Hockey Soapbox - Season 3 Week 24 - Finishing with a Flourish

Welcome to this week's Hockey Soapbox....the finale!

1.  Five Words On Saturday

Nice view from corporate suite

Expected win against struggling opponents

Difficult to watch against Caps

The Most Pointless Game Ever

Non event but oddly satisfying 

2. Five Words On Sunday

Make that four consecutive wins

Dominant performance great game Day

No Interest What So Ever

Non event but oddly satisfying

Get Neiley A New Contract

3. Are you happy with the way the team finished the regular season?

Fay: I wasn’t expecting us to finish as high as 3rd, form is good going into the playoffs which is a big confidence boost!

Nathan: I’m just happy the season is finished period! It’s been pretty drab tbh and even though we’re going to the play off weekend I’ve completely lost all interest in this club and all it’s spin and media cock ups. The constant excuses coming from the coaching staff and you know who. Doesn’t matter how we finish or if we win anything. Crowds are up! 50/50 sales are up! Jackpot!

George: Yes. Shame we left it too late.

Sarah: I’m more surprised than happy. Still don’t understand how we managed to finish 3rd. Thanks to Belfast’s and Fife slump, it’s moved us up in the rankings. 

Mark: Came as a huge surprise to me, but they have finally shown proper glimpses of what they are capable of. They just have to keep this going if some of them want to earn new deals for nexr season.

4. Which players were your stand out performers this season and which let you down?

Nathan: Kirk, Shudra & Brown. Stood out considerably more than most of the seniors and that was part of the problem this term. Biggest let downs? No surprises here, Wallace and Westerling. Westerling flies around like a wasp at a picnic serving no purpose and getting on everyone’s nerves and Wallace’s stats might as well read M.I.A.

George: Neiley and Kirk stand out; Ronnberg and Wallace let down.

Sarah: For the entire season it has to be Matheson although recently I fear he’s been spending too much time near the goal leaving our forwards patrolling the blue line. Recently though, Neiley has been our stand out guy, isn’t afraid to drop the gloves or look out for his team mates and this weekend he’s scoring for fun.

Players that have disappointed me Wallace for sure, never understood what he brings to the team. Another player and this isn’t going to go down well with many fans but I’ve been disappointed with Fitzy this season, maybe disappointed in the wrong word. I love the guy to bits, he’s great with kids (and adults) but I’m not sure where he has fitted into the team this season. He’s had injuries and suspensions which certainly hasn’t helped. Felt like Thommo hasnt known what to do with him. I’ll be very surprised if he’s back next season.

Mark: Plusses: Neiley, Mad Dog, Shaggy and Moose. Minuses: The BFG, Gromit plus the coaching.

Fay: Neiley, Moose and Davey P have all stood out for me this year. Neiley has had such an impact after coming here mid season, Moose has kept us in games by himself! And Davey has been the most solid. Let down by: Ronnberg and the coach. I feel Ronnberg brings nothing to this team. He’s slow, doesn’t hit and for a man his size gets knocked over so easily! Fair play to him for helping us out when we needed it though. The Coach and his recruiting have also let me down, throwing players under the bus blaming referees, everything but admitting he got it wrong himself. I don’t necessarily want him sacked but I feel like he takes no responsibility for losses or bad performances and he has no plan B when games aren’t going our way.

5. Who are your final 4 at POFW?

George: Us, Coventry, Panthers, Storm.

Sarah: Cardiff, Belfast, Sheffield and Fife (even if I have to put some skates on to help Fife!) 

Mark: Cardiff, Belfast, Manchester, Us.

Fay: Cardiff, Manchester, Steelers, Belfast.

Nathan: Steelers, Devils, Giants, Storm.

