First of a double header so to speak this week as we do a couple of end of season reviews. This one will be uploaded today, Sunday, with the second one to appear some time in midweek. The last one we featured was the red snowball known as Cardiff; this particular one is devoted to the Coventry Blaze.
Season in summary: Under the tutelage of former fan favourite Danny Stewart, big things were expected in the SkyDome after more seasons of underachievement. However, Stewart found out to his cost that Blaze need a massive rebuild in order to get back to the glory days which saw them pick up four Elite League titles. The team once more again failed to make the knockout stage of the Challenge Cup and had a dismal league season which saw them finish ninth overall thereby they were on the golf course by the end of March. An absolute nightmare if you're a Blaze fan.
Performance of the Season: The one result that sticks out more than any, was one that I wasn't actually at. Blaze probably produced a performance which if they had repeated a bit more often; would have seen them make the post-season play offs. It was of course the 4-1 win in Sheffield. Steelers were admittedly woeful that day, eyes probably on the Challenge Cup Final 24 hours later, but Blaze actually turned up. Matt Marquardt, TJ Syner and Brett Robinson all had a multiple point night and Brian Stewart turned away 37 out of 38 shots. A rare bright moment.
Low point of the Season: For a Blaze fan, the question should be answered with where do you want to start? There were a number of poor performances which contributed to what happened in the final analysis. FSB has looked at the results and we're picking out the 8-2 away defeat at Edinburgh in November which finished off a blank three match Scottish road trip. The two sides both had 34 shots on goal but Blaze's defence was more porous. Considering the Caps finished 10th out of 10, this result speaks volumes.
Player of the Season: For once in these reviews, this is actually a joint award which tells you where we are going with it. Marquardt blew hot and cold at times, which is the same you can say for Robinson too in my eyes. The Blaze choice goes to the two cousins, Syner and Barry Almeida. Coming into a side weeks into a season takes some doing; but these two guys took to it well and take them out of the equation then Coventry would have struggled even more. They could have finished last easily. It's a surprise they're not back this season.
Anything else? As stated above, it's a big shock that the two cousins are not returning in 2017-18 as they were stand out players for Danny Stewart. Another rebuild is needed, and it will be strange also not to see Brian Stewart in between the pipes for them as he's moved to Elite League newcomers Guildford. With just one trophy in the last seven seasons, it's been barren times in the West Midlands. Something has to change, and sharpish at that methinks. Stewart could be looking his coaching shoulder if things don't improve.
Performance of the Season: The one result that sticks out more than any, was one that I wasn't actually at. Blaze probably produced a performance which if they had repeated a bit more often; would have seen them make the post-season play offs. It was of course the 4-1 win in Sheffield. Steelers were admittedly woeful that day, eyes probably on the Challenge Cup Final 24 hours later, but Blaze actually turned up. Matt Marquardt, TJ Syner and Brett Robinson all had a multiple point night and Brian Stewart turned away 37 out of 38 shots. A rare bright moment.
Low point of the Season: For a Blaze fan, the question should be answered with where do you want to start? There were a number of poor performances which contributed to what happened in the final analysis. FSB has looked at the results and we're picking out the 8-2 away defeat at Edinburgh in November which finished off a blank three match Scottish road trip. The two sides both had 34 shots on goal but Blaze's defence was more porous. Considering the Caps finished 10th out of 10, this result speaks volumes.
Player of the Season: For once in these reviews, this is actually a joint award which tells you where we are going with it. Marquardt blew hot and cold at times, which is the same you can say for Robinson too in my eyes. The Blaze choice goes to the two cousins, Syner and Barry Almeida. Coming into a side weeks into a season takes some doing; but these two guys took to it well and take them out of the equation then Coventry would have struggled even more. They could have finished last easily. It's a surprise they're not back this season.
Anything else? As stated above, it's a big shock that the two cousins are not returning in 2017-18 as they were stand out players for Danny Stewart. Another rebuild is needed, and it will be strange also not to see Brian Stewart in between the pipes for them as he's moved to Elite League newcomers Guildford. With just one trophy in the last seven seasons, it's been barren times in the West Midlands. Something has to change, and sharpish at that methinks. Stewart could be looking his coaching shoulder if things don't improve.
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