Giants, two against the Panthers, and one against the desperate Blaze.

Current table in blue - Predicted table from current performances in lilac.

p.s. Give me this league format every time – I’d swap you a cup semi-final for another 4 point weekend at this stage of the year.


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:-
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Friday 19 February 2016

Big Match Preview - Cardiff Double Header



This is it, the biggest weekend of the season is upon on us and the destination of the 2015-16 Elite League title could well be determined after what happens come 9pm on Sunday evening. The top two in the standings face off against each other, and it's about as huge as you can imagine.

Something's going to give...

Steelers and Cardiff, the two top dogs at this moment in time. Both are awesome at home, having dropped very few points to any visitors. They have made their respective homes fortresses, and provided themselves with a solid base in which to challenge for the big honour: the Monteith Bowl for 2016. Combine the two, and you would have one exciting and possibly unbeatable team.

At the House of Steel, Steelers are unbeaten in every encounter against the Devils. Likewise in the Big Blue Tent, Cardiff are equally the same against the Steelers. That's why something might give this weekend. Either team is going possibly buck the trend and win the game in their opponents' barn. Steelers could go either two points ahead, or the Devils will go six clear. It has the feeling of a Game Seven in the Stanley Cup Finals, and the atmosphere should be electric with both sets of fans willing their team on.

Both sides know how to win in the opposing rink; but will nerves kick in on someone to allow the opponents to seize the moment and take a huge step towards to the title? Cardiff have a roster that experienced this last season, and that's crucial but Steelers are a team that will continue to chase hard despite missing crucial players such as Robert Dowd and Colton Fretter. Whichever coach gets his game plan executed perfectly will win these hockey games. 

So how do we think the results will pan out? I personally think it will be a split weekend with both teams winning on their own home ice. Therefore leaving everything still in the balance as we head to the final four weeks of the regular season. Steelers to edge the Saturday encounter 4-2, Cardiff to get their own back in the BBT by 5-2. Special teams and hot goaltending could be the absolute difference here, players are going to have to have the games of their lives.

Get ready for it, it should be potentially explosive!
 

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:-
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Wednesday 17 February 2016

Hockey Soapbox 13 - Title run in and Team GB



Here’s our thirteenth week’s Frozen Steel blog fan view on four or five hot topic items.
It’s time to get on your soapboxes people!

Contributors this week are: Mark Duell, Robert Newbolt, Bethan and Eric Green (with his lighter side view on life).



The normal starting point – What’s your hot topic item from the EIHL this week?

Mark - Clan losing both games against the Storm. This has had a huge impact on how the title race will pan out. Both ourselves, and most of all Cardiff, haven't played and yet have won at the same time. What an incredible finish this is going to be again.


Eric - Well at the start of the season, my bet was the Devils to win. But the odds were so good for the Clan to win it a little flutter was in order.. Hmm. Hey Finner, yer owe me...

Bethan - Swindlehurst to Storm - seems a brilliant pick-up for the Storm, and a chance for Paul to get some extra ice time and develop his game further for the remainder of the season. With Manchester chasing down that last playoff spot, he'll bring some much needed relief to the short-benched side.


Robert - The move or not to move saga of the Cardiff Devils. It is obvious that certain factions (fans) want a move to a newer, comfortable place where you can actually see ice hockey, but others (management) don’t want to disrupt a winning formula. However, wouldn’t it be best to have all the summer to prepare and categorically state we are not moving? Constantly promising a move causes disruption in itself for home and away fans, refunds on tickets need to be given for people who have purchased in advance only to be disappointed. I wonder if all the hype is a big mistake. We will not be disappointed by the new place apparently but after all it’s only an upgrade on Ice Sheffield.


Predictions for the games this weekend?


Mark - Blimey now you're asking! Both teams have been very good at their respective home venues. Steelers need to win both games and in regulation if they need to win the league. Cardiff know any points off us strengthens their grip at the top. Steelers to win 4-2 on Saturday, Devils to win 5-2 on the Sunday.

Robert - After their refreshment of a week off I believe Steelers will come out all guns blazing and I have a sneaking feeling they will be successful in Cardiff for the first time this year.

Bethan - Two games against Cardiff are going to be tough. If we win against Manchester, and the two games against the Devils, that would let us overtake them, albeit with an extra game played. However I can't help but feel it's a big 'IF'. We've not been at our best recently, but it's about time the Devils hit a rough patch! Overall, I'd expect two home wins, so if we can take at least 2pts out of those 4 I'll be happy.