6. Where could the club improve next season?

Fay: I think we need a bit of an overhaul import wise, bring in some younger, hungry lads a mixture of speed and skill and toughness at the back. Keep the Brits (minus Kirk as we know he’s too good for this league) and build around Neiley, Nelson and Valdix. I think the Nelson, Valdix and Dowd line has another couple seasons in them but can’t see either imports returning unless on multi year deals (can’t remember from last year!). Wouldn’t want Fitzy to go anywhere but he seems to be a shadow of his former self with the injuries, so I’d have him as an assistant coach but let him kit up if we needed cover for whatever reason. I’d also put O’Connor up front and sign a couple of big stay at home D men, half the time looks like we’ve got 5 forwards on the ice.

Not so much team based but I think the experience over all needs a change, keep the crowd involvement songs but stop playing the life out of them, and put it some current music, we don’t need Sweet Caroline and wave those flags 90273894 times on match night, once a game would do. More interaction using the big megatron screen, player GIFs are popular at the moment - funny without being cringey, quit with the kissing and dabbing. 

George: Getting rid of the dead wood and bringing in some young talent.

Nathan: How long have you got? They could and need to improve massively on the ice in terms of performance and entertainment value and also recruitment. Which brings me on to our illustrious leader, and his constant flow of tired old cliches, worn out rhetoric and never ending list of excuses. Needs to go. Although the powers that be would have you believe he’s taking us forwards. Other areas that could be improved on is the stale match night experience but I’m bored to tears talking about that so I won’t anymore. Suffice to say I doubt that I’ll be ‘experiencing’ it very much next season.

Mark: Player recruitment needs to be much better than this year, some of the signings left me cold. Club also needs a proper media person (not someone who does it a second "job" of sorts): I'd gladly do it if I was offered the chance. Nobody on the on-ice should be bulletproof and that includes the coaching team.

Sarah: I think the media has improved in the last week or so and need to continue with that. The on ice product just needs to be better. I’m not bothered about all the entertaining stuff as I’m there for the hockey. Good hockey games is what brings people back although I had newbies with me last Saturday to celebrate my dad's birthday and they will definitely be coming back, they were gutted they had no Challenge Cup shirts available to buy! 

7. Will Liam Kirk get drafted in the NHL and if so, what round?

Sarah: I’m hoping so, it will be one of the later rounds I imagine. Apparently scouts from over 20 NHL teams have taken the trip to see him player, they wouldn’t have bothered if they didn’t like what they saw on video and there’s plenty of videos of him play. He’s now been invited to the NHL’s scouting event in May and of course he’ll do well in the skill and physical tests so fingers crossed.

Mark: Yes he will, expecting him to go fourth or fifth round. He will play CHL or European hockey next season which should stand him in excellent stead for AHL and eventually making the big jump into "The Show". He's definitely good enough.

George: Honestly I’d have to read up on this I don’t know.

Nathan: He’ll get drafted I’m sure. What round? No idea. I personally think he’ll end up somewhere in Europe playing regular CHL before long. Good luck to the lad.

Fay: I think he’s more likely to be picked up in Europe next year but would love to see him drafted.

8. What are your opinions on the youth apprenticeship scheme? 

George: Fantastic. Shows a real commitment to get younger players into the league. Liam Kirk should be the bar for the apprentices to aim for.

Fay: It’s a great idea, but I don’t think we have used it to full advantage this year. Towards the end of the season we have given ample ice time but when we were struggling before Christmas with a stack of injuries the boys would’ve been more than capable replacements. Provided they are played in their natural positions and not just shoved anywhere...

Sarah: Every team should have apprenticeships, it’s great for the youths and will make our Brits for the future. It’s gonna help GB too for the future. Look how well the 3 boys have been played for us. 

Mark: A great idea as you will need players like these to keep the team evolving and not standing still. If you didn't do this then you'd be in a right mess when players like Jono, Dowdy etc. hang up the skates.

Nathan: Great idea. As long as they learn proper things like how to wire a plug correctly. (sorry my sarcasm has hit an all time low).

Thank you to everyone who contributed and for making the Soapbox as good as it was.

Hockey Soapbox - Season 3 Week 23 - Some You Win, Some You Lose

After an unforced absence, here's the latest and penultimate Hockey Soapbox. On the panel this week are Editor Mark plus contributions from Eric, Andy, Nathan, Sarah, Fay and George.

