Elite Report: Week 9 Review

Safe to say this has not been a good weekend of predicting hockey. It was ruined on Saturday night, more of which soon, and the percentage is bound to take another hit. How bad was it, well find out below:

Saturday night:

Well it started off pretty decent with the Giants disposing of Braehead in the "O" by the odd goal in five and increase the travelling woes for Ryan Finnerty and the Purple Army. Thank you James Desmarais for that. However it didn't turn out as good as it did in the other two games, one more than the other.

Cardiff did win in Manchester, but not in regulation as Storm proved their mettle once more in the Shelter. Devils squeaking home and we mean squeaking home; in overtime. Further proof if you needed that, that Omar Pacha's team this season will be hard to beat on home ice this season. Then the surprise, Edinburgh Capitals. Nobody expected to see them come away from the NIC with a win, and a regulation one at that. But they did, and big props to them for that. A night to forget for Corey and as for the inflatable "bear" - that's an even bigger joke.

Sunday night:

Just as bad on the Sunday evening games with just one game predicted spot on. That came in Ice Arena Wales as the Devils slew the visiting Giants. We did think that the Clan and the Flyers would win but they would need longer than the regulation 60 to do so. However, they ripped the script up completely and beat the Panthers and the Stars with comparative ease so I am led to believe.

In the other game, Storm took the points against a Capitals team probably still living off the exhilaration caused by events in NG1 less than 24 hours before.

So just two wins out of seven! This now takes to the running total to 25 out of a possible 65 achieved, or in percentage terms .385 which is a drop of .012 from week number eight. Here's to more improvements in week number ten. Would be nice wouldn't it?

 

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From The Editor's Chair: Edition 10

I've been thinking. Yes I know full well that's a dangerous habit to have, especially when I am concerned. So for the tenth edition of the "From The Editor's Chair"; I bring you something different.

We've seen players come and go with all teams, not just our own. However, I now bring you six players (one goalie, two defencemen and three forwards) I would have loved to see in Steelers colours.

Netminder: Craig Kowalski

This was an absolute no brainer of a choice. He's probably been the best Panthers goalie of recent times and conceivably one of the best import netminders in the Elite League that never played for us. Time and time again he used to shut the door on us when we were in opposition. He was an integral part of the Panthers 2013 treble winners. Prior to us signing Tyler Plante, he was rumoured to be our starter in 2015-16: that would have been a decision that would have divided some but not me.

Defencemen: Neal Martin and Guillaume Lepine

Martin was one of the best offensive defencemen that was on the Blaze blueline during their glory days under Thommo. The guy just oozed class and scored 149  points in just 201 EIHL games spread over 4 seasons. An absolute brilliant acquisition who would grace any EIHL defence. Quite why Blaze have never retired his number 6 shirt mystifies me.

You want a hard stay at home defenceman, look no further than this French-Canadian number 28 that was a brick wall for Corey Neilson in both his spells in the NIC. Not afraid to act as a team "policeman" and drop the gloves; his tilt with Colt King at the Arena remains one of the best ever seen I've ever watched. An absolutely fearless warrior.

Right Wing: Brad Voth

To fill the right wing spot, I was looking for a player with size, sheer presence and someone that would strike fear into opposing players. No better candidate than 6'5 giant who hit like an absolute train, sometimes on the edge. He's Cardiff's leading penalty taker in the EIHL. A player who we all hated when in opposition, but a real gent off the ice who made time for everyone.

Centre: Dan Carlson

You need a quality centreman in your team and we have seen some good ones in the EIHL, Yet this guy is probably the epitome of EIHL quality centres. Capable of being a scorer and a creator, alongside Adam Calder - he formed a partnership that revered and fear in opponents. His 25 jersey has been rightly hoisted to the SkyDome rafters, and what a player he was.

Left Wing: David-Alexandre Beauregard

 
I could have chosen Carlson's line mate for the final position but I've chosen DAB instead. An absolute sniper in front of goal, who just loved to light the red lamp. What he has achieved despite the injury which ended his NHL dream is quite remarkable. I remain confident that this guy would have made it. His ability in front of goal makes him a choice few can argue with.

So that's the six. It was a tough call to choose them, each player could easily be replaced by someone else. For example, I could have chosen Stephen Murphy or Trevor Koenig for the netminding duties; Mark Richardson and Craig Weller for defence; John Craighead, Wade Belak, Adam Calder, Jade Galbraith, Jon Pelle and Theo Fleury in the forward roles. See what I mean by saying it was hard?

Who's in your six? I'd love to hear them...

  
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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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Game Highlight Links - October 2016

Thought I'd add up a rolling post where we can share links to Steelers highlights from across the league - if you want links, we've got you covered!

Home win against the Clan (here) in the League

Away win at the Storm (here) in the CC group

Away win at Braehead (here) in the League

Home win against the Giants (here) in the League

Away win against the Devils (here) in the Cup

Home loss against the Devils (here although highlights might be a misleading description)

Home win against Fife (here) in the league

Away win against Fife (here) in the league

Home win against the Blaze (here) in the Cup Group stage

Away win against the Blaze (here) in the League

That's all for October :)

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Elite Report: Week 9 Preview

In the last of this week's articles, we look ahead to this weekend's action in the Elite League. It's the ninth weekend of action and can we continue where we left off last weekend with some accurate predicting. Probably not but who knows what we might achieve. Getting a full set would certainly be cause for celebration haha.

