The Opposition Bench - N********m P******s - Christmas Double Header 2013

This week, we renew our festive rivalry with last season's League winners. Thursday, we welcome our 'good friends from down the M1' to the Motorpoint Arena, while we make the return trip on Saturday, with the Premier Sports cameras entering the NIC. Jono Bullard (@TCWfanzine), of The Cat's Whiskers fanzine and Cat's Whiskers TV, helped us to preview the double-header. Quite frankly, I was a little gobsmacked when he agreed.

How do you feel the season has gone for the Panthers?

It's been gloriously inconsistent. We look like world beaters one night then clueless the next. Our incredible home form is the only reason why we are where we are in the league.

Have the Continental Cup exploits damaged your domestic chances?

I would say yes, but it's a competition we had to enter, especially as we had the first round at the NIC. However the injuries that have resulted from the CC have seriously damaged us this season so far.

This week continues the tradition of Steelers/Panthers games over the festive period. Do the Steelers/Panthers games still mean as much to you? 

Yes. I hate losing to the Steelers, I love winning against them. Thankfully I've had more happier days than bad in the last few seasons ;-)

Personally, when I first started going to Steelers games, it was drummed into me that these games mattered, and that we hated the Panthers. Is there still that from your end? 

We despise the Steelers, but since we started winning trophies on a regular basis the wider fan base perhaps don't see you as the huge rivals that we once did. I'd happily lose every game against the Steelers if it meant we won the league.

Other than Steeler Slayer Matt Francis, who should we be particularly wary of?

David Clarke is having an excellent season. Absolute goal machine. Leigh Salters also has everything, including toughness.

Anyone on the Steelers team that gives you cause for concern?

Only Legue to be honest. Always capable of scoring an important goal. On paper the Steelers should have destroyed this league but have very much flattered to deceive. I think Dowd, although a very good player, is overrated.

Any predictions for the two games? For some reason, I don't see a repeat of the 9-4...

Neither do I. I expect Steelers to win at the tin shed with Panthers winning handsomely at the NIC.

What about the rest of the season? Still have hopes for the title, or are the knockouts a more realistic aim? 

Belfast looked nailed on for the league, we've been saying it on the show for a while now. We're always dangerous in the knock-outs so I wouldn't bet against us for either trophy.

Belfast for the league?

Yes

A massive thank you to Jono for answering our questions. You can catch Cat's Whiskers TV every week - keep up to date by following them on Twitter HERE

The Opposition Bench: Cardiff Devils Double Header 21/22 December

We spoke to Cardiff Devils fan Mark Johncock about this weekend's double header.

So, a Steelers/Devils Home/Away weekend. Games between the two have historically gotten a little fruity. Do you enjoy the games with the Steelers more than, say, Nottingham or Belfast games?

Being my first year back with the Devils, it has been interesting seeing how the rivalries with various teams have developed over the past few seasons. As a kid, Steelers were always the team we loved to hate. I think this is still apparent but to a lesser extent. With the 'arena teams' coming to prominence (and picking up the vast majority of trophies), I think the rivalry between Steelers and Devils has dilluted a little. This is perhaps due to a new generation of fans and also the development of our battles with Coventry Blaze. Devils seem to have a lot of needle with Belfast right now and, as we move into a new arena soon, this can only be a good thing. However, for me, having grown up with the Steelers v Devils rivalry, it will always be the game I look forward to the most - particularly as most Devils fans (and ice hockey fans in general) love to hate Mr. Simms!

What's your view of Brent Pope, and the start he has made as coach? 

The recent changes have been well documented so I think ice hockey fans can form their own opinions. I've worked with both Brent and 'G', and have massive respect for both of them. Brent has coached me on the ice (I'm a netminder) and, from a personal point of view, he is a thorough coach. He is extremely knowledgeable, evaluates every area of the game and is very adept at motivating players. Brent cares about ice hockey and, in particular, the Devils. In terms of his start as a coach with the Devils, I think a bright start has been made. The style of play has changed and I think the additions of Tomas (Kurka) and Joonas (Liimatainen) have helped to develop this style. We are carrying the puck more and this suits the smaller ice pad we have. I believe the win percentage is around 53% and I can see this increasing over the coming weeks (hopefully with 2 wins this weekend!). 