Eric - Well some teams will win, and some teams will lose! This weekend’s results are huge but my question is this.. "Can I ask if Coventry to be our bestest buddies?". Well we did let them beat us. (Cough! Cough!) If they are our bestest buddies in the coming weeks can they do the business on them in Wales and them down road and help us out.... But if we don't beat the Taffy’s over the next 2 games then I won't care if the Chav's are our bestest buddies or not!


Are the Panthers sneaking up on us?

Robert - Potentially they are, with two games in hand they could draw level, but realistically I don’t think so, the question is who will we want to win at the end of the month when Nottingham travel to Braehead Clan? (Editor : And who will the Black family want to win!)

Bethan - They're definitely climbing the rankings! I'm sure not long ago I was mentally ruling them out as a threat, but now they've snuck up to their favourite position of 4th! With the 2 new guys they've signed (Quick & McDonald), they do seem to really be pushing for a good finish.

Mark - They're making a last gasp attempt to get into the top 3, and I wouldn't discount them yet but I still think we will finish above them. Simple as that.

Eric - Last week I wanted to Exocet them, stop their troops etc. Now looking at the remaining fixtures, I think we should sell our Exocet's to our new bestest buddies in Coventry and our Irish friends. Then all of a sudden I have too many buddies, and not enough weapons, that's me problem..
Are the Clan out of it - and does that save the conference system for another year?

Are the Clan out of it?

Bethan - They are struggling at the moment - not quite the easy finish people were expecting it seems! Unfortunately it seems everyone has come to expect them to fall at the final hurdle, and they seem to be living up to that this season. I think if they had just coasted to a win based on their fixtures there would be more calls to scrap the conferences, so yes it has possibly saved it for another year.

Mark - Almost but not yet. That double loss to the Storm has really hampered them, and one more loss will be curtains for Finner's men. The question then follows: What about Finner's future there? We shall see what develops.

Robert - You know my thoughts on Clan – they were never in it, but I think the conference system will be changed next year somehow.

Eric - Ah!! An easy question... My answers are "Please refer to question 1 above" and, "Yes". Simples.


Thoughts on Team GB in the Olympic pre-qualifying games in Italy?

Bethan - Of course winning and progressing to later rounds would be great, however for a team who gets almost no practice time together, a second place finish is pretty respectable. Two wins, with an almost unbelievable stat of out-shooting Serbia 52-16, is a good return, and I think we can be pretty proud of our boys.

Mark - Game wise: scrappy and lucky first, much better second and outdone in the third. That's how it summarises for me. Key players such as Dowdy missing are bound to have a massive detriment to the team's offence. Other nations have time to build up for tournaments like this; we don't and it's about time IHUK get this sorted if they want to see the team compete at the very highest level again. Without it, we're absolute scunnered.

Robert - Italy looked a class above GB from the start. GB was not helped by some weird penalty decisions, but we were left wondering how they would have fared if they’d won and qualified. If they hadn’t progressed further than the next stage, it would still have helped raise the profile of GB hockey to an outsider who, after all, has never heard of the world championships but can readily identify with the Olympics.

Eric - Well I listened to Seth commentating on the games, and if I'm honest the guys did really well, and deserve loads of credit. But here's the rub... They fell at the last hurdle.. Which goes to show that like horse racing I must make a "Note to self"- As with any form of gambling whether it be horse racing or ice hockey. "It's a mugs game and yer can never win". Take care everyone...


That’s all folks. Hope you enjoyed reading our thoughts, and we’d love you to get involved too.

Help set the agenda for next week with your questions, or even better get involved and give your views as one of the panel. We would love different views and different participants each week. Please contact Mark @frozensteelblog or Tony @Disgu15ed, or find us at the game.

Brief Bios of those panellists you’ve just been listening to in the series so far :