Saturday night:

Belfast Giants v Braehead Clan

Clan have a decent record in Belfast but they have been too hot and cold this season for us to have any confidence that they will come back across the Irish Sea with anything. Giants should win, but it could be closer than some might imagine. Verdict: It's all teal in another regulation home win.

Manchester Storm v Cardiff Devils

The Storm are a much improved side this season and nobody gets an easy game out of them; Cardiff need to heed this to the letter. However, the depth in the Devils roster is probably one of the reasons why they are most people's favourites to win the league. Verdict: Storm blown away in regulation.

Nottingham Panthers v Edinburgh Capitals

Want your banker for Saturday night? Well look no further than this one to be honest. As much as Edinburgh have been better than most expect them, I can't see anything more than a home ice triumph in the Lace City. Verdict: Panthers to maul Caps in 60 minutes.

Sunday night:

Braehead Clan v Nottingham Panthers

The battle of the Neil Black siblings. Clan know full well they need to be more consistent at home and what better way than sending an early season message to the Panthers. Panthers will be happy to inflict another home loss though. Verdict: Renfrew to rejoice a home win; albeit in overtime.

Cardiff Devils v Belfast Giants

Giants were the first team to play Cardiff in Ice Arena Wales. This could be an interesting clash as both sides could easily upset each other. Will Nickerson and Bordeleau drop the gloves? That could be an interesting side event. Verdict: Giants to be slain as the Red Army continue to win.

Edinburgh Capitals v Manchester Storm     

Could be an interesting encounter this one. A battle between two sides who have definitely improved week on end. Mike Clementè will not remember his last visit to Murrayfield; with the slip in the shootout. Can Caps get back to winning ways? We think so. Verdict: Pach to crash in overtime.

Dundee Stars v Fife Flyers

So the final game of Sunday, is a East Coast battle between two sides who have had differing fortunes this season. Dundee will want to improve and try to lift themselves from the bottom of the table; Flyers want to get back in a winning groove. Verdict: Flyers to take off and get a road win in a shootout.


So that's the weekend ahead of us, and those are our predictions. What's your call on them?
        

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Big Match Preview - Coventry Double Header

For the third week in succession, Steelers have a home and home series against an opponent. This Saturday we finish off our Challenge Cup qualifying campaign and then the following night, hope to build on the success of last weekend and pick up another two point haul in the Elite League.

Our opponents for the weekend ahead are these guys:

Yes it's our nemesis from last season, the Coventry Blaze. Now under the stewardship of former fan favourite Danny Stewart, the Blaze have - like most rosters - undergone a revamp player wise. Stars like Brian Stewart still remain but there is also a host of new faces including the signing of the son of Rod; Liam Stewart.

Danny though is not afraid already to change things if they are not working out. He has jettisoned Darcy Zajac, brother of New Jersey Devil Travis, and brought in Canadian-Italian Taylor Carnevale to the roster. The team as a rule have already flattered to deceive, and find themselves in a position in the table which has been pretty much commonplace for the last few seasons - namely, the bottom end. Fans have been loyal but unimpressed in the same vein.

Therefore Zajac's departure might not be the last if the team continues to underachieve.

However last season, and in the latter part of 2014-15, Blaze have been kind of a monkey on the Steelers' back especially when relying on the behemoth in between those pipes. Stewart is in his third year at the Blaze after signing a two year contract at the end of his initial contact. He has kept Blaze in games they should have been out of sight throughout his tenure at the SkyDome and will be a pivotal figure for them this weekend as usual.

Other players we need to be wary of are newly appointed; for this season; captain Jordan Pietrus who seems to always have his A-Game implemented when we are in opposition and there's also skilled power forward Matt Marquardt and experienced German internationalist Björn Bombis. Left winger Garrett Klotz provides the aggression and is the player that we expect to be the team "policeman" - the fact he picked up 261 PiMs in 2013-14 whilst with the Allen Americans in the CHL adds credence to this statement.

Steelers need to show the same ability that got them through two tricky games against Fife and also gained them the win in the SkyDome earlier this season. If they can do this, then the Blaze will be there for the taking. Staying out of the penalty box will also be key, especially in the tighter confines of the Coventry barn. These are games that we can come away from with success, but Blaze are very much Jekyll and Hyde in the sense that they're so unpredictable. Nobody, and that probably includes Danny Stewart too, knows what kind of performance they will deliver at home or on the road.

Predictions: Steelers to ease past the Blaze 4-1 on the Saturday; then grab a 3-2 win in overtime on the road Sunday.

Thanks for reading everybody. Remember if you want to be a part of Frozen Steel you can get into touch with us on Twitter or find us on our Facebook Page, remembering to like us and leave a comment. We will then get back in touch:

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