 Who should the Steelers be worried about from the Devils' roster?

I'm not sure I should give out too much information! Everyone knows about Tomas Kurka but I think the Steelers fans will see the contribution across each of our lines. Every line has stepped up in recent weeks and the points have been shared out. As a result, it has been difficult for the opposition to tie down a consistent strategy. A major plus for the Devils is our Brit-pack. Fans will be aware of what Matthew Myers, Mark Richardson and Ben Davies can bring to the ice, but the likes of Rupert Quiney and Chris Jones are growing by the game. So in answer to the question.....Steelers should worry about every line! :)

Anyone from the Steelers give you cause for concern?

Nope, not really! Sorry, couldn't resist it!From the games I've seen (both home and away), Steelers appear to be a confidence team this year. Therefore, I think the important job for the Devils to shut down the likes of Siriani and Legue early on. Like the Devils, Steelers have a strong Brit-pack - I've always been a big fan of Jono (Phillips) and Dowd is naturally a big threat. Particularly at the motorpoint arena, I think concentration and work ethic are going to decide the game. I've written an article (which you can see in both the Steelers' and Devils' programmes this weekend) and selected an 'all-star squad', consisting of 2 players from each Elite League team. My Steeler choices were Legue and Dowd - so I'll pick those as the 'ones to watch'.

Any predictions?

Whenever any team is an import down, it makes any game a difficult proposition. However, Joe (Myers) would have gained alot of confidence from his performance versus Nottingham last weekend. I think the Devils' defensive performance is going to decide both games. We have confidence in the team and are scoring goals. Without predicting, I think both games will be close and it could be a 1-goal game on both nights. 

 What are your hopes for the rest of the season? 

I've always had a feeling the Devils will pick up the Challenge Cup this season. The draw has been fairly kind to us and, if we manage to see off Fife, I think we are capable of beating either Hull or Belfast over 2 legs. We have consistently qualified for the playoff weekend and I'd love us to finally break the finals hoo-doo.In terms of the club, I hope the rest of the season is an opportunity for development of a feel good factor. We have a quality set of players and I hope the majority are retained for next season. Most of the players seem to love Cardiff, and their team-mates, so retaining the main core of the team can only be a good thing. 

 Anything you'd like to promote?

I'd like to encourage everyone to come along to G's testimonial match at the Big Blue Tent on Sunday 23 February. Regardless of which side of the fence you sit on, it is an opportunity to show your appreciation for his contribution to British Ice Hockey. Players like Brad Voth and Chris Frank have confirmed their attendance and it should be an evening of great entertainment. Final word.....I'd like to take the opportunity to say thanks to Dan LaCosta (Devils' netminder) who has had to retire this week. Everyone at the organisation is heartbroken for Dan but his health is paramount. I'm sure Dan will successfully complete his MBA and excel at whatever he decides to do next. 

Big thanks to Mark for helping us with this. We are looking for regular contributions from other teams around the league, as we build towards giving a full insight towards the Elite League. Get in touch at frozen.steel.91@gmail.com for more details. Remember, the Steelers host the Devils at the Motorpoint on Saturday, in the live game on Premier Sports this week. The return game, in the BBT, in on Sunday.

The Opposition Bench: @Coventry Blaze - 15/12/13

As part of the now-regular feature, we spoke to Paul Wheeler, author of Chasing Dragons blog, commentator for Blaze webcasts, and part-time rinkside reporter for Premier Sports, about Sunday's game at the Skydome.

The Opposition Bench - Belfast Giants 14/12/13

We spoke to Twitter fanpage Belfast Giants Banter ahead of this Saturday's game in the Odyssey.