Time to get on those soapboxes folks.

1.  Five Words On Saturday

Felt A Bit Let Down

Couldn't Hit A Barn Door

3rd Period Was Too Late

Just Not Good Enough Really

Only Turned Up Last Ten

Dowd's Goals A Rare Highlight

Big Crowd Another Big Flop

2. Five Words On Sunday

Steelers the Cardiff Party Poopers

It's A Beautiful Day Day

A Win Is A Win

Great Game For Brad Day

After The Lord Mayor's Show?

Day Helps Gets Cardiff Win

Champions You're Having A Laugh

3. Does the much maligned Challenge Cup Final need to be played on a rotational venue basis if it can be achieved?

Sarah: I don’t think it would be possible. Some venues are too small and some too big. It’s  been a sell out for the last 2 seasons in Cardiff but when it was in Sheffield And Sheffield weren’t there, it apparently looked empty. I personally don’t like IAW but it’s probably the best venue.

Eric: I’d say yes! Although I personal don’t like the format of this competition plus it seems to distract and interfere with the domestic league campaign, it would be nice to pass the final of this completion around the other ice pads. Which would, perhaps highlight the British ice hockey league and game.

Fay: I think it would be better, yes. Imagine 2 Scottish teams made it - can’t see many travelling down to Cardiff on a Sunday night..

Nathan: Unfortunately it’s a logistical nightmare because let’s imagine the final is held in Sheffield or Nottingham and It ends up being a Fife and Guildford final. 70% of the arena would be empty. Likewise if it’s held in Braehead and its a Sheffield/Nottingham final we have the reverse problem. Belfast would be a problem due to travel and let’s be perfectly honest, nobody would willingly go to Coventry would they? It’s a difficult one.

Andy: Can't see it being moved from IAW in near future even though the venue is not big enough in my opinion. It was supposed to be a neutral venue at the final but it seems it was like a home game for Devils. By all accounts this seemed to give the Giants a team talk. Not sure which rinks we could hold it in to rotate it as for me Nottingham and Sheffield are too big and availability is not always there. Other rinks in league are similar or smaller than IAW. What we need is a nice 5000 seat arena somewhere.

George: Definitely. No one should be playing at home in a final.

Mark: It's all about ice availability isn't it? Cardiff can guarantee it all the time which makes the current decision an easy one. But it would be nice to move it around if the logistical problems can be overcome.

4. Does PT throw the players under the bus too many times?  

Eric: Yes he does! I find it incomprehensible that any manager, and especially one as experienced as Thompson, would find it professional to blame any of his player. But then again both he and his two amigos will do and blame any other person, rather than apologies for their ineptitude and poor behaviour.

Fay: Half of the time don’t bother listening to the interviews, they just wind me up. I don’t think I’ve ever once heard him say “I got it wrong”

Nathan: Fitzy one week, Moose the next. Next thing it’s Nelson now it’s Kirk. You’ll notice it’s never Wallace or Westerling?! How’s about taking the blame for your own ineptitude once in a while, Coach? 

Andy: PT constantly comments that he doesn't like to single out players and then goes right ahead and singles out a player. The latest one being Liam Kirk for one defensive error. Would be nice to see him say just once that he got the tactics wrong. Guess we will be waiting a long while for that though.

George: No, they need to be responsible for some things.

Mark: Far too much for my liking. If things go wrong then everyone should be made accountable and that includes Thompson. He reminds me of Jose Mourinho, it's the players fault not the coach. Guess it would damage his ego if he ever admitted he was wrong, not to mention how his best pal would react when doing the interview..

Sarah: I’m in two minds about this. I really don’t understand how Thommo’s mind works. The fans want players sacked for not performing and wants Thommo to do something but then when he pushes them under the bus in public, the fans go crazy. The fans need to know that Thommo isn’t accepting how we’ve been playing and are we all making it into a bigger thing than it actually is? Heard things on Twitter about Liam Kirk getting a rollicking on the bench during the Nottingham game and Thommo shouldn’t have done it. First of all, it was on the bench and if a player is out of position no matter who it is, he should be told. Every player needs to learn from their mistakes.

