Close season discussions – Part 2

Close season discussions – Part 2
by Mark Duell

Time for the second part of two, we shall cover the Edinburgh Capitals to Sheffield Steelers and discuss the way each team is shaping up so far. We will also exclusively reveal our early prediction of which roster excites us the most.

Edinburgh – After months of uncertainty the news that the Caps will ice again in the Elite League is great news. They had the season from hell in 2011 and Scott Neil will be hoping it doesn’t repeat itself as he tries to keep hockey alive in the Scottish capital. Nathan Craze, the only signed player so far, will relish the chance of starting the season as first choice nettie. Now for the other signings…

Hull – At one stage last summer, we were not sure we would have a team in Hull until the Coventry connection rode into town and saved the Stingrays. The side showed signs that they can compete with anyone given the chance to do so, a 7-2 home beating of the eventual champions Sheffield Steelers being testament to that. Re-signing Jerémié Tendler is a key to how they will perform this season.

Nottingham – Winning both cups is a good season for the Panthers faithful and was probably the key to why Corey Neilson kept his job. Neilson is under so much pressure to deliver due to the demands this job requires, and failure is not an option. Most of last season’s team have been kept, but a lot will be expected of former Giant Brandon Benedict (if he stays fit) and highly rated import Jordan Fox. They will miss Galbraith, but look strong – question is can they live up to the billing though?

Sheffield – The loss of Ben Simon was a hammer blow felt all the way down Broughton Lane, and once again the Steelers have to rebuild. New player-coach Ryan Finnerty is building a side that he thinks will be tough to beat, although the starting netminder post is yet to be filled. Jeff Legue’s re-signing is a smart move as is the retention of all the Brits except Dowd who will be sorely missed. All that remains is to see how Finner is going to fill the remaining spots, it certainly won’t be for wanting of trying though.

So that’s the nine teams covered so far, and which one excites us then? Nottingham look an obvious pick as they have somehow retained the majority of last season’s core as does Belfast with their signing of the sharpshooter Jon Pelle. However, the pick goes to Coventry as we believe Thommo is building up a good solid roster this season. The acquisition of title winning defenceman Jerramie Domish is a superb pick up and the return after injury of Owen Fussey is like signing a new player itself.

However things can change, so get ready for another look and a final verdict just before the season starts.

Footnote:
With apologies to the Fife Flyers as this article was written before their entry into the Elite League

Article courtesy of Britishicehockey.co.uk

Tagged as: Belfast Giants, Braehead Clan, Cardiff Devils, Coventry Blaze, Dundee Stars, Edinburgh Capitals, Elite League Ice Hockey, Fife Flyers, Hull Stingrays, Ice Hockey, Nottingham Panthers, Sheffield Steelers