  • Alan is @frozensteelmnl for match night updates and @AwkwardGinge for everything else. Has been watching Hockey for many years, and given half a chance will regale you with tales of the London Knights. Catch him on the Breaking the Ice podcast too.
  • Bethan represents the younger end of the fan base, after being dragged along to her first Steelers game in 2007 and has loved the team ever since. Follow her on Twitter at @bethan_4
  • Eric is a season ticket holder and can be found shouting encouragement to our players and scorn at the zebras alongside three generations of his family in block 115. Views can be found @greenbunch257
  • Mark is one of the main men behind the Frozen Steel blog, being the Editor and Podcast pundit, and has watched the club since its inception. Find him at @hockeybhoy
  • Phil has been a fan since watching the final game of the London Racers at the Sheffield Arena back in 2005 and has adopted block 106 as his second home. He now wishes he had listened to Elliott Hall and had started watching earlier! Find him on @pbeeodd
  • Richard is the big man with the big drum who until recently was to be found leading both the Rock the Block choir and his family in 218. Now looking for a new block to call home, his views, and invites to come join you, can be directed to @CaVaLiEr666
  • Robert is chief architect of steelers-stats.co.uk, the go-to guy for Steelers history from days gone by, and the man behind one of the big White House spotlights! Robert is @steelersstats.
  • Tony has been watching the Steelers on and off since Tony Hand arrived, and has been a regular for the last eight years or so. Enjoys contributing to the blog with his weekly five things and can be found @Disgu15ed


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
@FrozenSteelMNL
@hockeybhoy
@Disgu15ed

Check out the Frozen Steel Podcast


Or Email the team at frozen.steel.91@gmail.com

Big Match Preview - Manchester (Away)



Tonight in "The Storm Shelter" sees Steelers embark on the first of three games in four days which possibly will spell either the end of the title chase or not. We go across the Pennines to face Omar Pacha and his Manchester Storm outfit in the latest "War Of The Roses" battle.

And what a battle this promises to be..

Manchester go into tonight's game in the hottest streak of their season so far; six consecutive wins! Those include back to back wins over Braehead which all but finished off the Clan's title dreams and they will be looking to do the same to us in their own barn. They will fancy their chances and have been bolstered on the blue line with the signing of GB internationalist Paul Swindlehurst from Nottingham.

Panthers head coach Corey Neilson made the defenceman surplus to requirements after bringing in former Dundee Star Kevin Quick and Franklin MacDonald; and to be honest I was as surprised as anyone that he did this. But it's a major coup for Pacha's team and one that will strengthen the Storm's defensive corps which have been stretched all season so far.

Paul Thompson welcomes back both Ben O'Connor and Jonathan Phillips from international duty; and Zack Fitzgerald is set to return after injury kept him out of the shootout loss in Coventry. With no return dates planned for either Colton Fretter or Robert Dowd; Steelers will be at as full strength as they can be.

This game could go either way; especially if the meeting on New Year's Day is anything to go by. Paul Phillips gave the Storm a first period lead before home-boy Jason Hewitt equalised early in the second. Then inspired by a Piotr Valcak brace; Storm led 4-1 after 40 minutes and Steelers looked dead and buried in front of a sell-out crowd. Or so we thought? Three goals in the final period, including a last gasp goal from O'Connor took us to overtime where Steelers continued to dominate. Freddie Vestberg had a penalty shot saved by Kalemba but the respite was brief: Levi Nelson getting the eventual game winner.

Pacha was hopping mad, Thompson looked relieved. So it could be a real barn-burner tonight with Cardiff hoping for a Steelers slip-up. I think we will come away with another win to set up it just right for the weekend; 4-2 I predict. How do you see it?
 

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
@FrozenSteelMNL
@hockeybhoy
@Disgu15ed

Check out the Frozen Steel Podcast


Or Email the team at frozen.steel.91@gmail.com

Monday 15 February 2016

Five Things - Pressure and time w/e 14 Feb



Although there were no Steelers games this week, there was still plenty of hockey happening to make sure I learnt five new things this week:

1> Pressure too much for the Clan – Unfortunately for the Purple Army their team have failed to deliver again, and two losses against Manchester leave them 7 points below Cardiff with only 10 games to go. Interestingly for Conference buffs, their in-conference record is now worse than Cardiff and Nottingham, and only marginally better (by 1 point) than Dundee and Fife. What a difference a few weeks make.

2> Too late for the Storm – Another four point weekend lifts them a healthy 14 points above the Caps (!), and seemingly within 1 point of the play-offs. However with games in hand, the Blaze should stretch that to more like 4 points, and all three teams above them are finding form at the wrong time for Manchester. After six wins in a row, I just hope Steelers buck the trend and get two points in Altringham this Wednesday.

3> GB OK in Cortina – Qualification as second seed was always a stretch, and IMO the best team won. We could argue that key refereeing decisions didn’t go our way, or some big players were out injured, but the guys should go home happy enough with two wins and a silver. Our physical play attracted penalties, and slow play ended up relying on big bombs from the blueline - Davey Phillips and Ben O’Connor were our top shooters with 16 & 14 whilst no forwards were in double digits.