5. Will we have the end of season carry on again with certain Scottish teams threatening to fold if they don’t get certain requirements at the EIHL AGM?

Fay: There’s always an end of season drama - will probably be our fault whatever happens.

Nathan: Possibly but I don’t particularly care to be honest. Last pre season was turning into a bit of a soap opera and a very boring one at that. Whatever happens if this conference system remains it’ll continue to make the league a bit of a joke.

Andy: Who knows what the end of season AGM will bring. Fairly sure the 3 conference system will be staying for a few seasons yet. I am hoping for a quiet summer and a way of getting Edinburgh Capitals on the up and competitive again. 

George: Yep.

Mark: More than likely, until the EIHL becomes independently run then this will never change.

Sarah: Yes definitely and with Fife winning the conference it won’t change. Just not the Scottish teams though, it’s helped Manchester massively so I can see them wanting to continue with the conferences. I wish it was feasible to scrap the conferences but for the smaller teams, it wouldn’t work for them. 

Eric: It is, what it is! I believe one maybe two Scottish clubs may struggle to be in the league next season. If they could be saved, then I’m fairly sure the other owners would like them to remain if for nothing else but revenue and expenditure. If one club folds then quite simply I believe there will be one or two scratching of heads at the pre season EIHL board meeting. With huge discussions on how to keep the conferences as they are.

6. How much have we missed Desbiens this season?

Nathan: Loads! Another case of departing players not being properly replaced. Desbiens, Mosienko, Legue.... Considering we’re watching the likes of Wallace and Westerling instead is very depressing.

Andy: We have certainly missed parts of Desi's game this season. The leadership and accountability he brought is definitely missing at times. He had an uncanny knack of just finding what was required to lift the team. A timely goal or a fight to gee the guys up. That said the biggest thing we are missing is the goals that Fretter and Roy have delivered in the past. Fairly sure they have played the whole of season pretty banged up and no one has stepped up to cover them goals.

George: Not that much. If a team underperforms you cannot rely on one player. Desbiens was a leader but was a little slow. We needed a leader but we failed to recruit one.

Mark: A quality player who gave 100 per cent every night in my eyes. We didn't want him to retire, that decision was taken out of his hands. His passion for playing for what is on the front of the jersey rather than the name on the back is second to none. A real club heartbeat.

Sarah: Desbiens was a leader, our season turned around dramatically when he joined us. We have missed his presence this season. He gave it his all every single game. 

Eric: There can be no words by me to describe how much we have missed Desbiens! The guy was immense, he gave the club heart, a little like Mosienko, he gave us toughness to aid Fitzgerald and like our captain said of him during the nine days of madness videos. When after making the play off final. Desi said to the guys   “Jump on my back and I’ll carry you”.

Oh if only!, yes! We miss him greatly..

Fay: A hell of a lot, but his exit wasn’t planned and he pretty much has impossible boots to fill. We haven’t replaced half of the quality players we let go last year. 

7. What does Jerry Andersson bring to the Club as a whole?

Andy: I was hoping with his knowledge and experience we were going to get a similar effect to what happened at our nearest and dearest down the M1 when Strachan joined Neilson as assistant coach. Obviously I have no knowledge what happens at training sessions etc but we never seem to have a plan B when things are not going well. Is that GA or is it PT? Who knows. Just hoping with better recruitment next season we can compete with the likes of Cardiff again. 

George: Nice bloke. Very experienced. For me he has to stay.

Mark: Not sure to be honest. Sure he has the experience and possibly a lot of contacts in the hockey world but he just looks so bored on the bench as if to say: "Why am I here?" - he doesn't look happy playing second fiddle to Thompson and wants to be his own man but can't unless he decides to jump ship of his own accord.

Sarah: He makes meatballs is the only thing I could think of. 

