For this latest edition, I'm going to look at players. Not just our roster but casting aspersions on which player(s) I'd sign off the other nine Elite League clubs next season. Some you will agree with, some you won't. But that's the nature of the beast. Let's start the analysis:
Belfast Giants: From the Giants, there's only one name that stands out from all the rest. Yeah it's their captain fantastic Adam Keefe. The guy leads by example and his commitment to the cause is second to none. A true hockey warrior who play through pain every night, remember when he injured himself at the Arena I think last season and carried on? That speaks volumes. I'd also have Jackson Whistle in a few years providing he develops to be as good as he is now.
Braehead Clan: One player has impressed more than others for the Clan, that being Matt Beca. Alongside Alex Leavitt, he's been the creator on a lot of top scorer Scott Pitt's goal tally whilst chipping in with a few himself. He's been solid replacement for Stefan Meyer.
Cardiff Devils: Without question, Bownsy. It's still a mystery to why we let him get away when it was becoming clear he wasn't going to be at Hull much longer. He's still comparatively young and I expect him to be GB's number one for a fair few years. I'd also consider Mark Richardson, a superbly skilled offensive defenceman, and Joey Martin - a high quality import.
Coventry Blaze: I'm going to go against the grain for some of you here, and not pick Bri-a-a-a-nnnn! Instead I'm going to plump for the son of Rod and Rachel, Liam Stewart. For a player with a bit of size about him, he's got some good skills and is always a threat when his Blaze side are on the penalty kill. Imagine him and Markus Nilsson on the PK together? Seriously dangerous.
Dundee Stars: I've not seen much of the Stars this season but their acquisitions of both Vinny Scarsella and Félix-Antoine Poulin have been shrewd ones for LeFebvre. Scarsella as we know from his spell in Manchester, is a very tricky and talented forward whilst Poulin has done extremely well as the offensive defenceman that does well on the PP.
Edinburgh Capitals: If he was any younger, I'd have Pavel Voroybev here like no tomorrow. I still don't know how they managed to entice this former Chicago Blackhawk to Edinburgh. Answers to Michal Dobron and Scott Neil on the back of a postage stamp please. He's damn good. Travis Fullerton has also done well as the new import goalie even if some games, he's been exposed more than Katie Price.
Fife Flyers: Going for an import here, and it's the obvious choice too in Shane Owen. Remarkable young goalie who has the potential to do a Dan Bakala and make some serious impact in the bigger European leagues. I wouldn't be surprised if he does. Owen gives Flyers a chance every night and for your starting goalie that's what you need.
Manchester Storm: Would have selected Trevor Johnson, who is probably one of the most cultured and experienced defencemen in the league. Instead I'm going to choose Cody Cartier who has impressed with his goals and creativity. He's only 26 and could be one to watch out for him if he continues with his Storm performances so far.
Nottingham Panthers: Twelve months ago I would have picked Miika Wiikman without a question but he's not been the same Miika at all. Granted injuries have played a part with that. But I'm going to choose Stephen Schultz. Yes he's another one who has had an injury hit campaign but he's still averaging a point a game when he does feature. On his day, he makes the Panthers tick and can score as well as create some highlight reelers.
Well that's the other teams looked at, what about our own? Number one on my list, and I'm sure a lot of you will agree with it, is to tie down Markus Nilsson. We have to give this energetic Swede a new two year deal at the absolute minimum. He looks after his team at both ends of the ice and is probably the best penalty killer in the league. If we let him go after one season, there will be a few questions asked. I'd also retain Jono if he feels up to another campaign and hand Roy an extension: even when playing hurt he's still producing. Moose needs an extension too. As for the others whose deals expire at the end of the season, I'm still deliberating but my name is not Paul Thompson.
Well that's the other teams looked at, what about our own? Number one on my list, and I'm sure a lot of you will agree with it, is to tie down Markus Nilsson. We have to give this energetic Swede a new two year deal at the absolute minimum. He looks after his team at both ends of the ice and is probably the best penalty killer in the league. If we let him go after one season, there will be a few questions asked. I'd also retain Jono if he feels up to another campaign and hand Roy an extension: even when playing hurt he's still producing. Moose needs an extension too. As for the others whose deals expire at the end of the season, I'm still deliberating but my name is not Paul Thompson.
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