Nottingham Lions

[humbucker]

Can do no more than agree with Shaggy regarding the Fylde Flyers because let's be right some teams might have thought sod it and coceded a 5-0 and not turned up, so heads up to them for giving it a go. The Lions remained as ruthless as ever and took the game very comfortably. Now the next couple of weekend games look particularly tasty as Shaggy said the Barons desperately need the two wins or the play off spot is Deeside's. A tad feisty is probably putting it very mildly with a distinct possibility of war breaking out unless controlled well by the officials. Hopefully the Lions will just play it smart as in a physically head to head battle with the Barons the Lions would be the losers, dependent upon who the players match up against. Best to avoid the Perry Doyles of this world as they can hurt you of that there is no doubt. The last game is at home so no need for heroics at the Hobs Moat the job is done this season, but a final couple of wins would be a nice way to round off the season and make Mr Fellows of Deeside a happy and lucky man.

[humbucker]

Trafford are relegated to NIHL 2 for next seasos and Coventry having to play off to avoid the drop against either Deeside Dragons or Solihull Barons. If Deeside beat Hull stingrays at Hull then they will have 35 points for the season. Should the Barons beat the Lions twice in their last two games they will be on 35 points also but have a better head to head tally goals wise than Deeside and would take the play off spot. Should Deeside lose at Hull then the Barons would only require one win and a draw against the Lions to achieve their goal of that elusive play off spot. Should the Barons win their home game with our boys then a big gate will be assured for the return fixture at the NIC as the Barons army hit Nottingham on Easter Day. The day of resurrection for the Barons, or another season in NIHL 2 for the West Midlands club, we shall see on the 31st March? Be there this could be good!

[dragonsfan]

Well done to nottingham, a deserved promotion after a strong season in this league. But I've been following the posts on here and I think some of them are unfair on deeside and steve fellows in particular. I remember the nottingham coach didn't let him give an interview after the dragons won away at nottingham so i suspect that may be something to do with the rivalry he's trying to stoke up on here. I think some of the media commentary from the lions has been frankly embarassing this season, they seem to take themselves far too seriously for an amateur ice hockey club, who do they think is actually going to watch their interviews? Also, humbucker does like to talk to himself on here doesn't he? I suspect that this is their coach bradberry in disguise as he does seem to talk a lot about the great efforts of their coaching staff on a regular basis instead of the performance of their actual team. I'll be paying close attention to how they fare in a higher league next season. They may have some strong forward players but their defence hasn't been properly tested all year and will certainly struggle against much stronger opposition. Lets hope they can at least keep their winning streak going and give us a chance to make that 2nd spot this season.

[drouindrouin]

who do they think is actually going to watch their interviews?

26,783 people since November 2011

Also, humbucker does like to talk to himself on here doesn't he? I suspect that this is their coach bradberry in disguise.

Humbucker isn't Matt Bradbury ;D

And in my opinion the reason the Lions take things seriously is the part of the reason they are league champions with three games to spare!

They may be amateurs but there is no harm in portraying themselves and playing with a professional attitude.

[lukethomas]

Mar 19, 2013 15:32:34 GMT dragonsfan said:

I remember the nottingham coach didn't let him give an interview after the dragons won away at nottingham so i suspect that may be something to do with the rivalry he's trying to stoke up on here.

I believe no interview was done with Dragons coach after the loss in Nottingham as he declined to give an interview following the lions win in Deeside.

Have a tootle on over to the Lions website and have a read of my Q and A session that was recently posted, the last question in particular. The professional manor in which the team has been ran is nothing short of fantastic. I have played on both 'amateur pay to play' teams and 'semi-pro, no fees' teams and never has a coach managed to strike up such a professional attitude with a 'bunch of amateurs' like Matt has this season. I truly believe this is why we have won the league with 3 games to go. While other teams seemed to have fall outs, ups and downs etc, we stood strong.

As for the defence been tested, we have conceded 25 goals less than the closest rival in terms of goals against, yet have had many a tough game against the likes of Deeside, Sheffield and Solihull. Some achievement for such a young and inexperienced defensive unit. This is a good solid base for moving onwards and upwards next season.

