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Post by humbucker on Oct 24, 2015 17:11:22 GMT
A fairly light weekend of hockey with only one game tonight Blackburn Eagles v Bradford Bulldogs. On form this game should be a straightforward win for the home team given their position and up against the bottom club in the Laidler Conference. Tomorrow's games look to be a quite different matter as Deeside Dragons travel to meet the Altrincham Aces who the Flintshire outfit soundly beat when the Aces visited the Dragons earlier in the season by 9-1. The Aces have picked up a bit and may give the Dragons a much tougher game this time around although the Dragons should have enough to take this one. We now come to the game that all eyes will be on as the Lions fresh from their hard fought narrow victory up at Widnes 2-4 take on the Wild at the NIC. Revenge will be very much on Scott McKenzie's mind as he and his very experienced team seek to put a young Lions team in their place and make their seniority, hockey wise, tell and take back the initiative. Along with Deeside Dragons the Widnes Wild are still considered the absolute front runners for honours this season and that point has to be driven home to what might be considered the young upstarts in the Conference. Perhaps a complacent attitude may have been adopted with the pre-season hype accorded these two teams but the reality must now be sinking in that few teams are just going to roll over and concede defeat. That situation does of course make the games much tougher for the Lions, presently heading the Conference, and the other teams lying in mid table as the big boys of the Conference at last begin to fully flex both their muscles, experience, and perhaps their bank accounts as both the Wild and the Red Hockey funded Dragons do appear to have much deeper pockets than most of their opponents. Might be some exciting hockey, certainly at the NIC, on Sunday so if a hockey fix is required your support would be most welcome. Face off 7.30pm.
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Post by humbucker on Oct 22, 2015 12:28:39 GMT
Having had a few days R&R and having missed last weekend's events here is the update. Saturday saw Deeside Dragons, possibly still smarting from their surprise home loss to the Lions, on the road to Coventry Blaze where they grabbed a 3-5 win. Not spectacular given the Blaze's position in the Conference but a win I'm sure was very welcome. Lol Paul Head Coach has stated that he is on the lookout for a quality defenceman thus putting his old guard under some pressure. He is wanting to buy in another player when he has a very promising young defenceman who at 17 did exceptionally well in the Deeside v Lions game. I suppose with money available and promotion the main aim, rather than development, this is what you end up with? Hull Jets entertained the Blackburn Eagles and went down 5-7. The following night Hull Jets paid a visit to Altrincham Aces and lost out in goal fest 8-5. The Jets are scoring goals so have the strike power but defensively appear to be struggling somewhat judging by the weekend results for them. The Lions went up to promotion candidates Widnes Wild and upset their plans somewhat as the Lions took this really hard fought encounter 2-4. A massive performance by the Lions as they have now dealt blows to both front runners on their own ice. Scoot McKenzie before the season predicted promotion for the Wild and that I am sure remains high on his agenda especially when the Lions defeated Deeside Dragons. Early in the season the Dragons inflicted the Wild's then only loss on the Wild's home ice so the Lions win at Deeside must have been pleasing for him. Period Score: 0-0/1-1/1-3, with 4th goal being empty net. Goals and assists: Hamish Hall 1+0, Elliott Perrin 1+1, Joe Humphries 1+0, Ondrej Pniok 1+0, Luke Thomas 0+2, Connor Glossop 0+1, Dan Hazeldine 0+1. The whole team worked hard for the full 60 and none moreso than the ever hard working, fresh from retirement, Alan Levers in the nets. This coming weekend sees the first visit of the Widnes Wild to the NIC this season in what should be a cracker as Scott McKenzie's team attempt to put the Wild's season back on track with some payback in the Lions Den.
