Shaggy
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Am I a cynical idealist or an idealistic cynic?
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Post by Shaggy on Mar 2, 2013 20:42:15 GMT
Lions travelled up to Blackburn this afternoon to face the bottom-of-the-league Blackburn Eagles, looking to get another 2 points to help secure the top spot in NIHL North 2... and that's just what we got with a 13-2 win.
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Post by humbucker on Mar 2, 2013 22:11:06 GMT
The Lions went to Blackburn minus four players with Parker, Leon, Christy- Brown. and Wallis not travelling through either injury, illness or other commitments. This gave the opportunity for the up and coming players to log more ice time and they did the team proudly with a good win. From the chasing pack came a very interesting result for Deeside and Solihull as Sheffield Senators could only manage a 2-2 tie against the Stingrays in Hull tonight. The Senators have a crucial away game at Deeside on 10 March so a tougher challenge awaits them when they meet the Dragons. Deeside need this home win to get their season back on track following their loss at Solihull last Sunday and with two away games to finish their season following the Senators visit a loss could possibly end their challenge for honours. Solihull v Blackburn on Sunday. The lions still on track but with five games to go plenty of work still to do. Well done in Blackburn but back on the road again next Saturday against Fyde Flyers on their tiny ice pad. Looks like cross ice training in preparation for this one with nowhere to hide when the Lions take to the ice in Blackpool defo no 'kiss me quick' hats in that place.
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Post by humbucker on Mar 3, 2013 20:55:35 GMT
Great weekend for 'Hockey Nottingham' on the road with the Panthers getting max points from 3 games and the Lions winning away at Blackburn last night. Noted that the Lions short bench had 13 players getting points in their game with young Steeples scoring his first senior goal. Poor old Blackburn got the innevitable roasting down at the Hobs Moat tonight with an avalanche of goals going past their hapless goalie. A resounding 16-2 win for the home team which should see the Barons leapfrogging Deeside into the third slot. Looking at the permutations for points Deeside can score a potential 35 if they achieve max points from their 3 game run in. Solihull likewise can get a max 35 points for the season if they win their final three games. Sheffield can max out at 36 should they win their final 3 games. Sheffield and Deeside are due to face each other twice more in their three games and Solihull have to play the Lions twice more in their last three games. Nottingham could potentially have the league wrapped up should they take four points from their final five games but I'm sure nothing will be taken for granted by Head Coach Bradbury, his coaching team and the Nottingham Lions. The work in the Lions camp progresses but the job is certainly not finished until the points are won and there is still five hours of hockey still to play.
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MP
Paul Adey
Hail hurts and rain is cold. Summer in the mountains
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Post by MP on Mar 5, 2013 0:57:16 GMT
That's some result!
Times change - I remember the trip to Blackburn being a tough one. Went there once during the Bobby Haig era when results had to be scrapped for - think we came away with a hard fought win.
Can't for the life of me remember if Steve Moria was playing for the Hawks that day - think he was on their roster sometime in the early - mid noughties. What a player he was - an ageless journeyman who seemed to play forever!
