After a decent result mid-week, and then another poor result against Cardiff, we’ve got a few things to get off our chest here on the Hockey Sopabox – and we look forward to the games and presents that we have in store over the Xmas break. In an effort to avoid an elite league fine we won't mention our thoughts on the referees, well not too often anyway...
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| It's a tough job to call Interference when you're not looking... |
Soapboxers this week include, Robert Newbolt , Nathan Turner, Fergus Wright and Mark Duell:
Five words on the game against Dundee in IS
Coyle shines on his return
Comfortable win against average opposition
Couldn’t afford to lose that.
Surprisingly didn’t need second gear.
Five words on the game in Cardiff
You're the Devil in disguise (Mr Hicks).
Beer league officiating strikes again.
Hockey gods don’t like us.
Oh no not again please
Have Cardiff stepped up this year, or have we stepped back?
- Fergus - Cardiff step up for me definitely, far better side this year. Although they aren't as skilled as us, they're using strength and physicality to its full potential - and I can't fault them for that in all honesty.
- Robert - I don’t think Cardiff have stepped up, and the Steelers have become better. This may sound odd as they are clear leaders, and are 5-0 against Steelers in the league, but Steelers have improved since their last home games against Cardiff. We are now much more comfortable in defence, and have got used to the netminder’s style of play. We pack the defence with players, granted not the heavy in your face type of conventional defence, but the controlling puck carrying type. (Although that did go awry in Cardiff via David Phillips’ skate).
- Robert - In spite of what many think they are not out of the title race yet, last year we had lost eight games at this stage.
- Nathan - I don't think that we've stepped back this season, on the contrary, some of the hockey we're playing at times is superb but Cardiff have certainly turned it up a notch or two. They know how to win games. Be that playing simple yet effective hockey or bullying their way through games, the latter of which the lads in orange seem lack ability in. Not a bad thing but we really need to find a way to beat this team in the remaining fixtures we have against them otherwise we may have to rely on the Pointless Cup for silverware this term. Joy.
- Mark - Cardiff have definitely stepped up for sure. Now they have their new home after years in the BBT, there is an increased wage bill and more ways to generate income. With this continuing, they could be a force to be reckoned with in the future. Everyone, including us, have to match or better still exceed the challenge they pose. They are big players.
- Mark - But that aside we're not doing too bad. Should it be a trophy-less season this year, and I am not saying it is going to be, then it might not be a cause to moan too much. We can only look at the Chelsea model this season, if that's inspiration.
How do you fancy our chances against the Blaze on Wednesday?
- Nathan - We'll beat Coventry. We'll beat em good. In fact, to quote a certain over played steaming cow pat of a song, we'll beat them so good, so good, so good.
- Robert - I rank today’s Blaze along with the likes of Edinburgh of yesteryear. They picked up nine points in their last five games, four of those against Manchester and two against Dundee and even though they blew out Braehead in Clanland I do not see them as a great threat. I can see the game going very much akin to our game last Wednesday against Dundee.
- Fergus - I can't see blaze doing to us like they did all last season, they just don't have it.
- Mark - Fancy us to win both games against the Blaze. Both will be hard but we've got the ability to see them off. No shorthanded goals though; just ask Braehead.
- Mark - A regulation win at home Wednesday and an overtime win in SkyDome. I can only dream of Rachel Hunter at the Arena, especially if she is still as good looking as she is in a certain video. "Liam's mom has got it going on..."
What Xmas gift would you like from the Steelers, or the Arena this year?
- Nathan - All I want from Steelers this Xmas is a shutout.
- Fergus - A new ice plant and some reasonable pricing please .... no? Probably a bit much to ask for ... okay how About you just stop putting prices up as they're already ridiculous.
- Nathan - All I want from the Arena this Xmas is a decent cup of coffee that doesn't taste like mud and maybe some urgency from the staff serving the aforementioned cup of mud instead of the usual vacant expression one gets which I'm sure one day shall be followed by the line, "I can count to Potatoe..."
- Robert - Six points going into the New Year’s Eve game with the Storm would suit most people down to the ground. Ordinarily that would be a big ask, but looking at the three teams we play I think it’s achievable. Nottingham have one eye on the Continental cup this year, it could be their only opportunity of silverware (but I doubt it). The way they are playing is inconsistent to say the least and I hope they step it up a little for the Boxing day encounter because if the performance is anything like last times many people will go home feeling cheated. (Editor : I don’t mind being cheated if we take home another bucket full of points – I’m happy to chat through the third period with my block mates if it gets boring!)
- Mark - Present from Arena would be the this one. Either you reduce the car park payment, take off the booking office levy when buying tickets in cash, or teach a number of your security staff good customer service skills because some of them need it. That’s not gonna happen is it? I mean look out of the window, there's a porcine creature in the air with wings... Happy Christmas everyone!
Merry Christmas everyone and thanks for reading.
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