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Post by humbucker on Oct 11, 2015 23:04:35 GMT
As expected the Blackburn Eagles came to Nottingham determined to again take home the points but that was not to happen but by heck it was touch and go. From a strong first period performance with a 4-1 lead a good win looked to be the order of the night, but not tonight. A 1-4 second period brought the Eagles back from the dead to level 5-5 at the end of the period. The final period saw the Lions recover but they could only manage the one goal required to take the points but that single strike by Dan Hazeldine was enough, on this occasion. Scorers: Dan Hazeldine 2, Connor Glossop 1+1, Joe Gretton 1, Jamie hovell +1, Adz Andrews +1, Joe Humphries +1, Jordan Liddell +1, Alan Levers +1, and MOM getting his scoring off to a start Slav Kasprzak with 2 goals. This game should prove a salutary warning to all of the teams in the Laidler Conference but particularly the leading teams who should take absolutely no team for granted. Nevertheless a three game winning run is most welcome. Widnes Wild beat Hull Jets 9-2, and Altrincham Aces got back to winning ways with a 7-2 home win. The Lions now have time to ponder on this game before meeting the other pre season contender the Widnes Wild in their back yard on Sunday 18th October in what will possibly be another classic game. The Lions struggled somewhat against the Wild last season and under the stewardship of the prolific scoring player coach Scott McKenzie they are a more formidable outfit this season. More homework for the Nottingham coaches before this encounter is assured.
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Post by humbucker on Oct 11, 2015 16:03:01 GMT
Saturday's only game saw the Bradford Bulldogs secure their first points of the season with a 5-2 win at home to Coventry Blaze. Last Sunday Coventry Blaze took the Bulldogs down with a 10-2 home win so the Dogs will be happy to get the win and make their mark. Tonight we have Widnes Wild at home to the Hull Jets and Altrincham Aces at home to the Bulldogs. Here at the NIC following the Panthers game the Lions entertain the Blackburn Eagles in what might prove a game worth having a look at as the Eagles grabbed the points in a 2-3 game against the Lions on their last visit here. Blackburn have had some tough games and a couple of notable reversals against the leading contender for the Conference the Deeside Dragons. This Blackburn team is capable of pulling a surprise with their sometimes feisty style of play that has proved effective for them on occasions. Following their massive 4 pointer last weekend against top opposition one might think that things can be taken a little easier by the Lions but that is precisely what the Deeside Dragons team might have thought before their 2-7 loss to Nottinghan and cannot be allowed to happen against the Eagles, because they are equally capable of punishing and bringing down any team exhibiting complacency. This could definitey prove a tough encounter. Face off @ 7.30pm.
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Post by humbucker on Oct 9, 2015 21:35:55 GMT
Goal tending in the Lions team has taken an interesting turn as they welcome on board GB Women's netminder Samantha Bolwell who currently plays for Sheffield Shadows Womens Team in the Womens Elite League. They are obviously her first priority along with international competitions and training camps but a very welcome addition to the Lions. She was recommended to Matt Bradbury as he was searching for cover when Tom Hovell became injured during the Nottingham v Blackbburn Eagles game. With the return of Alan Levers cover was found but a further back up was needed and in conversation with Nathan Craze who runs the Netminding Academy out of the NIC Sam's name was mentioned and after a couple of training sessions the deal was done as she showed what she was capable of and meeting all that was required of any netminder setting aside the gender. Several talented females train with the Lions and Jessica Urquart as iced for the team. Junior netminders Mollie Brooks and Holly Steeples have also trained over recent weeks to aid their development. The inclusive nature of the Lions set up shows through and who knows where it might lead in years to come?
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Post by humbucker on Oct 8, 2015 18:41:29 GMT
It would appear that the Deeside Dragons have spent sometime since their shock loss in front of the home crowd at the hands of a Lions team icing a number young up and coming players. James Parsons, top Brit scorer for the Dragons, as issued a stern warning to the whole of the Laidler Conference stating that "we will have the answers next time". A bit premature really as the firm favourites will have some pretty tough games ahead and maybe, just maybe, other teams might be less intimidated now by this high spending, Red Hockey financed team? They can be beaten and by the most unlikely of opponents on their night, and that's for sure.