[humbucker]

Well Drogansfan for a start I believe Bradberry is spelt Bradbury and I am definitely not him and it is up to whether or not you believe that I am truthful. I believe you have had several attempts at cracking the Lions defence this season and actually managed it once. Luke Thomas has said all that needs to be said regarding his coach and the way a team that was rebuilt has performed so well this season. None are paid and are totally amateur excepting their attitude to the game is professional as was said in an interview with the coach earlier in the season. Mr Fellows has if you care to read or check out his interviews has used the word 'luck' on a number of occasions when failing in particular games but maybe that is what he truly believes, who knows? I comment on what I see, and read as well as taking an interest in the leagues in general. I could be classed,on occasions, as a bit of an anorak I suppose? If I have upset Dragonsfan that was not the intention just my take on events and that is all and as with all posters I have an opinion, right or wrong. I have not abused anyone as far as I can see but obviously ruffled a few feathers. Anyway I hope that one of the final two up for possible promotion make it from NIHL 2 to Div 1 but I really don't mind who!

[Shaggy]

Dragons fan... if you want to talk about embarrassing commentary, then perhaps you should consider a comment seen on your own team's website earlier this season - " if the Nottingham Lions fell into a pit of turd they would come out smelling of roses".. People in glass houses shouldn't throw stones, eh?

As for "they seem to take themselves far too seriously for an amateur ice hockey club" - what's your problem? Jealousy, perhaps? The Lions management have, in the past couple of years, made huge efforts to spread the word about the Lions using social media etc, and to bring in sponsorship of a level that we have never known before. They have done this by trying to be as 'professional' as possible, rather than 'amateur'. They have succeeded far better than when all of this was done by a few volunteers - I should know, I was one of said volunteers... we tried our best, we really did - but we did not have the skills, contacts or personnel to succeed anywhere near as well as the current management team have done.

Remember... the Lions have to make themselves noticed in a much tougher environment than that which the Deeside Dragons have to cope. The Nottingham Panthers have the largest fanbase in UK ice hockey, and their publicity & promotional efforts are the envy of many other clubs. The Lions have to work a hell of a lot harder than the Dragons just to get noticed.

Good luck in your efforts to get to the promotion playoff spot - I for one would rather see you guys get it than Sheffield or Solihull - but remember... even though we've lost most of our veteran players in the past year or two, we've still clearly been the best team this season. No amount of sour grapes can change that fact.

[humbucker]

Cleared at least 4" of snow off the driveway yesterday and was met with another snow moving job again today. I was thinking that the Lions might be putting this game on hold due to the conditions but as far as I am aware the boys are now on the road to Solihull. A number of the local pundits are giving it a definite win for the Barons with odd posts looking at a four goal spread. It will certainly be a tough call given that the Lions were outshot massively last time down the Hobs Moat but snatched a 2-1 win. The Lions are the only team to take 2 points from Solihull with the Stingrays taking one point from their tie very much earlier in the season. The Barons need all of four points from their final two games against the Lions to be assured of the play off place against Coventry Blaze for the step up to Div 1 next season. The Lions just need to play a smart game and stay out of trouble as the home game next Sunday will be equally as tough and with more riding on that game as the Lions will be wanting a good result at home in their last game whilst the Barons might be looking at a definite play off spot should they turn over the Lions. Game on!! Deeside game at Hull snowed off yesterday.

[humbucker]

The Lions had the tables turned tonight as they went down 8-0 at the Hobs Moat against a team eager to get that play off spot. It was always going to be a tough game and it turned out to be a penalty strewn affair. Joe Wightmwn was thrown out of the game and in a way this was not surprising given the punishment he inflicted on the Barons when they visited Nottingham. He would be the obvious target given his goal scoring prowess this season. As expected this was a very feisty affair but all credit to the Barons as they take a big step to nudge Deeside out of the play offs. Only one thing stands in their way and that is the home game in Nottingham next Sunday against the Lions. Deeside are probably regretting not getting the results they required earlier in the season but they are now history. Barons 33 pts Deeside 33 pts. Deeside needing to win away at Hull and Solihull needing the win in Nottingham The Barons have the edge in the head to head 20 goals to 19, it's been that tight. What a season!!

[lukethomas]

A poor showing from us in the 3rd period made the scoreline more flattering than the whole game suggests. At 3-0 down going into the 3rd, all was still to play for. But an early goal for the Barons early in the 3rd (kicked in i must add!!) was the final nail in the coffin. Periods 1 and 2 were a good showing from the guys, having shots cleared off the line and chances just not bouncing quite right. Eddie slater made a couple of sliding blocks to keep lions out and thats what ultimately gave Solihull the win.