Happy days
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Post by drouindrouin on Mar 5, 2013 11:55:30 GMT
Blackburn is still a tough place to go - if you're playing the Hawks that is! The Lions took on the Eagles (Hawks' reserve/development team). They do still have the old Heineken advertising boards at the rink though!  Lions can win the league this Sunday at the NIC. They have to beat Fylde in their barn on Saturday night then beat Blackburn on Sunday to be crowned champions. Should be a great night hopefully. Ticket details are here: nottinghamlionsenl.com/2013/01/lions-v-blackburn-eagles-h-2/ |
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Pucky
Pat Casey
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Post by Pucky on Mar 5, 2013 16:45:50 GMT
That's some result! Times change - I remember the trip to Blackburn being a tough one. Went there once during the Bobby Haig era when results had to be scrapped for - think we came away with a hard fought win. Can't for the life of me remember if Steve Moria was playing for the Hawks that day - think he was on their roster sometime in the early - mid noughties. What a player he was - an ageless journeyman who seemed to play forever! Happy days Games against the Hawks were always close-fought things, and we've come away with the points a few times in the past when we shouldn't have done! You could always guarantee a good game whenever the two teams met. Sadly the Eagles don't measure up. |
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Post by humbucker on Mar 5, 2013 23:28:41 GMT
It would appear that there has beeen some concern from a number of clubs regarding the costs of travel for teams particularly if anymore scottish clubs join the NIHL. Coventry have already been penalised for not travelling to Solway this season. Solihull, Telford, Nottingham, both Sheffield Clubs and Sutton are among the clubs advocating a Midlands league with a North league covering the other teams including Solway, Billingham, Whitley etc. Ken Taggart has dismissed this 'rumour' (as he calls it) and dismisses any chance of change from the present league format. The Nottingham teams as with others are mostly funded by the players who pay to play, pay to train, pay to register and pay travel costs. A coach to Solway is upwards of £1000 so round about £50+ a player. It doesn't take a genius to work out why Coventry refused to travel to Solway and there may be more teams making that same decision next season. Solway players are paid and costs are covered unlike many of the amateur teams struggling to make ends meet week to week. What if teams find it more economical to stay away from NIHL 1 just to survive? There is obviously a groundswell of teams looking at their bottom line and wondering if they can afford to stay in the league. A lot of talking to be done but it sounds like Mr Taggart as already made the decision for the status quo.
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Pucky
Pat Casey
Posts: 250
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Post by Pucky on Mar 6, 2013 15:23:52 GMT
TBH I can't see it happening.
Splitting South/Midlands/North was mooted a couple of years ago - before the split to Div 1/2, but included shifting (IIRC) Peterborough, Oxford and MK from the South and Nottingham, Coventry and Telford from the North into a Midlands conference with a few other teams I can't remember. This left the North pretty much intact as was and making all leagues pretty competative. It was rejected then and I really can't see this proposal making it off the ground. It seems to be driven by 1 team only and I'm not sure how much support it has from the rest of the North.
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Post by humbucker on Mar 7, 2013 0:31:14 GMT
Pucky, I don't know about just one team driving change unless you have some inside information? As far as I know, and that's not much, there have been several teams expressing an interest in change and these have been mentioned by M Black on Coast to Coast and that is about my sum total, knowledge wise. I assume this information/rumour came from a number of clubs. I can also only assume that economics played a part in the interest in change rearing it's collective head. It certainly looks like the proposition, if put forward, is not to be considered anyway. It would appear that Mr Taggart points to lack of player development should change be considered but in the main I am not sure how much development occurs anyway as most teams appear to go on pretty well unchanged for years in some cases. The odd player might make it to the higher leagues but the bulk of the teams appear pretty static staff wise hence the number of old time hockey players still gracing our teams. I suppose all options need discussion even if no change occurs?
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Post by humbucker on Mar 8, 2013 19:59:46 GMT
If all goes well this weekend with the results for the Lions they could be league champions by Sunday night. There is always a 'but' and the but is that they have to win both games away and at home with their oponents seeking to halt the Lions progress. It will certainly be a potential nail biter up in Fylde as a couple of key players may not be available for this game and Fylde are a hard hitting unit on an incredibly small ice surface so little chance of ducking the hits. Fylde is an ideal rink for spoiling the potential party but failure to get the result is not the end as Fylde come to the NIC a week on Sunday and the league could be wrapped up at that game. On Sunday the visitors are Blackburn Eagles who have yet to put points on the board this season but even this team have some hard guys but there again, realistically the Lions should get the points if they play their usual game. Games still have to be won and the Lions will need to give their all in both of these games. Good luck and a safe journey to and from sunny Blackpool.