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Post by humbucker on Oct 4, 2015 22:15:17 GMT
The Lions made it a four point weekend and have now nipped into top spot. Yet another excellent workmanlike performance from the boys with a number having not only played at Deeside last night but earlier today played for the u18s against Whitley Bay before pulling on the Lions shirt for the game tonight. The young guys are maturing fast and that is beginning to show in the way they set about tackling the games against quite senior opposition. A 6-3 win tonight against the Altringham Aces really rounded off the Lions most suuceesful weekend to date. Scorers: Connor Glossop 2+3, Max Bennet 2, Jamie Hovell 1, Daniel Hazeldine 1, Adz Andrews +1, Cameron Pywell +1, Alan Levers, who returned a 94.44% save rate also added an assist. MOM Jamie Hovell. Period Scores: 3-2/2-0/1-1. The Lions next game is against the Blackburn Eagles who are back at the NIC on Sunday 11 October. Having beaten the Lions by the odd goal in their last encounter 2-3 the Lions will be eager to ensure a home win. The guys also realise as did Deeside Dragons that on the night and with the right plan, and thirst for success, any team in this Conference can turn over the bigger and better finaced clubs. Just read the Deeside Dragons coach's comments on their website. He pulled no punches regarding the Dragons and complimented the Lions on their performance. He did not say that his team performed badly but stated that the young Lions faced older players and out muscled them, in fact, humiliated his team on the night in front of the home crowd.
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Post by humbucker on Oct 3, 2015 22:24:33 GMT
Two games in the Laidler Conference this evening: Coventry Blaze finally got their season moving with a comfortable 10-2 home win against the Bradford Bulldogs. The most remarkable and pleasing result is the one over in Flintshire as our Lions take the first points off the, until tonight, Conference leaders. The Dragons had racked up 37 goals from their previous four games and, I would think, expected to add to their tally of goals and points but it was not to be as the Lions took the game 2-7. Dan Hazeldine in only his second game back where he belongs gets a hat trick, Ondrej Pniok 1+4, Joe Humphries 1+1, Connor Glossop 1, Rob Perks 1, Adz Andrews +1, Kieran Raynor +1. Alan Levers faced 58 shots and returned a 96.55% save rate in only his second game since returning to cover the injury to Tom Hovell. The Lions obviously put in 100% for the full 60mins and stuck to the plan and the job. Well done guys now after a long journey and a late night I hope that they are rested sufficiently as Altringham Aces hit town on Sunday with another tough battle in prospect. Period Scores: 1-2/1-4/0-1.
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Post by humbucker on Oct 3, 2015 12:44:52 GMT
The Nottingham Lions are off to top of the table Red Hockey financed Deeside Dragons today for possibly their toughest encounter so far. The Flintshire outfit have won their opening four games with some impressive scorelines. With a couple of free scoring imports and supported be some well experienced senior players the Dragons are determined to emulate the Solihull Barons of last season who went the whole season unbeaten. Plenty of ambition and the funding to back it up. The Lions brimming with Nottingham development players are looking to add to their experience and will look to causing an upset to some of the stronger teams in the Conference. A massive learning curve for the u18s and u20s players who are determined to hone their hockey skills with every game at senior level. On Sunday the Lions are at home against a strengthened Altringham Aces who added an import in time for tomorrow's game. This one should prove entertaining possibly in more ways than one as they are a physically tough unit but quite skilled. There is a very positive feel around the Lions camp with the young guys really beginning to find their feet and meet the challenges. Face off on Sunday 7.30pm. No home Panthers game so an opportunity to give some valuable support for our other senior home team. I do remember taking a trip with the Panthers, in the Premier League days, to a pre season tournament up at Altringham but I cannot remember whether or not they were facing the then Trafford Metros or Altringham Aces? A tough tight rink for any team up at Altringham about the same size as the ice pad in the old Parliament Street barn but not up there until 22 November. Got to get the first home game against the Aces out of the way first.
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Post by humbucker on Sept 27, 2015 21:27:21 GMT
Three Laidler Conference games tonight. Blackburn Eagles travelled to Altringham Aces and got back to winning ways with a 2-3 scoreline. A real upset for the Aces who after their win on the road on Saturday would have expected a confortable win considering also the beating the Eagles took that same evening at home, but that's hockey. Widnes Wild completed the expected 4 point weekend with a 6-1 home win against the Coventry Blaze. Nottingham Lions got the win against Hull Jets 6-2 period scores 3-0/2-1/1-1. Connor Glossop grabbed 4+1, Rob Perks 1, Connor NcMcNaughton 1, Luke Thomas +3, Hamish Hall +1, Elliot Perrin +1, Adz Andrews +1, Max Bennett +1, and finally on his return netminder Alan Levers +1. Connor Glossop a well earned MOM. Nottingham now move into 3rd place behind 2nd place Widnes Wild, and the unbeaten Deeside Dragons topping the Conference. Next Saturday the Lions travel to meet the present leaders Deeside Dragons and on Sunday host Altringham Aces.