As Captain, I've got to appologise to the fans for the complete collapse in the 3rd. League already won or not, its no excuse to give up so easily when others in the league are counting on our result. It was embarasing and out of order, and something that we will work to put right for next weekend.

Still only 3 losses for the season, and we have always bounced back with a good win following the previous 2 defeats. Lets hope next weekend is no different and we can provide a good win to help with the crowning of the league champions after the game!

[humbucker]

It takes b***s to post an apology so heads up to Luke for taking his job of captain to another level, in my opinion. I hope the bruised and battered players get chance to recover before the home game next Sunday. I'm sure that not only are the guys physically bruised but the ego took a knock having taken the first real beating this season. Pity about Joe getting the boot in the first period but it was obviously a sign to how the game was going to turn out. I hope Steep's is ok and up for the return game following his battle with Perry Doyle, not many would go a round with that guy but for an 18 yr old to try him out is virtually unheard of!! Big crowd expected at NIC as the troops are really being rallied in Solihull. 820 at the game last night and that is their biggest gate of the season. Not many clubs pull that sort of attendances and there are even the odd Elite League clubs that would'nt say no to over 800 punters. I believe the Barons regularly have over 500 through the door for home games, not bad at all. I wonder what the Barons wage bill is as some of their players are paid to play. Three losses from 23 games is not a bad tally for a young and a quite lightweight team. They have exceeded all expectations as the Lions were not even in the frame as a serious contenders never mind the league champions.

[rmt1982]

Mar 25, 2013 19:24:43 GMT humbucker said:

I hope Steep's is ok and up for the return game following his battle with Perry Doyle, not many would go a round with that guy but for an 18 yr old to try him out is virtually unheard of!!

When I saw him mention taking on Perry, I thought he was a bit mad, but he did well. Having seen what Perry can do in the gym, hes a big unit, even if he is a veteran compared to some..

[drouindrouin]

The Nottingham Lions are delighted to announce that Sunday evening’s final game of the season against local rivals Solihull Barons will now take place in the CapitalFM Arena with a 7.30pm face off.

Due to high ticket demand from both the Nottingham hockey faithful and the traveling Solihull supporters, the decision was made to switch the game from the Lions’ usual home of the Capital One rink, to the much grander surroundings of next-door’s arena pad.

This now provides an opportunity for all Panthers fans who will have been watching the play off quarter-final against Fife to give themselves an extended Easter Sunday hockey-fix by taking their Panthers ticket to the box office after the game to gain entry to the Lions’ big season finale for just £3.

Not only will you get to see two fierce Midlands rivals battle it out on the hallowed arena pad but also, with no school or work for many on Monday morning – there is no excuse not to be there to see the Lions receive the league championship trophy after the game. There simply has never been a better time to catch a Lions game!!

Nottingham have beaten the Barons both home and away this season but they will be licking their wounds and planning revenge after Sunday night’s uncharacteristic 8-0 defeat at Solihull Ice Rink.

A win for Matt Bradbury’s side would be a great end to what has been an outstanding season for the Lions, whilst a victory for Solihull would secure them second place in the table and a two-legged promotion/relegation playoff against their Division One-based, West Midlands rivals Coventry Blaze.

Ticket Details - nottinghamlionsenl.com/2013/03/sundays-big-derby-clash-moved-to-arena/

[thebestpanthers]

Any chance of a deal to get Panthers fans to watch this or do the times clash??

[BigLad]

The game starts at 7:30. Panthers fans show their ticket and get in for £3

[Shaggy]

Mar 28, 2013 20:56:45 GMT thebestpanthers said:

Any chance of a deal to get Panthers fans to watch this or do the times clash??

The times don't clash... the Lions will be on after the Panthers (4pm starts usually end up finishing around 6:30-6:45... Lions will face off at 7:30pm).

Even better... anyone with a ticket to the Panthers PO QF game vs Fife can go to the box office and get a ticket for the Lions game for £3 instead of the usual £5 - just present your Panthers game ticket.

And I'm told that one of the bars on the concourse (likely one near Block 15, which I believe will be the main block for the Lions game) will be kept open for the Lions game.

[keefe a.k.a Donk]

What's the likelyhood of a tilt between hunty and perry Doyle?

[Shaggy]

Mar 31, 2013 1:43:06 GMT keefe a.k.a Donk said:

What's the likelyhood of a tilt between hunty and perry Doyle?

