Liam, Brian, Fitzy and Mosi - Five things I learnt w/e 30 October

The Steelers blew out the Blaze this weekend didn’t they, and scoring 15 goals in the two games left us buoyant, but the Coventry faithful fearing another long-season. Plenty to pick from for my top five things I learnt this weekend:

1. Liam’s goal – I can’t remember what I was doing at 16, but it certainly wasn’t scoring breakaway goals and hearing 6,000+ fans chanting my name, but young Kirky can! His first EIHL level goal will stick in our minds as well as his, and no doubt he will re-live it with great joy. The reaction of his team mates, and especially the fans should show him that we’re all rooting for him and Cole, and desperate for them to be a success in their time in Orange. (Chapeau to Colton too for sharing his Eddy, and then pushing Liam forward for the final celebration - a great way to end a great evening)
2. Liam’s protection detail – In the last couple of games I think we’ve also established that young Kirky is untouchable, and if you take him down then you’d better watch out for the nearest in-coming team mate. Top work from Nilsson for stepping in immediately, and with Desi and Fitzy nearby, then flattening the young ‘un was always going to end in a scrum. Point made, but he’s gonna have to stand-up for himself at some stage.
3. Fitzy v Brian – From my viewpoint in 115 it seemed that Fitzy was curving in from the wing aiming for a gap between the defence and the goalie which disappeared on him. As he fought for control of the puck he collided with a defender trying to block the shot and ended up heading straight for Brian. Was it deliberate, I’d like to say NO, could a nimbler skater have avoided it, PROBABLY, was it unfortunate for a team struggling like the Blaze, DEFINITELY, and I wouldn’t have been surprised to get more than two minutes on the back of it.
4. Blaze minus Brian – Clearly losing your top net minder will cause anyone issues, but the Blaze more than most rely on their stud in net. They did manage to step up and get the game level at 3-3 after Brian left, but the fact that they then let in another six was more about their overall approach to the game as it was a reflection on their junior nettie. Their team stank, whilst we seemed alert and pounced on almost every opportunity.
5. Mosi leaving – Through the disappointment of Tyler leaving, we need to remember with fondness the silky skating, the poaching skills, and the never-say-die attitude he brought to his game and our arena. Two league championships, 61 league goals and 135 points in his two and a bit season career left him averaging just over 1.08 a game. We were lucky to have him, wish he was still here, but also wish him all the best elsewhere – hopefully the two years worked out well for both parties. A beast of a player, and already a legend in my books.

One final fact to leave you with is to consider how our main title rivals have been doing: the Devils remain on-track to be our main rivals, as they had another four point weekend, and have won their last 6 games, (last losing to us in IAW), whilst the Panthers had a zero point weekend, losing to the Caps and Clan, and like their new inflatable bear mascot have been left feeling pretty flat. It's a marathon and not a snickers as they say, but feels like these are the two teams to worry about.

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