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Post by humbucker on Sept 26, 2015 21:24:32 GMT
Three games tonight in the Laidler Conference. Blackburn Eagles were plucked and roasted at home as Deeside Dragons hit them 1-11. That's 21 goals that the Eagles have conceded in two games against the Flintshire team. It's beginning to look like Solihull Barons all over again but with the Dragons driving all before them this season and, at the moment, very little to thwart their ambitions of promotion. The other contender for honours the Widnes Wild took a trip over to Bradford and pulled the Bulldog's teeth as they ran out 2-12 winners. Awaiting the result from the other game at Coventry as the Blaze, without a point, take on the Altringham Aces who are also looking to get their first points on the board. Realistically the Aces should have enough in the armoury to put this game to bed, we shall see. As I typed this result came through announcing an Aces win 1-6. On Sunday The Widnes Wild are hosts to Coventry Blaze with another high scoring game on the cards if that goes to form. The Altringham Aces are hosts to the Blackburn Eagles in an all Lancashire affair. Might be quite tasty this one but again the home team should complete a 4 point weekend. Finally a bit of home interest as the Lions host the Hull Jets in what might prove a real battle. The Hull team came back at home to tie the game against the Lions in what was, for both teams, their opening game of the season 4-4. Eyes down on Sunday as Bingo Hazeldine returns to the Lions and a big welcome back to Alan Levers as he starts his first game 542 days after hanging up the kit and leaving, metaphorically speaking, the building. Tom Hovell remains sidelined through injury as does Reece Glossop. The Lions will look to be icing 4 under 18s players and 5 under 20s players as part of the Nottingham ice hockey development programme.
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Post by humbucker on Sept 25, 2015 20:08:09 GMT
Hi Kiev. I'm afraid it just doesn't work that way unfortunately due to the rules regarding Elite League players being loaned to NIHL so have to be temporarily signed as far as I am aware and that costs. But an exciting development has occurred as Alan Levers who retired 542 days ago has agreed to make a return to cover the gaping hole in the Lions defence. His no 1 shirt has been mounted and framed following his retirement so he will take over the no 31 shirt of Tom's for the time being. Now married and with a son (Hudson)his life has moved on after a distinguished career as a backstopper but it's in the blood and Alan readily stepped into the breach. He still obviously has the thirst for competative hockey and one wonders whether a come back is on the cards for the Lions legend. He still has so much to offer to the up and coming netties whilst also able to step back into the fray when called upon to do so. Welcome back Alan to your home team.
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Post by humbucker on Sept 25, 2015 13:21:02 GMT
Hi BigLad. The lions have to register Dan Green but I am led to believe that it costs the team quite a wad of cash that they can ill afford. Might need to take a netminder on loan to give cover for this weekend but the wheels I'm sure are turning and the lines quite hot between the clubs. Can't see Brads and Danny sitting back on this one it's just too important. The reality here in Nottingham is that budgets are important also as the revenue is never great but does cover some costs. The vital and valuable sponsorship from such as Solutions for Accounting, John Pye Auctioneers and others certainly help to keep the team functioning fortunately plus the players pay to play, train and travel with also the management and coaches as unpaid volunteers. There's a lot of loyalty in the Lions Organisation otherewise they as a team would not exist.
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Post by humbucker on Sept 25, 2015 11:10:29 GMT
A couple of signings due over the net 24hrs with the first being the return of Dan Hazeldine the 20yr old who developed through the Nottingham junior system and played an important part during the 2013/14 season but had to take time out due to work commitments. When I last saw Dan play I was certainly impressed with his speed, puck handling, and his thirst for goals. Known as 'Bingo' to his team mates he will slot straight into the team for Sunday but may need a few games to get up to speed. The only pressing problem remaining is the question of netminding with Tom Hovell out injured and the need to bring in a backstopper with first team experience as following the Hull game on Saturday comes the challenge of a visit to high scoring Deeside in the not too distant future. I'm not meaning to take away anything from the present back up netminder but just maybe it is not quite the time to face the type of tests that lie ahead for the team as a whole? Hopefully cover will be found in time for the next game.