Eric: Absolutely nothing that I can put my finger on. I would actually say that not only are some of the guys not performing, then Mr Andersson would be on the list before any of the players. Other than Wallace maybe. I mean how much is the club paying him? Is he value for money?  Then again the same questions could be asked of the coach, fitness coach and media man. I pretty sure a lot of money is being wasted by the club employing these people.

Fay: I don’t actually know. I seem to remember an interview when he first signed saying that he was brought here for his connections in Europe... Can’t say we haven’t had some quality Swedish players in the past 2 years, but it just doesn’t work for the league now. Other than that... We get a parody account that gives us a good laugh?

Nathan: I have absolutely no idea but I’d like to know. All he seems to do is stand behind the bench looking pensive. I’m sure he’s a nice bloke and all but I suppose we’ll never find out unless we were involved in the training sessions and team talks.

And that's the Soapbox for this week. Join us for more next time.

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:-

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Hockey Soapbox - Season 3 Week 21 - Defeat and then a demolition

Welcome to this week's Hockey Soapbox.

On the panel this week are your Editor Mark, plus contributions from Eric, Fay, Nathan and George. What's on their respective minds this week? Read on and find out..

1. Five Words On Saturday

Lost against a good side

GWG Should Not Have Stood

Saturday night controversy in Belfast

Was Tom Darnell to blame?

Everyone talking about refs again

2. Five Words On Sunday

Win Against Severely Depleted Flyers

A rout versus injured opponents

Good win, weakened Fife team.

Dominant against short benched Fife

Beat a short handed side

3. Does Brad Day need to leave the Steelers to improve as a netminder?

Eric: I don’t think Brad does need to leave, No! 

Brad is a cracking back up net minder and he has never let us down. If he moves I feel he would get more ice time, yes! But saying that he would still be a back up netminder if he stayed in the EIHL.

The only way he will get the ice time is if he moves down. Now I don’t think he wants that. No he needs to stay and hope coach Thompson does give him more ice against cross conference teams. So I suppose it’s a rock or a hard place for him. Hope coach does realise he is capable against cross conference and plays him or play lower league hockey. Either way not good for the guy.

Fay: Whilst Moose is here, yes. I don’t know the system and whatever but there’s times where I’ve felt it would be a great opportunity to get a full game in and he isn’t used.
Mark: I don't want to sound cruel to the guy, but yes. Brad has obviously learnt more in his time here and has developed into a good solid back-up. However, if he wants to progress further then he needs regular ice time elsewhere. But with the absence of the EPL these days; where will he get it? He's too good for the NIHL but not for a starters role in the EIHL so he is at a bit of a crossroads. If I was him, I'd have a good hard think over the summer.
George: Brad could certainly do with a move to an EPL side, as there is no way he will start over moose. Moose is too high in terms of his ability. Brad needs confidence. Without confidence you underperform. He would fit in with someone like the Steeldogs. We need a more consistent back up.
Nathan: Yes he does. Brad obviously has talent and is an able back up but throwing him on for 10 minutes when the team is 7 or 8 up is one thing, he needs ice time and he ain’t gonna get it here. Why did he not play all the game vs Caps? I personally don’t believe he’s good enough to be a starter, not in the EIHL anyway. Drop down a level to the NIHL and he’ll be more than capable. He’s going to ask himself the question, “Do I want to play or am I happy being the door opener for the rest of my career?”

4. Was pre-season too long this season?

Fay: No, I like a good stretch of friendlies to trial lines etc.
Mark: For me, it was. Granted it helped the team gel more and used to each other's style of play when you overhaul a lot of the imports. But I just felt it was 2 or 3 games too much. Six games would be the maximum pre-season games I'd play.
George: Not really. They are athletes at the end of the day. Playing through fatigue is part and parcel of sport.
Nathan: Far too long. 2-4 games is more than enough. Use the early games in the pointless Challenge Cup to tinker with lines and get up to speed.
Eric: I said it earlier in the season. Playing 8 pre season games, I think it was, was 2 to many. In fact Smith said at the fan forum that with hindsight the management also believed it was too many, and that the plan for next season is to reduce the number of games.