4> Title deciding weekend coming up? – Nice and simple maths here if we beat the Storm mid-week. Steelers are effectively four points behind Cardiff, and if we end up with two regulation wins we become title favourites. But it’s a huge IF as we’re talking about the two teams with the best home records this year (90.7% and 80.8%) so sensible money is on two home wins.

5> Cardiff still favourites then? – Whilst I have them winning the league by five points over Sheffield, and six over Nottingham (extrapolating the league table to even out games played and using conference win %'s for future games as below) – that assumes they continue their awesome in-conference win streak (which they need as they have two more in-conference games left than the Steelers), and they aren’t de-railed by the move from the BBT (whilst they are great on big ice, it’s a distraction, and how many games are lost after distractions such as banner raising etc.). Would be too close to call if Sheffield get three regulation wins this week – C’mon Steelers!!!


p.s. By my calculations even with the conference bias then the Clan are over eight points off top spot at the end of the year, and without it they only drop one more as their recent conference form has been so poor.

One final thing is to recommend a new fortnightly show from icetime.tv (http://www.icetime.tv/) featuring 30 minutes of free-to-view EIHL based interviews, views and news. It’s obviously a little Devils biased, but their first show also featured interviews with Seth Bennet and an EIHL stripy (Matt Rose), and their next one will feature the new Ice Arena Wales, so worth searching out. (Linked to blog below)



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
@FrozenSteelMNL
@hockeybhoy
@Disgu15ed

Check out the Frozen Steel Podcast


Or Email the team at frozen.steel.91@gmail.com

Friday 12 February 2016

The Elite Report - January Reviewed



Better late than never, we have the monthly awards which are still not to be taken seriously. It's harmless fun and we're sure that everyone appreciates that. So don your smartest outfits that you've blown the cobwebs off, and give a round of deserved applause to the January winners.

Enjoy...


Player Of The Month: It was a tough call to decide this award, but I will hand this to Mark Richardson of Cardiff. The GB internationalist has been a rock in the Devils defence all season, and quietly goes about his business every night: often going under the radar. GB head coach Peter Russell rates the 29 year old highly, and he's one British defenceman I would seriously like to see in orange rather than the red and white of Cardiff.

Team Of The Month: Early on in the season, I was worried about them but now they are a team that nobody wants to play if they have an off-night. Step forward Fife Flyers. Todd Dutiaume has started to get things right in "The Auld Barn" and it's good news for the Kirkcaldy outfit. Whether they can keep it up or it becomes a false dawn, is open to conjecture. But they're improving, and good on them.

Flops Of The Month: For a team that looked very dangerous at the start of January, the end of the month saw them slip right off the radar. Step forward the Belfast Giants. Derrick Walser's men have gone from title contenders to rank outsiders who will be lucky to come away with this season with some kinda silverware. They were comprehensively dismantled by a Steelers team who couldn't believe their luck in the SSE Arena, and now seriously have to start looking over their shoulders. Jobs are on the line in County Antrim, and the Giants know it.

Coach Of The Month: I was going to give it LeCoachPach (Omar Pacha to those not in the Twitterverse) but I will make it a Kirkcaldy double. Skate forward with great honour, Todd Dutiaume. You have turned the Flyers season around when I doubted them. If you carry on like this then you will be looking at a top six finish easily - and wouldn't that be some kinda achievement.

Douchebags Of The Month: It's not a team, a player or a coach but an independent bunch of prats (yes that's being polite) who are making an absolute mockery of our sport. It's not DoPS but the independent panel who deal with DoPS appeals. What kind of wallies, that's another name for them, can reduce a ban for dangerous play to absolute nothingness. They have set precedents that will haunt British hockey for years to come. Once you know you can appeal; you can bet your bottom dollar that you will get away with it.

And that concludes the award ceremony again. Put the outfit back in the wardrobe, and we will be back for another round in a few weeks.

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
@FrozenSteelMNL
@hockeybhoy
@Disgu15ed

Check out the Frozen Steel Podcast


Or Email the team at frozen.steel.91@gmail.com

Wednesday 10 February 2016

Hockey Soapbox - A bumper edition - week 12



Here’s our twelfth week’s Frozen Steel blog fan view on four or five hot topic items.
It’s time to get on your soapboxes people!

Contributors this week are: Mark Duell, Robert Newbolt, Eric Green (who may have been overdoing the medication again), Phil Beddoe and Bethan (back again after exam leave!).