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Post by humbucker on Sept 23, 2015 20:14:33 GMT
Interesting stuff when you have a look at the link between various teams thinking particularly, at the moment, about Solihull Barons who have linked with Widnes Wild in order to aid player development. I have no idea how many of the Barons development players went to Whitley last Sunday but note that among the 17 players on the game sheet that 3 were from the Wild. The happenings at Deeside since the influx of finance and players due to the Red Hockey influence is also of interest as there are rumours of an element of disquiet at junior level. There may be some disquiet at Solihull soon if they are overlooking some of their home grown players in favour of part time development players from other clubs, or club as it stands at the moment. I note also that at a recent meeting of the Solihull u20s v Deeside u20s that the midlanders ran out 5-1 winners. There must be some home grown talent in there somwhere, isn't there?
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Post by humbucker on Sept 20, 2015 22:32:44 GMT
Hull Jets move to op spot following their 5-4 win over the Bradford Bulldogs. Nottingham Lions with the opportunity to match the Jets slipped up on home ice 2-3 tonight having lost the last period 0-2 and having held a slender lead up to that point. The main concern was the loss of the No 1 keepeer Tom Hovell who up to that point kept Blackburn at bay. The back up went in for the final period and that was when the damage occurred. Looking around the conference gives one a sense of how things may certainly pan out as Deeside although taking out their major competitors still seek to strengthen their already formidable squad, and with the financial backing required to achieve their aim this season of promotion. The divide is beginning to show with Bradford, Nottingham, Blackburn, Coventry and possibly Altringham attempting to play catch up. Of the the teams that went up from last season to the Moralee the Sheffield Senators appear to be, as expected, the whipping boys as they have conceded 26 goals and scored 3 in their first three games. The only team to take a point are the Telford Tigers who held Whitley Warriors to a tied game. Solihull have yet to gain a point having lost their first two games. The Lions situation does not look good particularly if Tom Hovell fails to make a speedy recovery. The young back up I feel sure will try his best but may not yet be ready to step into Tom's boots but just may have to?
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Post by humbucker on Sept 19, 2015 21:51:01 GMT
Deeside Dragons dealt the Aces a firm hand as they disposed of them 9-1. The Dragons are really beginning to show why they are the favourites to take the conference this season. A long way to go but things are on the up in Flintshire. Hull Jets beat the Blaze 0-3 and leapt over the Lions on goal difference into 2nd spot.
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Post by humbucker on Sept 19, 2015 18:52:06 GMT
The Lions travelled to Bradford for the second meeting in a week. The 'Dogs' on the road can prove an handful but on their own small pad can prove quite terrifying for a young team. It is fortunate that the Lions have retained some of their seniors because they at least have the experience to help the young guys when intimidated. The result tonight was as tight as it gets as the lions leave Bradford with the points after a hard fought 4-5 victory following a real fight back by the home team. Period Scores: 1-2/1-2/2-1. Hull Jets are at Coventry Blaze tonight but the most eagerly awaited game is the one between Deeside Dragons and Altringham Aces. Deeside having already taken out the second favourites Widnes Wild away from home last week have the team probably considered the third favourites at Deeside tonight.Just had sight of the game sheet on the EIHA website and as expected it all got rather heated in the third with several Bradford players being sent for an early bath. The upsurge in the physical nature of the game, of course, did not change the result, a well earned win.
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Post by humbucker on Sept 13, 2015 23:51:19 GMT
Deeside Dragons achieved a major psychological advantage as they beat Widnes Wild, on their ice, 5-7 this evening. The Wild were leading 3-1 but were hit with a 5 goals blitz in the second period to put the game beyond retrieval. As these two teams are considered the front runners for the conference this season this game so early in the season was considered an eventual pointer as to where that honour ends up. Nottingham Lions notched their first win with a 6-2 win over the Bradford Bulldogs with Rob Perks grabbing 3+2 , Slav Kasprzak 1+1, Ondrej Pniok 1+1, Connor Glossop 1, Ben Wood +1, Elliot Perrin +1, and Joe Humphries +1. Hull Jets entertained the Coventry Blaze and ran out 5-2 winners putting Hull on even points with the Lions.
