Tony to lend a Hand...

[andyd]

Surprised this hasn't come up anywhere, Tony Hand is coming out of international retirement to play for GB again, he's also going to be a part of the coaching team as player/assistant coach.

Hand back in GB fold

[Shaggy]

I'm definitely in two minds about this one....

On the plus side, there's absolutely no doubting Tony Hand's skills, experience and on-ice hockey brain. None whatsoever.

However, I do have 3 reservations:-

1). Personal experience. The last time Tony Hand played in a GB jersey (Hungary 2002) he was - not to put too fine a point on it - absolutely dreadful. It's not just me that thought this... there were approximately 200 GB fans there, and the majority were very noisily showing their lack of approval. And remember - these are dedicated GB fans who are very passionate about the team... just happen to be capable of passionately showing frustration with poor performances, as well as showing support.
If he didn't play well or give a damn then... will he now? (that's a real question, I don't know the answer).

2). Are his legs going? I've seen him twice so far this season, and he looked slow. Noticeably slower than last season. With 5 games in 7 days at the Worlds - is he physically up to it? - especially after a full domestic season. (Again, real question - not a closed mind).

3). I still wish Thompson had chosen someone from the EPIHL as the second assistant coach. Not because I think he'll ignore EPIHL (I don't think he's that stupid) nor because he won't try to get a handle on the available players in that league (because I think he's professional enough to at least try)... but simply because I don't see how it will be possible to properly evaluate the EPIHL talent.

Tony Hand is a British ice hockey legend.
Legends usually come from the distant past.

Are we all looking too much at what he was at his peak, and not at what he can offer us now?

[ashotinthedark]

I'm with the Shagster on this one, when he played us he seemed to have all the positioning and passing he always had but the speed was definitely less than in previous years, you do have to ask how much of this is a sop to his current role at Manchester as player and coach as I suspect he won't be on the ice that much, and it will be a large bench methinks, with other the like of Clarke, Myers and Tait to fill his shoes.

[Shaggy]

ashotinthedark said:

I'm with the Shagster on this one, when he played us he seemed to have all the positioning and passing he always had but the speed was definitely less than in previous years, you do have to ask how much of this is a sop to his current role at Manchester as player and coach as I suspect he won't be on the ice that much, and it will be a large bench methinks, with other the like of Clarke, Myers and Tait to fill his shoes.

Except that GB can't afford to have any player on the bench with only a minimal role out on the ice... a fixed limit to the number of players available, plus 5 games in 7 days - a punishing schedule which usually shortens the bench a bit through injury - and it seems clear to me that we need every player at 100%.

If TH is fully capable of handling the job, fine - his skills and experience will be invaluable. If not... then don't even let him take his skates. All or nothing.

[matt44]

He may be old but he has 11 points in 7 games upto yet. Plus I think he averaged over a point per game.

[KIGOIUK]

I said this was on the cards in the apointment thread of thompson re scottish input of coaching in the GB sqaud , but personaly I think they have missed the boat in not signing Heavy up for a position on the coaching staff of GB .

[spik]

Drops out the GB team at will. Pops back in when we attain Pool A status too.