Pre-Season Review: Belfast to Coventry

Welcome to the first part of three where we cast our eyes on the 10 Elite League rosters for the start of the 2016-17 season, the 14th season. We aren't going to predict where each will finish, as we're more than liable to have egg on our proverbial faces if we get it hopelessly wrong..as we undoubtedly will!

So let's have a look at the first four teams:

Belfast Giants:

Player-Coach: Derrick Walser

Key Player: Adam Keefe

In: Ryan Martinelli (Székesfehérvár), Alex Foster (HC Bolzano), Steve Saviano (HC Bolzano), Jackson Whistle (Kelwona Rockets), Blair Riley (Stockton Heat)

Out: Craig Peacock (Braehead), Mike Radja (Elmira Jackals), Darryl Lloyd (Wheeling Nailers)

Last season was a disappointing one  for the Giants when they floundered from a decent position when they were in title contention. Walser publicly slammed his side when they were on the wrong end of a 6-2 (it could have been more) home hiding by eventual champions Sheffield; stating many had their jobs on the line. However in typical Belfast fashion, they have retained a large core from last season. Steve Saviano and Alex Foster look like good signings but the three they lost: they are massive losses. It'll be interesting to see how Walser's second season fares as opposed to the first.

Braehead Clan:

Head Coach: Ryan Finnerty
Key Player: Jeff Ulmer

In: Craig Peacock (Belfast), Daniel Åshberg (Lillehammer), Jordan Buesa (Toronto Midget AAA), Callum Boyd (Edinburgh), Cody Carlson (Cincinnati Cyclones), Corey Cowick  (Florida Everblades), Trevor Hendrix (Cardiff), Jeff Ulmer (HC TWK Innsbruck), Matt Beca (HC Nitra), Jay Rosehill (Lehigh Valley Phantoms), Kyle Wharton (Nikko Icebucks), Michal Zajkowski (Lillehammer), Lee Esders (Guildford Flames, short term deal)

Out: Chris Holt (Retired), Thomas Nesbitt (Retired), Marcus Götz (EC Bad Nauheim), Toni Dahlman (unknown), Travis Fullerton (Edinburgh), Nathan McIver (Retired), Ric Jackman (Fife), Brendan Brooks (Fife), Jamie Fritsch (Retired), Ben Davies (Swindon Wildcats, short term deal)

Once more Ryan Finnerty reshuffles the pack in order to find the roster that will win a first, and some might say long awaited, Elite League title to the ever loyal Purple Army, It's a much changed side that which certainly has some toughness in the shape of former Cardiff defenceman Trevor Hendrix and also with ex-NHLer Jay Rosehill. The quality of experienced Jeff Ulmer will certainly go a long way to easing off the pressure from skipper Matt Keith as well as the acquisition of GB internationalist Craig Peacock. Will however this is be the last chance for Finner himself?

Cardiff Devils:

Player-Coach: Andrew Lord
Key Player: Ben Bowns

In: Callum Buglass (Swindon Wildcats), Thomas Murdy (Telford Tigers), Matthew Myers (Nottingham), Patrick Asselin (unattached), Scott Hotham (Storhamar IS), Sean Bentivoglio (HC Asiago), Mark Louis (Orlando Solar Bears), Layne Ulmer (HC Asiago), David Brine (Löwen Frankfurt), Patrick Bordeleau (San Antonio Rampage)

Out: Callum Buglass (Swindon Wildcats, 2-way contract), Brent Walton (Retired), Tyson Marsh (Retired), Leigh Salters (Retired), Mike Will (Guildford Flames), Mark Smith (Swindon Wildcats), Carl Hudson (Chamonix), Ryan Russell (Retired), Trevor Hendrix (Braehead).

After coming oh so close again last season Andrew Lord has recruited another strong line-up to try and win a league title in the Principality; the first one since 1997. They have certainly been waiting a while haven't they? The quality is there, apparently Scott Hotham is better than his brother and now team-mate Andrew some might say. Bentivoglio and Asselin look great acquisitions too given their experience. Will Bordeleau be a new Brad Voth given the expectation he brings, and will this prove to be third time lucky for Lord?

Coventry Blaze:

 

Head Coach: Danny Stewart

Key Player: Jordan Pietrus

In: Liam Stewart (Alaska Aces), Robin Bergman (Frederikshavn White Hawks), Garrett Klotz (Elmira Jackals), Matt Marquardt (Florida Everblades), Björn Bombis (Fischtown Pinguins), Darcy Zajac (SønderjyskE), Shaun Boutin (Idaho Steelheads), Marc Cantin (Utah Grizzlies), Danny Stewart (Fife)

Out: Drew Fisher (Retired), Michael Quesnele (unknown), Carl Lauzon (unknown), Brenden Walker (unknown), James Issacs (Melbourne Mustangs), Cale Tanaka (Dundee), Boris Valabik (EHC Lustenau)

Under a new head coach, the Blaze are looking to build a new dynasty and the new man in charge is known to everyone inside the SkyDome; welcome back the Rink Rat known as Danny Stewart but in his first head coach role. Blaze have underachieved for numerous years, and maybe this will see them return. Brian Stewart will provide the blockade, whilst Bergman, Bombis and Marquardt look good offensive punch after Cale Tanaka's loss. Klotz appears to be the ready made replacement for Boris. Interesting times ahead eh?

 

Coming in the second part, we look at three Scottish teams.

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 Breaking The Ice

Available on iTunes to listen and download, also on SoundCloud

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