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Post by humbucker on Mar 9, 2013 19:56:15 GMT
Massive step towards the League Title tonight as the Lions brought down the Fylde Flyers with a 3-12 on the road win. No fewer than 7 goal scorers with a star performance from Christy-Johnson Brown who rattled in five goals. Period scores 1-2/2-6/0-4. A long but happy journey to Nottingham tonight arriving at around midnight. Hopefully the team get a good rest as they prepare to take on Blackburn Eagles at the NIC on Sunday face off around 7-15pm. It would be great to see a big crowd tomorrow as the Lions could be the League Champions with three games still to go. From thereonin the Lions mifght have a big say in who will reach the only play-off slot as three teams fight for second place. Deeside Dragons take on Sheffield Senators in Wales on Sunday before returning home to meet the Dragons on home ice for their final game of the season. A win for the Senators could lead them to second place whilst Solihull Baron's have a home and away games against the Lions as they try to secure that second place play=off spot. Given the way the Barons approach their games these could be quite nasty affairs and they have the muscle to impose their will on any team on their night. Exciting or what? Let's just get the job done U Lions!! Well done on securing the first two points of the weekend.
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Post by humbucker on Mar 9, 2013 22:42:57 GMT
The Barons had the thinnest of wins tonight as they beat Blackburn Eagles 4-5 at the eagles nest up in sunny Lancashire. My did they cut that one fine! The Eagles whole team received their MOM for creating their nearest chance of a win this season. Losing that game would probably have proved curtains for the Solihull outfit so a relieved Barons head home to await the visit of the Lions on 24 March.
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Post by humbucker on Mar 10, 2013 17:32:39 GMT
Not happy at Deeside as Sheffield have called in a player from the EPL Steeldogs for tonight's game in Wales. The Dogs have not made the play offs so little to play for now other than helping the Senators to achieve a play off spot in NIHL 2. Apparently the move is perfectly legal as the player is under 21 and part of the Sheffield Academy. There appears to be all our war of words down in deepest Solihull between Mr Bellerby (Coach) and a Mr Nigel Ward ex Solihull and apparently sacked at some stage by Mr Bellerby. Quite heated with all sorts of scarcely veiled threats passing between these two gentlemen.It is looking a little like game set and match to the present coach but anything can happen. Oh the joys of ice hockey you just couldn't make this up but colourful nevertheless. Will be at the game tonight to hopefully see the Lions crowned NIHL 2 League Champions.
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Shaggy
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Am I a cynical idealist or an idealistic cynic?
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Post by Shaggy on Mar 10, 2013 22:44:58 GMT
And the Lions are promoted back up to NIHL North Division 1, where they belong!
With a 15-0 hammering of basement boys Blackburn Eagles tonight, this means that the Lions can't be shifted from the top slot... and still have 3 games to go! (the next one is at home to Fylde next Sunday).
Former Panther, #13 Simon Hunt got MoM as well.
It's been a good night for Nottingham ice hockey... ;D
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Post by Jevon Swinscoe on Mar 11, 2013 0:00:34 GMT
Went to this game and oh my god it was freezing! A great win for the Lions who were 7-0 up after the 1st Period.
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Post by humbucker on Mar 11, 2013 0:01:48 GMT
It's in the bag the Lions took out the Eagles and took the league title tonight on home ice with a sterling and lethal performance. All credit to the Blacburn side who must have known that they were on a hiding to nothing by entering the Lions Den. They turned up, gave their all and tried their best to hold off the onslaught and for that alone they deserve a medal. The lions were ruthless in their dispatching of their latest victim and showed no mercy at all. Job done regarding promotion but still three to go. Deeside dealt a blow to Sheffield Senators hopes of second spot tonight over in Wales but have the chance to return the favour back in Sheffield and with a 2 to 1 lead in the head to head Sheffield might still have the edge. Solihull are still in the race if they can win both of their games against the Lions. Savour the moment guys. Panthers took a massive step towards a making it a double win for Nottingham as they beat Hull and Belfast came unstuck in Scotland. Looking good but work still to do. Just a great night for Nottingham hockey.