5. Are the CHL and Continental Cup just distractions?

Mark: They're good if you make progress but if you do then you possibly run into a fixture pile up and end up playing 3 games a week towards the end of the season. That's not good if you're chasing domestic silverware. 
George: We don’t do well in Europe, so yes.
Nathan: For me they are yes. We have no realistic chance of winning the CHL and while it’s nice to see these superior European teams at the arena it pales into insignificance whilst counting the cost of injuries etc and the Continental Cup is just a dinner plate.
Eric: Advocated it for years, these forays were misguided, some would say that playing a better stamp of team is good. I disagree...

I said the same last season and the season before. The cons (injuries, expenditure, longer season, more games, whipping boys at this level etc.) far outweigh the pros. Nottingham and us have found that out, these forays have not been followed up with success in the league.

Fay: Love the European away trips, I think with the additional games it’s tough on teams. Distraction probably the wrong word for it but it’s definitely a challenge to try and be successful in these cups whilst competing domestically too.

6. Who is the most improved player this season?
Eric: That’s a tough question. I don’t think I can name one of the current rosta that has improved consistently! Bad, I know, but this team has consistently be inconsistent. My opinion, the inconstancy of this team is born from the inconsistency of all the players..
Fay: I think when we brought Jämtin in, he made a great partnership with Wallace especially on the PK. But most improved I’d say are Kirk/Shudra/Brown now they’re getting the ice time they deserve. Think back to when Shudra was getting put on D and how we felt about it, compared to his performance now.
Mark: I would say Liam Kirk, given the increased ice time he's showing how good he really is. Definitely on course in my eyes to be the first Brit to be drafted into the NHL since Shieldsy was by the Flyers in 2000.
George: Liam Kirk. Started with no confidence and is ending it with nearly 20 points. Get him drafted.
Nathan: Probably Scott Aarssen for me. I don’t think he’s all that to be honest but I’m struggling to think of anyone else. Shudra perhaps? Once the greatest coach in the universe actually started playing him in his correct position.

And that's the Soapbox for this week. Join us for more next time.

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

@FrozenSteelJr

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Check out Breaking The Ice Available to listen and download on iTunes and SoundCloud.

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You can also get involved in Steelers related discussions by joining the forums at Steel Talk

Hockey Soapbox - Season 3 Week 20 - Four points will do nicely

Welcome to this week's Hockey Soapbox. On the panel this week are your Editor Mark plus contributions from Jay, Sarah, Fay, George and Nathan.

1. Five Words On Saturday

We somehow got a win

2 points desperately needed lads

Not a real Steelers game

Good strong home regulation win

Typical Mid Table Bore Fest

Good to be back winning

2. Five Words On Sunday

Turned up after 1st period 

Very lucky with the win

Good strong away overtime win

Great Comeback From 3 Down

Stunning come back. Go Mags!

What an incredible comeback win

3. Did Thompson drop the wrong player to accommodate Frets, and if so who would you have dropped and why?

Jay:  Yes I think he dropped the wrong player! He may have been playing better of late but I would have dropped Jonas "the Wasp" Westerling and made sure we had a great defence to work from. 

George: No. Fitz is a good enforcer, but he is currently wearing a face mask, which stops him from fighting unless he wants to risk another dental appointment, it also makes his vision a bit poorer, meaning he won’t perform at the best of his ability. Good decision for me.

Nathan: If Fltzgerald isn't 100% then Coach made the right decision. However, if he dropped him of Ronnberg for mobility reasons then the bloke has a screw loose. Obviously one import had to make way but as to who and why can only be answered by the chap masquerading as Head Coach behind the bench. 

Fay: Well, can’t say it was the wrong choice because we won both games... but I’d have dropped Ronnberg, just don’t see what he brings to our team. I saw a tweet that highlighted how many goals conceded with and without him here and it wasn’t a positive one. Apparently had the “Best” +/-  but I just don’t think he’s what we need. Slow and doesn’t really use his size to any advantage.

Mark: I think he did. I was half expecting Franssila to be dropped if it was going to be a defenceman but Gromit seems to be bulletproof when it comes to his spot in the team. 

