Post by Claret & Blue Army on Sept 9, 2005 17:40:56 GMT 1
This is how the Chief thinks things will unfold
1st Coventry Blaze
Not being biased but think we have strengthened as much as others have having the most to play with from last year.
The key strengths will be defence with several strong showings from a number of players.
As for scoring I have a sneaking feeling that Hutch (Rabbitt etc) will end up top scorer but not by much over Evan.
2nd Belfast Giants
Yet again the bridesmaids but have the potential to take it even closer this time. The capture of OB is crucial. Fleury will bring in the fans for the notoriety.
Absence from the challenge cup will either leave them very fresh or very rusty.
3rd Nottingham Panthers
Top Dogs of the old school yet again but nowhere near the business end of the table. Blazer will use this season to adapt to odd surroundings and will pose more of a threat for the Blaze this year. Fewer injuries should also make them more of a general threat
4th Cardiff Devils
Will certainly be tougher on the ice this year (Although they weren't shy in the Cup final
). Blaze favourite Jason Cugnet leaving might actually be worth a goal to them in the hottest fixture in British hockey ;D
5th London Racers
Won't be pretty but will be effective. Maxi had his team clicking nicely in the play offs and is probably still working out how they didn't progress. Nathan Rempel will prove a very shrewd signing
6th Sheffield Steelers
How the mighty have fallen...and will keep falling. The addage about hitting rock bottom before climbing bck up. Heaveys men will again bore the pants off everyone trying to stay the pace despite Mr Simms delusions of grandeur. Another hard season for the men from Yorkshire
7th Newcastle Vipers
If London "won't be pretty" then the Vipers will be goddamned ugly. A good goalie in Koenig will be heavily tested a la Cruikshank from 2 years back. Andre, Mangler and Ferone will be the ones fans love to hate.
8th Edinburgh Capitals
Will face a lot of double home matches as the only team north of the border. Tony Hand still knows how to put a useful team together but will need time for this side to adapt. May get some surprise results at Murrayfield
9th Basingstoke Bison
Continue to go backwards and will find the going tough from their very first competitive match. Haven't read up much about whom they have but are not enough of a draw to attract sufficient quality to make a difference in this league. Possibly may break Londons 2 year old winless streak from the start of the season
There we go.
How about the peeps?
1st Coventry Blaze
Not being biased but think we have strengthened as much as others have having the most to play with from last year.
The key strengths will be defence with several strong showings from a number of players.
As for scoring I have a sneaking feeling that Hutch (Rabbitt etc) will end up top scorer but not by much over Evan.
2nd Belfast Giants
Yet again the bridesmaids but have the potential to take it even closer this time. The capture of OB is crucial. Fleury will bring in the fans for the notoriety.
Absence from the challenge cup will either leave them very fresh or very rusty.
3rd Nottingham Panthers
Top Dogs of the old school yet again but nowhere near the business end of the table. Blazer will use this season to adapt to odd surroundings and will pose more of a threat for the Blaze this year. Fewer injuries should also make them more of a general threat
4th Cardiff Devils
Will certainly be tougher on the ice this year (Although they weren't shy in the Cup final
). Blaze favourite Jason Cugnet leaving might actually be worth a goal to them in the hottest fixture in British hockey ;D5th London Racers
Won't be pretty but will be effective. Maxi had his team clicking nicely in the play offs and is probably still working out how they didn't progress. Nathan Rempel will prove a very shrewd signing
6th Sheffield Steelers
How the mighty have fallen...and will keep falling. The addage about hitting rock bottom before climbing bck up. Heaveys men will again bore the pants off everyone trying to stay the pace despite Mr Simms delusions of grandeur. Another hard season for the men from Yorkshire
7th Newcastle Vipers
If London "won't be pretty" then the Vipers will be goddamned ugly. A good goalie in Koenig will be heavily tested a la Cruikshank from 2 years back. Andre, Mangler and Ferone will be the ones fans love to hate.
8th Edinburgh Capitals
Will face a lot of double home matches as the only team north of the border. Tony Hand still knows how to put a useful team together but will need time for this side to adapt. May get some surprise results at Murrayfield
9th Basingstoke Bison
Continue to go backwards and will find the going tough from their very first competitive match. Haven't read up much about whom they have but are not enough of a draw to attract sufficient quality to make a difference in this league. Possibly may break Londons 2 year old winless streak from the start of the season
There we go.
How about the peeps?
