Welcome back to my column, which will be appearing on an ad-hoc basis through the close season just like "The Elite Report". I'm penning this particular article on the first rest day of the World Championship Division 1B tournament which is being held in Belfast. Those who follow my personal Twitter account will know I'm tweeting on it.
However for those not, here's a recap on events there so far and my views on the building of the 2017-18 Steelers roster as it stands.
One thing I've noticed so far is a lot of negative comments of the size of the crowds so far for the WM1B tournament. Sure the place has been less than 25 per cent full so far but come on people give the organisers a wee break. Not many people thought we would have a chance of hosting such a tournament of this kind of stature ever again but it's actually happening. Belfast as a city wanted it, the local council here wanted it so you've got to give them a bit of kudos for looking to establish hockey more in Northern Ireland.
Crowds as I've said have been disappointing but day two yesterday saw it get better and to me it's all a learning curve. We might never see something like this happen for a bit; yet let's say thanks for those who have worked in the background to make this possible. So what's the tournament been like so far? Here's my analysis of each of the competing nations after two rounds completed.
Japan: The pre-tournament favourites considering they were relegated from Division 1A last year. They do look exceptionally good but all three goals that they have conceded have come in the same style; high over the glove. May be this could be their weakness but offensively they are always looking to score.
Netherlands: As much as they give a lot of effort, the Dutch are definitely the whipping boys of this group of six. They've conceded 14 goals in their opening two games and it's hard to see them recording a win due to constant defensive fragilities. A return to Division 2A looks on the cards.
Croatia: One word sums up the Croatians at the moment, inconsistent. They're like watching us (Steelers) at times to be honest. One minute they will be causing many a problem, the next they are wanting you to tear your hair out. They are going to hold their own but a top three finish might just be beyond them.
Estonia: I've been a bit disappointed with the Estonians so far. They do not look as a fluid as I've seen them in the past. Star player Robert Rooba has been really below what we're used to seeing, perhaps the issues with loss of equipment has affected his mindset? Can't see these kind of performances being tolerated much more.
Lithuania: Definitely the surprise packet of the tournament so far, and potential dark horses. They are solid in all areas of the ice and confidence has got to be high at the moment. The only downside? Their powerplay is the worst of all six nations, 0% conversion. I would not be surprised in the slightest if they end up runners-up.
Great Britain: The thing about GB's wins at the moment is that they have been workmanlike ones. Pete Russell's men I feel have a bit more to give and that's no slight on the fact they've picked up two wins out of two. A big test will come when they play the impressive Lithuanians but win that and it could set up a Saturday shootout for gold.
So that's my honest assessments on how things are happening here at the World's and like always; I don't expect everyone to agree with me. Now it's time to talk Steelers and how the roster for next season is taking shape.
Today, Tuesday, saw Steelers confirm the re-signing of British defenceman Davey Phillips for the 2017-18 season. Davey becomes the 12th member of last season play-off winning roster to return to the House of Steel. With apparently one more member left to re-sign before Paul Thompson apparently starts to "plug the gaps"; one can only wonder whom it will be? Either way the announcement is going to be one that gets us all talking and wonder if Thompson has retained certain players which some of us armchair coaches wouldn't?
Four spots remain on the blue line, and as it stands five on the forwards side plus the back up netminder role. I still fully expect Brad Day to come back as Moose's deputy, then after that following on from the announcement later in the week then we will know what gaps we need to fill. Or is the statement about plugging the gaps just a smokescreen that we're planning on retaining more of last season's core? You can't tell to be honest. Thompson knows it obviously, having completed all his player end of season interviews. The players themselves will know too; as usual we're sitting waiting for news.
Gut instinct tells me we're going to see a few faces, which means we might have seen the last of players such as Markus Nilsson, Andi Valdix and Mike Ratchuk to name just three. I may be wrong, but it's all seemingly saying so at present. The big surprise to me is that BOC has not been re-signed, maybe he is the final returnee, or is Ben wanting to try his luck abroad again? Having played in the KHL, he's good enough to be picked up by any top notch European side. But let's see which piece of the puzzle falls in next; then speculate names whom we'd like to see in the gaps. Bringing back such a good core can only augur well.
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