In all honesty - I don't know. But as far as I know, both players you name will be icing, Solihull are desperate for the win, and there's the little matter of payback for last week...

So I certainly wouldn't rule it out!

[keefe a.k.a Donk]

I will certainly be staying on. The possibility of seeing hunty smash the living day lights out of that horrible little man is too much to miss.

[Shaggy]

Just a little update on the £3-ticket-with-a-Panthers-ticket offer... please don't go to the NIC box office before or during the Panthers game to buy your Lions ticket... you will only be able to buy a Lions ticket after the Panthers game ends (but there'll still be plenty of time).

As far as I know, Block 15 will be the main block opened up for the Lions game... if (hopefully when! ;D) that fills up then the NIC will be opening up one or both of the adjacent blocks.

Hopefully see you there...

[humbucker]

Well this is it, the last game of a very memorable season and a local derby that really means something to Solihull as this could be their gateway to a crack at Div 1 status along with the Lions. as an aside an interesting result from last night as The Stingrays beat Sheffield Senators at Sheffield. The Stingrays are due to play Deeside Dragons on 7 April in a game that could seal a playoff place for them should Solihull not get the win tonight. What a season for the rebuilt Lions with the coach and his colleagues coming in for a bit of a hammering as some of the Nottingham 'old guard' were non too pleased at being either not re-signed or strongly advised to seek another club. Some players moved and others retired after long service with the Lions and a mixture of youth and old heads helped the team bounce back from relegation to league champions at the first attempt.It might be true to say that this was unexpected with a number thinking either that the Lions lacked ambition and would stay firmly in NIHL 2 whilst others certainly held other ambitions/ideas. It was a possibility that the Lions might have spent this season purely rebuilding and preparing for the step up in a season or two but the effort put in this season by the coaches, backroom team, and the Lions themselves has paid off withan eearly return to NIHL 1. Whatever happens tonight this is a season to be savoured and remembered but mpered by the challenges ahead.

[humbucker]

Edit: Should have said 'tempered by the challenges ahead'. Fingers moving ahead of the brain!!

[oldman]

not seen many but enjoyed last nights game, except for the nutter with the drum.

[humbucker]

That's it for season 2012/13 and what a great season the boys have had with an immediate return from the doldrums of last season's disappointment to the heights of league champions this year. Panthers may be up for the 'Grand Slam' with the league championship in the bag and two to go. What a year for Nottingham Ice Hockey! The final game did not actually catch fire but the Lions did put in a workman like performance to bury the memories of their visit to the Hobs Moat last Sunday. The Barons did leave their mark, mainly on some of the Lions, rather than the scoreboard as they really used their physical dominance to put the Lions in their place. It was a bit like David and Goliath but we know what happened to Goliath as he also fell in the end, the bigger they are and all that comes to mind. Perry came close to decapitating young Greaves for which a 2+10 was handed out and the equally young Jo Steeples took a big hit as the game drew to a close from Dave Rodger that saw him leave with suspected concussion. A number of other players received some special Solihull treatment but stood firm and took the game to them. A deserved win and a great end to a remarkable season. Do I hear the sound of Welsh voices singing 'There'll be a Welcome in the Hillside' following this result? Deeside Dragonsare back in the race if they can overcome Hull Stingrays in Hull next Sunday whilst Solihull can only sit and wait for the outcome of that game to decide whether or not their season is over. Hull have proved that on their ice and on their night they are quite formidable. There's hope for the Barons yet, watch this space. Well done Lions now take a well earned rest and prepare for the battles ahead during 2013/14.

[BigLad]

Mar 31, 2013 10:50:45 GMT Shaggy said:

Just a little update on the £3-ticket-with-a-Panthers-ticket offer... please don't go to the NIC box office before or during the Panthers game to buy your Lions ticket... you will only be able to buy a Lions ticket after the Panthers game ends (but there'll still be plenty of time).

As far as I know, Block 15 will be the main block opened up for the Lions game... if (hopefully when! ;D) that fills up then the NIC will be opening up one or both of the adjacent blocks.

Hopefully see you there...

Just a note, I was able to buy my Lions ticket before the Panthers match (at £3 for a Panthers ST holder). We got to the arena just after doors opened at 2:30.

Wish they'd use the majority of music played at Lions games at Panthers. Was even able to get a request through to play some Dropkick Murphys!

Well done Lions.