steelers Vs Devils - League - 23rd Dec 23 - FO 19:00
- Thread starter James
- Start date
The thing is the British fans don’t want to watch pussy hockey, it’s not in our nature, it’s not our fault we like a bit of rough and tumble. Our home Nations in rugby ain’t no pussies it’s not what this country is about, that’s why this nation will kick arse with anyone. No one is talking about having the goon team, but let’s have a bit of our natural backbone instinct, the Irish, the Scottish, the English, and us Welshies ain’t into euro pussyfooting, we want fast, skilful, physical hockey, we want edge of seat, heartbeating, entertainment.
I might not have put it quite like that, but the general sentiment would be the same.
Its still debatable whether you can deliver a younger, smaller, faster and more skills based type of hockey on the kinds of budgets and limited prestige enjoyed by the UK leagues.... while keeping an already small and niche fanbase entertained.
Its still debatable whether you can deliver a younger, smaller, faster and more skills based type of hockey on the kinds of budgets and limited prestige enjoyed by the UK leagues.... while keeping an already small and niche fanbase entertained.
Tell us you've never watched European hockey without telling us you've never watched European hockey.
I have commented similar posts to this a few times over the years, seems like it's that time again. I think many people would be very surprised if they went to a German league game, or a Swedish league game. Not only is the skill level off the chart, but you will see more hits and physicality than an average EiHL game. Not fights, but fighting is dying out anyway. But the idea that it's non contact is nonsense.
I have watched lots of European hockey over the years, admittedly didn't watch any of PR's games when he was involved but for his Ravensburg side to win the Championship last year they would have had to have been super aggressive and physical, especially in the play off runs they have there.
I have commented similar posts to this a few times over the years, seems like it's that time again. I think many people would be very surprised if they went to a German league game, or a Swedish league game. Not only is the skill level off the chart, but you will see more hits and physicality than an average EiHL game. Not fights, but fighting is dying out anyway. But the idea that it's non contact is nonsense.
I have watched lots of European hockey over the years, admittedly didn't watch any of PR's games when he was involved but for his Ravensburg side to win the Championship last year they would have had to have been super aggressive and physical, especially in the play off runs they have there.
Made the mistake of going to the game in Sheffield and it only confirmed my thoughts from when the roster was announced. No physicality, poor recruitment ( nowhere near the quality we have had in previous years ) thought PR might bring about change, but I suppose he can only do so much with the squad he was given. I’m sure our owners realise mistakes have been made but as long as home games sell out maybe they don’t see it as a problem, but the fans do for sure. The standard of play in the whole of the EIHL has gone down considerably in my opinion, that’s why we may end up in 3rd or 4th position at the end of season and others may see it as a fairly decent season !
I don't think we fixed the weaknesses from last season. The team relied on too many smaller forwards who often got outmuscled and forced out to the boards. This was a concern I had during the pre-season and it seems to be playing out that way. I can't see a fix to this now, so it'll need to be a top priority for next season. As for our D, well on paper things look like we've improved a bit- we are shipping fewer goals per game than last season - but compared to Sheffield there's quite a gulf. Their defense is pretty rock solid, they simply don't concede many goals.
Our team is somehow still 2nd. Think this has been helped by Giants' very poor start in the League, and the terrible circumstances with the Panthers which drained their confidence and passion. Now it's the business end of the season and things could change dramatically.
Our Team can fix one or two of their weaknesses with practice, execution and good planning. Just go back to basics, keeping it tight and effective. There are talented players in our squad.....they just need to be utilised in the right way.
Our Team can fix one or two of their weaknesses with practice, execution and good planning. Just go back to basics, keeping it tight and effective. There are talented players in our squad.....they just need to be utilised in the right way.
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Being back at the Vindico tonight made me realise how grateful I am for Todd on game nights. The Dave Simms show is just relentless in Sheffield. Every break in play he's on the mic saying some cringeworthy nonsense. I'm sure he's convinced himself that everyone has bought a ticket to listen to him.