We lost on regulation wins so we weren’t that far away. We aren’t a bad team because of one dropped point over the course of the year.
I thought we were head and shoulders at the beginning of the season but overall it’s been a tough year that we’ve actually done ok considering. Losing Blood and Faryna killed us at times where we needed that character. Whatever happened with Hotham came to bite us as well - we were a good team just missing that bit of X factor; we relied too much on Martin, Fournier and Linglet. I rate all our additions this year and think they improved us. We just have a player or two who haven’t offered what they have in previous years and based on ability would be no where near the Giants squad. Small margins.
ABSOLUTELY SPOT ON!
With the fact of only needing 3 points from playing 3 bottom teams and coming up short shows we didn't deserve the title for that historic 3rd time in a row. Belfast certainly showed they wanted it that little bit more. They played the type of hockey and showed the same heart their coach played with throughout his career......hats off to Keef and the Giants.
This season at times has been an absolute joy to watch the guys perform some unbelievable hockey played but on the flip side some poor sloppy hockey. As far as consistency goes we haven't been as consistent as I hoped we would have been.
We have had the most disruption this season than I can remember. Firstly Parise situation then losing a key D man/character in Blood, followed by Moore then Faryna (our heartbeat).........
Losing both Blood and Faryna was a huge blow and I honestly feel we would have had it wrapped up weeks ago if we hadn't lost those guys. What did shock me though was how Lord seemingly scratched Livingstone who was hitting form at a crucial last couple of games. He was tipped as a bit of an energy guy which is what we needed against Dundee and Blaze. The fact of the matter is after losing those guys we have lost CHARACTER PLAYERS, the type you need in big games when your trailing. Hotham himself was a character guy and could give the team a jump.
I feel for the likes of Martin, Linglet, Dixon, Myers, Duggan who every shift give their absolute all for the jersey. Like Ocko has said there were far too many players blowing hot and cold and at times a couple played as if they really didnt want to be here which is sad. We also have a couple of guys who look like its a season too far for them (not through lack of effort).
My fear for next season is that Lord doesn't make enough changes. I would like to see him bring in a few more younger guys who can play alongside the likes of Joey Martin, Myers, Richie & fingers crossed Linglet and Dixon. These younger players can learn from them and them whilst the likes of Joey etc... are still at the top of their games. You need to keep a good core when bringing in new & younger players otherwise it wont work (as sheffield found out!!!)
Overall it just wasn't ment to be. But watching the likes of Martin, Fournier, Linglet, Dixon this season has been a real treat.