The normal starting point – What’s your hot topic item from the EIHL this week?

Mark – Cardiff's relentless charge to the title. With both ourselves and Braehead failing to take advantage on the Sunday, Devils are now firmly in the driving seat. They still have that home and home series against us to deal with, but they're now many fans’ favourites.

Bethan - The title race. With teams at the top of the table gaining points one night and dropping them the next it remains a pretty tight, exciting finish to the season. Much more exciting than when one team is the clear winner for a while.

Phil - That second goal in Coventry. Whistle blows to stop play, Blaze continue and score and the goal is allowed to stand despite the whistle having gone. Would love to hear the refs explanation of that one although Thommo didn't seem too impressed with the answer when he asked the question.

Robert - Refereeing. I don’t want to go on about refs, leave that to Alan, but I believe they ought to get more support and not just from the EIHL. Linesmen, Off ice officials, goal judges, timekeepers etc. are all pretty au fait with hockey and could help solve awkward issues, IF the ref lets them. This could be an extra pair of eyes as it does not seem as though technology will intervene very quickly.

Eric - Hey, I'm a decent angler, but whenever I'm fishing, there's always some smarty pants on the bank telling me I'm doing it all wrong. Which is a bit like criticism of the EIHL ref's, who are always doing it wrong - but I know better because I'm a better angler and never go fishing on ice.


After a three point week-end, are the Steelers now back in title contention?

Phil – With Braehead losing we're not out of it yet but we're relying on Clan losing a couple this week and we also have to beat Cardiff in both our last two games against them. It's not over yet but if we finish first or if we finish second this year I'll be happy as it should mean more CHL which was good fun at the start of the season!

Robert - Last week I wrote them off but with Braehead on a losing streak (said they’d have trouble with Fife) everything has swung around again. Even so, I cannot see us overhauling Cardiff especially in the BBT but nothing surprises me in this league.

Eric – Back On? As a passionate Steelers fan, what sort of dumb ass question is that... Of course they’re back on. They were never off. Ask that Irish team - we whooped their asses! Oh wait!! Did anyone think to tell David Simms to mention it to Stewart and the Chav team, as they didn’t get the memo.

Bethan - I don't think so, with 3 recent losses to Coventry, a team we'd really expect to be beating, I don't think we can get enough points to make it count this season. Hoping for one of the other titles still though!

Mark - No, sorry but I don't think so. By the time the soapbox is up I will have done an article which explains why I think we won't retain the title. It would be nice but we are gonna fall short.

Tony – Quick one from me on this question – Statistically we can win it, but we need our top guys to start firing again, and they are cold right now. We are winning by the odd goal, whereas Cardiff are in fine form and scoring freely. Braehead’s title challenge gets such a boost from the conference system that I hope they don’t just sneak it.


Which team / player have impressed most in the last month - who is stepping up?

Phil – There will be people who say otherwise because we are not dominating games the way we were at the start of the season but considering how injury hit the team is I think everyone is stepping up to try and help their teammates out. Hewitt in particular has been excellent recently as has Jono and it's great to see Desbiens back, we've missed his presence on the ice.

Bethan - Jason Hewitt - haven't really noticed him for most of this season, but in the last couple of games I've been to see he's been impressing me more. He's never going to be a top scorer, but he seems to be taking more chances with his increased ice-time, and shooting with more confidence.

Robert - Manchester have impressed all season. Playing consistently short benched they have struggled defensively all season but when Grant Toulmin gets together with the two pocket battleships of Scarsella and Sisca there are usually plenty of goals to be had – ask Edinburgh. I cannot see them making the play offs but it would be just reward if they did.

Mark - Fife and Manchester. Really impressed how these two sides have stepped up their games. Both are still potentially leaky (especially Manchester with their short bench) but they're making a good run as we draw to the season conclusion. It's pleasing to see.

Eric - I have a problem saying the team, so let's say they are just off Junction 26 M1. They have been putting together a little bit of a run, and sneaking up, as only they would. Perhaps they are trying to become a stealth team. Needless to say they're on my radar and we need to shoot them down. I know!!! We can Exocet them using a low level ice pad, smaller crowd and not let any of their troops in... Sorted...


With Edinburgh struggling, do you think they will leave, and if they did how would the EIHL cope?

Mark - I don't think they will leave but if crowds continue to drop, who knows? Would EIHL cope if they did? Yes, enter Uncle Neil with his third team wherever he decides to go location wise.

