EHM The Blue Line

rmt_1982 wrote:There was some talk as well last season of some ECHL clubs looking at Robert Lachowicz as well, but, I'll believe them when I see them.

Interesting. I'd want it to be one of the better teams if any up and coming British player was to venture into the ECHL. The ECHL is better but only, I think, because of the NHL support it gets. Most of our imports have atleast AHL ability these days. Obviously coaching ect ect would be miles better but if they only went to some bottom of the league type team for a year then return is just as pointless

It's a shame Colin Shields didn't stay his time out in North America

Steelers have signed goalie Frank Doyle who had signed for Cardiff previously just a couple more slots left to fill now with 2 months left to go until the start of the season

MWE wrote:Steelers have signed goalie Frank Doyle who had signed for Cardiff previously just a couple more slots left to fill now with 2 months left to go until the start of the season

3 very good years in Italy, hopefully 3 good ones here too! However it's all about Steve Goertzen!

Peoples thoughts on EIHL teams playing pre season in Europe?

Garethw87 wrote:Peoples thoughts on EIHL teams playing pre season in Europe?

I think it's a good experience. So long as you've got enough of your core roster finalised.

I was planning to go to the Netherlands to see the tournament the Panthers were involved in. Unfortunately it clashed with moving house and so that put an end to that... On the plus side, I'm moving less than 5 minutes away from Guildford's arena and so I know where I'll be spending most of my weekends this coming season!

It's been a while since any NHL/AHL teams have come over. It'd be nice to see some more of them play against EIHL teams in the UK (and it'd be nice to see some more NHL Europe games).

archibalduk wrote:

Garethw87 wrote:Peoples thoughts on EIHL teams playing pre season in Europe?

I think it's a good experience. So long as you've got enough of your core roster finalised.

I was planning to go to the Netherlands to see the tournament the Panthers were involved in. Unfortunately it clashed with moving house and so that put an end to that... On the plus side, I'm moving less than 5 minutes away from Guildford's arena and so I know where I'll be spending most of my weekends this coming season!

It's been a while since any NHL/AHL teams have come over. It'd be nice to see some more of them play against EIHL teams in the UK (and it'd be nice to see some more NHL Europe games).

Ah shame you don't get to go to see the Panthers! I like how they are playing in tournaments too with clearly better competition. German teams, Swiss teams ect.

I can't believe the M.E.N Arena hasn't hosted NHL hockey yet!! We get NBA pre season - great. Want NHL!

Yeah it'd be nice to see some NHL in the UK again. Did you go to the Kings v Ducks game in the O2 about 6 years ago? I went to the Saturday game but not the Sunday game. I regretted missing the second game, but I was out of a job at the time and was already stretching my budget going to just the one.

I don't think I've been to any NHL Europe games that have actually been particularly exciting. I guess because they're always the first games of the season and the teams always look a bit rusty. I seem to recall the second game of the Rags v Kings game in Stockholm being fairly exciting (but the first one was very one-sided). Regardless, it's incredible to see the speed and skill of the NHL first-hand. It's a hell of a lot more impressive than seeing it on TV.

I think the only truly exciting game I've seen involving an NA team was the Bruins v UK Select team a few years ago in Belfast. We really gave them a run for their money. Sure, to the Bruins it was an exhibition game, but to stay so close to them throughout the game was a great achievement. Unlike the Gardiner Cup up in Edinburgh where the Giants and Caps didn't fare very well against the Toronto Marlies and Hamilton Bulldogs (but it was still fun to see those teams play). Seeing the AHL teams play made me realise how big the gap is between the AHL and the EIHL. Although I did think seeing the Playoff final last April that the gap has closed a little in relation to the likes of Nottingham and Belfast. In fact there were a couple of positive comments from coaches in the Eliserien and Allsvenskan IIRC about the level of skill on display in that game.

Steelers have signed former Springfield Falcon Tim Spencer

Nice signing. It'll be interesting to see him up against Benn Olson!

I'd always assumed Nottingham were the richest club in the league, but it's sounding like Sheffield have more cash to splash. I read an interesting statistic that Jonathan Weaver was apparently the highest ever paid player in the league (£1,200 per week) but apparently Robert Dowd's salary surpasses this (allegedly approx £1,500 - £2,000 per week). That's all rumour however because these things are kept so secret. If true, that's a lot of money.

Panthers sign Eric Werner for another season

archibalduk wrote:Nice signing. It'll be interesting to see him up against Benn Olson!

I'd always assumed Nottingham were the richest club in the league, but it's sounding like Sheffield have more cash to splash. I read an interesting statistic that Jonathan Weaver was apparently the highest ever paid player in the league (£1,200 per week) but apparently Robert Dowd's salary surpasses this (allegedly approx £1,500 - £2,000 per week). That's all rumour however because these things are kept so secret. If true, that's a lot of money.

It really frustrates me how we never find out financials of the teams! Why the big secret? It can't be because X team is spending so so much and they shouldn't be, because we all know this happens anyway!!

And your previous question.. No I didn't get to go to the NHL at the O2! I wanted to but with 1. i hate travelling down to london when there are just as much facilities up here! and 2. i was lazy and didn't organise it

Steelers have signed Gord Baldwin on a 2 year contract he was drafted in the 3rd round of the 2005 NHL draft by the Calgary Flames don't know if he actually ever played for them or not though.

Have just had confirmation of my reserved seat location for my season ticket with the Guildford Flames. Despite my relatively late application, I've got a cracking seat! It's the centre block behind the penalty boxes, second from back row and on the aisle. Pretty much the best view in the rink!

Re Gord Baldwin - He looks good! There have been a few ex-AHLers sign over the past two weeks.

http://www.coventryblaze.co.uk/index.ph ... ncellation

Really terrible news about Mike Egener. He's unable to sign with the Blaze as he's been suffering from a serious illness which attacks the nervous system. Apparently his illness is starting to get better, but he has a fairly lengthy recovery ahead of him.

Steelers hav there first pre-season game today away against HC Kosice