The Opposition Bench - Steelers vs Capitals 11/12/13

We spoke to Robert Southwell, of the legendary CapsBanterArmy, to preview Wednesday's 'Added Value' game at Ice Sheffield.

So the season didn't start out too well (to sugar coat it somewhat), then come November 10th, everything changed. What happened?

With a short roster and Capitals playing a different style it  was a slow start. Some changes were made which made a big difference, especially the resigning of Michal Dobron who’s an outstanding Dman.

You had a season of Christiansen hockey in Edinburgh, what's your opinion of Mr Coach?

We weren’t too impressed with Doug's coaching/tactics. His main strengths were recruitment and PR. No doubt he helped raise the clubs image, but we think he’d make a better GM.

Who should we be worried about from the Caps roster?

On offence Leinweber is dangerous with his passes and shots, and Dobron is very strong on D. But Steelers should keep an eye out for Jordan Steel and his Dirty Dangles.

Anyone from the Steelers give you any concern in particular?

Maybe Spencer since he's a former BawbagOfTheWeek contender.

Any predictions?

It will be a tough game, but we’d like to think an 11-2 win for the Mighty Capitals is on the cards.

What about for the rest of the season? What would constitute success for the Caps?

The standard goal is always to make the playoffs, but we'd hope for a little more than that. Failing a Panthers "grandslam" we'd settle for 6/7th? 

Thanks very much, anything you want to plug/spam?

Aye! A wee shameless self plug for @CapsBanterArmy on twitter, and of course any away fans coming to the Rink Of Dreams pop into the Banter HQ, Murrayfield Bar (@Murrayfieldbar), for your pregame drinks!

A huge thanks to Robert, and the CapsBanterArmy for this. Follow them on Twitter and do yourself a huge favour, they will make even the most dour faced hockey fan chuckle.

The Opposition Bench - Steelers vs Flyers (EIHL 1/12/13)

To continue our new feature, we spoke to Fife fan Laura Duff (@hockey_laura) to look ahead to Sunday's game at the Motorpoint.

Things haven't quite clicked this season for the Flyers, what would you say has been the main problem?

Recruitment has been a big issue for us this season, guys we wanted to return from last season didn't and we left it too late to find suitable replacements. Don't get me wrong, we have brought in some fantastic signings but several of the players are not performing the way in which the coaches expected them to.

Barring any cup meetings, this will be the last time the Steelers meet the Flyers this season. Do you enjoy games with the Steelers?

I have to say i enjoy playing all the games with each team in the league, games against Dundee stand out for rivalry but its always good to be up against bigger budget southern teams to see how you shape up against them.

Which Fife players should we be particularly wary of?

Derek Roehl and Jordan Fulton have been too solid forwards we have brought in. Roehl is very quick and skilful with the puck, and Fulton is a gritty player with good strength who can finish. In D our new signing Kyle Haines looks good, impressed last Saturday in Braehead, good movement and a great shot.

Anybody from the Steelers that worries you?

Legue! Fantastic player for the Steelers has been for years, always a threat.

How do you think both clubs will do for the rest of the season?

I think both will do ok league wise. If the Flyers can make another couple of changes very soon then I'm sure we can turn start to turn our season around a bit and challenge for the conference. Steelers will be up there for league contenders but Belfast look like the team to beat so far. Playoffs and Challenge cup - its hard to say, all depends on draws and team fitness.

Prediction for Sunday?

Unfortunately I can't see us repeating the scoreline of last month down in Sheffield with our current run of form, so my prediction for the game is a 4-1 win for the Steelers!

A big thanks to Laura for helping us out. Follow her on Twitter for updates from most (if not all) Fife Flyers home games.

The Opposition Bench - Steelers @ Hull Stingrays (CC 30/11/13)

Ahead of this Saturday's Challenge Cup tie, we spoke to Jonathan Fearnley (@JJFearnley), commentator of the Stingrays' webcast, about the Steelers' trip to Humberside.