Bethan - I really hope they don't! For a long time they've been propping up the table, but in the last few years they've really started to challenge the top teams, and they were flying at the start of this
season! Unfortunately they seem to have collapsed in the last month or so, losing almost all of their top players. Maybe it is time for them to step down to a lower league, but I'd really hope the EIHL can prop them up for a little while longer at least.

Phil - Well it would have to find another team to come and replace them if it is to continue with its preferred conference system although Caps have fought through adversity before and I'm sure they'll come through it. It would be great to see the Caps start next season as well as they did this one but maintain it next time (but not against Steelers obviously)

Robert - Don’t think they’ll leave. If, what I hear is correct, they are on a very stable financial footing. This must be down to the fact that they own their own rink and are not overly extravagant. This probably accounts for poor attendances and few top players being attracted and staying up there. If they did leave who would step up, if anyone. And don’t give me that London rubbish!

Tony – Another quickie – I think it also depends on Guildford and/or Telford. Both have the pockets and crowds to be low-level EIHL teams, but seems they like being EPL ‘big fish’ too much. If they wanted in, it would allow Edinburgh to step down and the conferences to be balanced out a little more.

Eric – But how will Scotland survive without their capital? If Scotland no longer exists then no more Glasgow, no more Fife, no more Dundee. Without the Scottish capital, all these teams are also doomed, and England becomes a bigger country with Hull re-appearing as the most northerly team in the EIHL.


What are your hopes for Team GB in the International games in Italy?

Robert - I hope they do well but I have to say I’m not that much bothered, sorry and all that, give me British ice hockey anytime, particularly Steelers.

Mark - Despite missing a few, the squad is a good one and one that can do well. Very pleased to see Ross Venus make it: that lad is coming leaps and bounds. I believe they can do well and get through to the next stage.

Phil - Qualification for the next round is a must but it won't be easy with the players currently out injured. I will be watching with interest.

Bethan - To be honest I've not seen a lot about this year’s international games, but we seem to be missing a quite a few of our top guys - with Dowdy and Murph being the ones that have stood out to me. As always I just hope the boys enjoy their time out there, play good hockey and don't pick up any injuries!

Eric - Well as long as they play hockey and not fishing, and stick to the plan : Don't mention it to David Simms, sink the opposition with an Exocet, and tell everyone they're from a bigger England, then hopefully they will have a good tournament with all the fans in England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland supporting them all the way.


That’s all folks. Hope you enjoyed reading our thoughts, and we’d love you to get involved too.

Help set the agenda for next week with your questions, or even better get involved and give your views as one of the panel. We would love different views and different participants each week. Please contact Mark @frozensteelblog or Tony @Disgu15ed, or find us at the game.


  • Brief Bios of those panellists you’ve just been listening to in the series so far :
  • Alan is @frozensteelmnl for match night updates and @AwkwardGinge for everything else. Has been watching Hockey for many years, and given half a chance will regale you with tales of the London Knights. Catch him on the Breaking the Ice podcast too.
  • Bethan represents the younger end of the fan base, after being dragged along to her first Steelers game in 2007 and has loved the team ever since. Follow her on Twitter at @bethan_4
  • Eric is a season ticket holder and can be found shouting encouragement to our players and scorn at the zebras alongside three generations of his family in block 115. Views can be found @greenbunch257
  • Mark is one of the main men behind the Frozen Steel blog, being the Editor and Podcast pundit, and has watched the club since its inception. Find him at @hockeybhoy
  • Phil has been a fan since watching the final game of the London Racers at the Sheffield Arena back in 2005 and has adopted block 106 as his second home. He now wishes he had listened to Elliott Hall and had started watching earlier! Find him on @pbeeodd
  • Richard is the big man with the big drum who until recently was to be found leading both the Rock the Block choir and his family in 218. Now looking for a new block to call home, his views, and invites to come join you, can be directed to @CaVaLiEr666
  • Robert is chief architect of steelers-stats.co.uk, the go-to guy for Steelers history from days gone by, and the man behind one of the big White House spotlights! Robert is @steelersstats.
  • Tony has been watching the Steelers on and off since Tony Hand arrived, and has been a regular for the last eight years or so. Enjoys contributing to the blog with his weekly five things and can be found @Disgu15ed


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
@FrozenSteelMNL
@hockeybhoy
@Disgu15ed

Check out the Frozen Steel Podcast


Or Email the team at frozen.steel.91@gmail.com