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Post by humbucker on Sept 12, 2015 21:21:34 GMT
Following their 1-8 win up at Bradford Bulldogs the Blackburn Eagles entered the Den at Deeside and were demolished by a rampant Dragons team 10-2 so a good start to one of the favourites for the Conference. The Dragons are on the road on Sunday as they take on second favourites Widnes Wild and that game will prove a good indicator as to how the season might develop. Other games on Sunday include Hull Jets who are hosts to Coventry Blaze and our own Lions where the visitors are Bradford Bulldogs. Now we know that the 'Dogs' lost to Blackburn last week but we know that last season they came to Nottingham and they proved to be a quite strong and physical team, they certainly take no prisoners, and that's for sure.
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Post by humbucker on Sept 6, 2015 20:36:40 GMT
An interesting result tonight as the Solihull Barons experienced the taste of defeat at home against the Telford Tigers 1-4. Not sure when the Barons last lost at home but I think it might have been a visit by the Lions a couple of seasons ago. Some serious thinking in the Barons camp might be required as both they and the Tigers commence their first season in the Moralee Conference. I suppose warm up games pre season are of no great importance but the Tigers might have planted some doubts into the minds of the, up until tonight, unbeaten Barons for well over a season.
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Post by humbucker on Sept 6, 2015 16:24:38 GMT
The Nottingham Lions kicked off the 2015/16 season with a tied game against the Kingston (Hull) Jets. The Lions led 0-1 at the end of the first period and 1-2 by the end of the second The Jets came back in the third to tie the game 2-2. Goals from Connor Glossop and new signing Ondrej Pniok. The game was a fast moving end to end encounter with plenty of opportunities for both teams to grab the advantage. An interesting calculation between the two teams worked out that the average age of the players in this game was around 21yrs,probably the two youngest squads in the conference? Widnes Wild travelled to Coventry Blaze NIHL and gained a 0-6 victory with the Blackburn Eagles also gaining an on the road victory at Bradford Bulldogs 1-8. So one of the favourites the, Widnes Wild, get their season off to a good start with the other front runners, Altringham Aces and Deeside Dragons yet to commence their league campaign.
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Post by humbucker on Sept 3, 2015 16:35:43 GMT
Nottingham Lions get their season off to a start with an away game against the Kingston Jets on Saturday 5th September. Games up at Hull always prove to be a tense and a bit feisty with past results swinging either way. Kingston should have most of their players from last season available but in the main are an unknown quantity, to me anyway, as not a great deal of news has been coming out of Hull. Nottingham will be icing a number of new faces mainly from the junior ranks. A new link has been announced between an Elite team and an NIHL team. The Solihull Barons have players, Josh Bruce and Tom Soar (ex Nottingham) now on two way deals with The Coventry Blaze. Coventry already have links with Milton Keynes, and Manchester Phoenix. Nottingham of course only have links with their own junior section but this situation does open up opportunities for the up and coming youngsters, and that must be a good thing for development.
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Post by humbucker on Aug 30, 2015 23:25:12 GMT
What a weekend for the Widnes Wild on Saturday with a 2-1 lead against the Solihull Barons the game was abandoned with 14 mins left on the clock for an injury to a Solihull player. Tonight Widnes travelled to Solihull and lost in a 13 goal thriller 7-6. Might need to work harder on my predictions for this season. The coach did state that he intended to win the conference this season, and he just might be right? Lol Paul Head Coach of the Deeside Dragons after their loss to the Telford Tigers NIHL stated the 'once our forwards click, and with the firepower we've got, I think we'll smash the Moralee Conference'. Sorry Lol old chap but you and your team are in the Laidler Conference, for this season anyway, but nice try. Proof read before going to print is the watchword, but what do I know as I mess up enough, but not quite as obviously as our Lol, on this occasion.
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Post by humbucker on Aug 29, 2015 20:45:07 GMT
Some of the Red Hockey teams met tonight with Bracknell Bees losing out to last season's EPL league champions the Telford Tigers 4-2. The NIHL Telford Tigers of the Moralee Conference saw off the Laidler Conference favourites the Deeside Dragons 8-5. Solihull Barons (Moralee) v Widnes Wild (Laidler) tomorrow.
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