Sarah: We’ve got 7 D so it made sense and did Fitzy come back too early from his injury? Who knows. Fitzy is much more mobile than Ronnberg but then we’ve got too many D men jumping into the play and leaving 1 D on the blue line. Fitzy puts his body on the line every single game and would benefit from a rest. I was disappointed with Fretter this weekend to be honest, I’m not sure if there’s a place for him on the team anymore. He just seemed to hog the puck and then ended up losing it. 

4. What did you reckon to Thompson’s post game interview Saturday?

George: Honestly, didn’t listen to it. However from what I am seeing in tweets and there being questions asked of what is happening within the club. It is worrying, however I was near the dressing room on Wednesday as I was on media duty for my work placement, honestly I heard nothing out the ordinary other than a happy bunch. Think people should stop worrying. Also, we needed to drop someone. That someone happened to be Fitz. We need to stop crying about it and realise we got a four point weekend without our enforcer.

Nathan: I reckon he saw a different game to me!

Fay: Annoyed me, but don’t think it was his decision so he just tried to brush it under the carpet.

Mark: It was another players under the bus interview, very harsh on Zack indeed.

Sarah: Thommo isn’t great with his words sometimes but we’re running with extra imports so he’s got to make the difficult decision. No matter who he left out wouldn’t have been a good decision for everyone. 

Jay:  I don't buy the reasons he gave for leaving Zack out at all. To me if Zack's fit, then you play him its as simple as that, looks like a whole set of excuses to me..

5. If you could replace him, who would you have and why?

Nathan: A replacement for Thompson? The greatest coach in the known universe? How can you possibly replace him? Seriously though for me it would be Pete Russell but I fear he may be headed to the dark side.

Fay: Rob Wilson - think he’d build a hungry, passionate side that will entertain us every week as well as win trophies.

Mark: I'll give you two names, one Brit and one overseas. For the Brit option I would have Peter Russell; even he's gonna be Neilson's replacement in the land of the Bears next season (world's worst kept secret probably); as he coaches a very fast and entertaining side - results haven't gone for a MKL team who are getting used to life in the big league. Overseas, and my number one pick: Rob Wilson. Knows the league and the club. Would be amazing if we got him but I can't see him leaving the DEL. He'd bring passion and is someone we can all relate to.

Sarah: I don’t think I would replace him. Tony Smith wanted a GM and coach and he got that with Thommo. I liked G but we need the club to grow and that will happen with Thommo. 

Jay: No point discussing this one. Yes I would replace him, I am not a scout or team owner so no point trying to come up with a name, other than maybe let Zack Fitzgerald be in charge till a replacement is found, bring in Sarich as a assistant and see if he can get his brother to go through his NHL contacts book to help with the coaches replacement...

George: Thompson? Probably Pete Russell. Did a very underrated job at MK. A poor squad does a lot of damage to a manager.

6. Suppose Moose doesn’t come back next season, name a replacement for him and why?

Fay: Caps goalie Tyler Beskorowany(?) - thought he was great when he came last week. Would do really well with a full team in front of him

Mark: Same as everyone probably, I'm going for Beskorowany. He's young and impressed no end in the game on Valentine's Day. Would be a great addition here.

Sarah: Early signs but I like the look of the new Edinburgh nettie. If Moose doesn’t come back, I’d expect Thommo to sign someone not from the league already. I’d be happy if Moose signed for another season though, he’s won us many games. 

Jay: Tyler Beskorowany if possible, sounds like a great netminder and I bet he would jump at the chance and at this point would probably be a shrewd buy at a reasonable cost...

George: Edinburgh goalie, looked very very good. The goalie can only be as good as the defence in front of him. We should get him for me.

Nathan: Easy. Tyler Beskorowany. Ok so he’s 34 possibly 35 by the start of next term but the Caps netminder seriously impressed on Edinburgh’s last visit and played a blinder in Belfast last weekend. Put a decent D in front of him and we could become contenders again.

And that's the Soapbox for this week. Join us for more next time.

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