How has the season gone for the Stingrays so far? Have things settled down post-Campbell?
In the absence of Campbell the Stingrays have been short of options and the lines have been consistent as a result. After a poor run in the immediate aftermath of the Campbell incident the team managed to find its scoring touch and picked up some impressive wins. It's the unimpressive defeats, 2 at home to Dundee, home and away v Edinburgh and two at home to Cardiff that stand out as games that shouldn't have gone the way they did. At their best Bowns is a game saver who can be called upon to make 40+ saves per night and the Rays have too much offensive speed for opponents to deal with. At their worst all those shots fly past Bowns and the offence skates into trouble and can't pass their way into scoring position.

The Challenge Cup group has been kind to Hull the past couple of years. Any particular reason for this?
A group of Nottingham, Sheffield, Coventry and Cardiff is kind, is it? The Stingrays had no points from their first 5 CC games and were 3-0 down after the first period of game 6 but managed to go through with a game to spare. Making it through with just 3 points (which they will if they lose to Sheffield) says more about Coventry's futility in this competition than it does for the Stingrays.

It's a great achievement for the Stingrays to make it out of this group 2 years running but a quarter final, probably against Belfast, is where this run will end in all likelihood. Cloutier and the boys won't mind too much if that's the case. Winning the Gardiner Conference is the team's main aim. The game on Sunday at home to Braehead is immeasurably huge compared to the Sheffield game. It might be the most important Rays game of the season so far.

Other than the always dangerous Tendler, anyone that will give the Steelers nightmares?
Guillaume Doucet is the man to watch. Speedy, good hands, good finisher. He's been playing with Jason Silverthorn and Carl Lauzon and they've built up a good rapport over the last few weeks. It's not all about the Tendler line any more. The Stingrays have 2 lines that can score on any given shift. Also keep an eye on Omar Pacha joining the rush from defence. 

Jamie Chilcott is a young Brit D-man, back in Hull after a spell in north America. He's very quietly been solid for the Stingrays and, like Paul Swindlehurst at Dundee, has got absolutely no publicity or recognition from fans of other teams for his level of play. After the Phillips brothers and Steve Lee he's the next Hull defenceman off the production line and could well follow their skate tracks into the GB team in the near future. 

Is there anyone on the Steelers roster that the Stingrays should be wary of?
At home to Belfast a couple of weeks ago the Stingrays just couldn't get the puck off them. Given the way the Dowd-Sirianni-DiCasmirro line likes to keep possession we might see more of the same. I could see them having lots of possession in the game and lots of shots from the outside. Hull give up a lot of shots but Cloutier doesn't mind too much if they're from 'bad' areas. Sheffield will need to find a way to get quality shots away from the slot and from close range. If they do then they should win with room to spare.

Hull's 3rd line of Squires-Mariani-Chamberlain isn't going to set the world on fire. Hard working and reliable, yes, but not much of an offensive threat. Kyle Mariani is a D-man filling in as a centre in the absence of Campbell. Between the three of them they are 1+5 - that's not much when you consider the ice time they get. If they can keep the Steelers 3rd line Brits (Hewitt, Phillips, Nell, Hill) off the scoreboard they'll consider that job done and hope the top two lines can outscore their counter parts.

Any predictions?
This game doesn't matter. Hull need the win to give the home fans something to cheer, Sheffield just want to avoid another slip up against a Gardiner opponent. In truth, the narrative of these teams' weekends will only be known after Sunday's games. The Steelers must beat Fife and beat them well, the Stingrays must beat Braehead at home to keep their season on track and the Gardiner title as a realistic prospect. If either team had a recognised and reliable back up we'd see them in goal I'm sure, but in a game where fringe skaters might get more ice time than usual the Steelers depth in that department should help them through. They are a better team and should take this one by a couple of goals, although it won't answer any of the questions hanging over either team.

You can purchase discounted tickets for the game - details here:  http://hullstingrays.net/article/90/5%20days%20of%20Discount
Alternatively, you can watch the webcast - with commentary by Jonathan - by visiting this link: http://hullstingrays.net/live.php
Huge thanks to Jonathan for such an in-depth response.