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Post by Lucy on Mar 11, 2013 0:02:58 GMT
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE LIONS !!!
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BigLad
David Clarke
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Post by BigLad on Mar 11, 2013 10:58:51 GMT
Well done to the Lions!
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Post by mjblack on Mar 13, 2013 11:50:00 GMT
Message for Shaggy. Please can you check your PMs on TheHockeyForum?
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Post by panthermatt on Mar 13, 2013 14:59:40 GMT
Fantastic well done to all at the Lions. Lets hope for more success this weekend with the Panthers
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Post by humbucker on Mar 16, 2013 0:06:09 GMT
Well done Panthers on being crowned the Elite League Champions 2012/13 just two more competitions to win for the Grand Slam. First the Lions now the Panthers Nottingham is truly proud of your achievement.
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MP
Paul Adey
Hail hurts and rain is cold. Summer in the mountains
Posts: 6,811
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Post by MP on Mar 16, 2013 0:45:48 GMT
Games against the Hawks were always close-fought things, and we've come away with the points a few times in the past when we shouldn't have done! You could always guarantee a good game whenever the two teams met. Sadly the Eagles don't measure up. Ooops! Spot on Pucky, I was thinking Hawks not Eagles.... sadly I'm out of touch these days - explains why the scoreline was so good though! ;D Congratulations to the Lions on their promotion - a just reward for the hard work put into the club by many people. Gratifying to see Lions like Lacho stepping up and performing at the highest level - seems like yesterday I was watching him of a Sunday night on The Olympic rink..... WELL DONE LIONS ONE AND ALL. |
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Post by humbucker on Mar 16, 2013 16:37:26 GMT
Play off spot still up for grabs following the Lions league title win last weekend. Sheffield Senators are home to Deeside Dragons the evening needing the points following the Dragons win at home against the Sen's last week. Deeside will believe that they have wrapped up that play off spot should they win tonight as the Lions have home and away games against the Solihull Barons with the expectation that certainly on home ice and it being the last game of the season that the Lions will want that final win to end their season on a high. I am sure that the Barons have other ideas and will be going all out for 2 wins to assure them of that play off spot. Plenty of good hockey games to play before the summer recess.
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Post by humbucker on Mar 16, 2013 19:50:29 GMT
It looks like the Deeside Dragons are firmly in the driving seat for that play off spot as the Sheffield Senators hit the buffers tonight going down 1-6 to the Welsh outfit. They will be hoping that the Lions now do them a favour by taking out the Solihull Barons. Now all season the Deeside coach has rattled on about the luck that other teams have had against them when losing games, particularly against the Lions. That same coach and the whole of the Deeside fan base, whingers and all, will be shouting for our boys now because all of their play off hopes rest on the Lions beating the Barons and allowing them that second place spot. Come on Mr Fellows give the boys a cheer for once it will not hurt, honestly. I'm sure you will wish us luck this time around.
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Shaggy
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Am I a cynical idealist or an idealistic cynic?
Posts: 10,995
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Post by Shaggy on Mar 17, 2013 22:42:43 GMT
The Lions handed out another hammering to a visiting team, this time the Fylde Flyers... they were horribly short-benched (11 outskaters and 1 goalie, I think) but all credit to them - they never gave up. However, with period scores of 4-0, 7-0 and 4-0... what can be said apart from the Lions totally dominated? It was nice to see the team play hard despite it being a completely nothing game for us.
The final 2 Lions games (away then home - the latter on Easter Sunday) are against Solihull Barons. Both of those games are, on paper at least, nothing games for the Lions as well. But there's a fair bit of bad blood between the two teams, so I can't see our guys sitting back... and Solihull are really going to want to win - because to get into second place (and therefore qualify for the play-off slot to be promoted alongside the Lions who are automatically promoted) they are going to need to win both games. Don't think we'll be inclined to let them. And when things don't go well for Solihull, it can get a tad feisty...
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