Close season discussions – Part 1
by Mark Duell
Well the sides are being assembled by the relevant coaches and soon or later we have indicated who are going to be the so-called favourites to win the 2012 Elite League crown. Will the Steelers retain it in South Yorkshire or will Corey Neilson finally deliver a title in Nottingham for the first time in 1956?
Blaze v Devils
I suppose we will only really know when the puck drops for serious in September. So let’s have a look at each side so far and what’s happened roster wise.
In the first part of two, we shall cover the Belfast Giants to Dundee Stars.
Two fantastic new signings at the time I was compiling this, Jon Pelle and Robert Dowd. Pelle was the goalscoring machine that almost fired Cardiff to glory and that is something Doug didn’t have last season – a proven scorer. Dowd will be a firm fan favourite in the O as well, a real hundred per cent commitment guy. The rest of the side looks good too, it’ll be interesting to see how Doug adds to it.
Braehead – Nothing much happening from Glasgow way as Bruce Richardson looks at building on what was an exceptional debut season. Six returnees and the acquisition of Sam Zajac so far sums up the team building, but the Clan should have a squad capable of more the same this season as it was. Discount them at your peril.
Giants v Devils
Cardiff – This time the Devils have been decimated by not just one key player going, but five. Yes and my God, the Devils will be different this time. From grit and determination in Ryan Finnerty and Tylor Michel, the playmaking of Scott Matzka and to the exceptional Jon Pelle and Craig Weller; all five will be missed in each way. Gerad Adams has his hands full but if there is anyone who will relish this, it’s him. The returning Max Birbaer is going to be a major player this season for him that’s there no doubt.
Coventry – To say last season was a bit flat for the Blaze was the understatement of the year. Injuries, losing games they were expected to win – it all meant that something had to change. By gosh Thommo has done it, a massive revamp and if it all clicks then the rest of the League could start to worry. Bringing in David Phillips back from the ECHL is massive, and so is the acquisition of Jerramie Domish. It sounds like Blaze fans will have a lot to look forward to.
Panthers v Dundee
Next Up : Edinburgh Capitals, Hull Stingrays, Nottingham Panthers, Sheffield Steelers
Article courtesy of Britishicehockey.co.uk
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