Another new week and another five things we’ve learned about the weekend just passed that reminded us just how good this sport is.
Big goals, big wins and the anticipation of more to come makes it an exciting time for ice hockey in the UK, but what are our takeaways? Allow us to explain…
1. Steelers show their character
Aaron Fox’s side churned out two good and very different victories to start the season in the best possible way.
A thumping 8-3 win over Manchester Storm was a great way to announce your return to competitive action, but the manner of their victory over Cardiff Devils really showed what they’re all about.
Coming from 4-2 down, they dug in and found a way to not only get themselves level, but go on and win the game 5-4 in overtime as Evan Mosey haunted his former team.
Could this be a sign of things to come? Who knows, but it’s an early indication of what Fox’s men are capable of.
Fife Flyers fans weren’t happy at their team’s showings at the weekend (PHOTO: Scott Wiggins)
2. Fife have plenty of work to do
If it all went right for Steelers, then for Fife, it went wrong in many ways for them. One goal in their opening two games from 43 shots combined and fans already upset.
It may be far too premature for that kind of negativity after only two games, but while they can point to lack of time to prepare, many teams can say that as well.
Flyers won’t find it any easier this weekend when they host Dundee then go to Cardiff so it’s already going to be a busy week for Todd Dutiaume and Jeff Hutchins.
Belfast Giants have had a good week (PHOTO: Derek Black)
3. Giants back with a bang
The Giants were certainly one of the quieter teams throughout lockdown, but they announced themselves back into action in more ways than one.
Their snazzy new logo and rebrand, coupled with two good road wins in Scotland ended a very productive for them on and off the ice and they can be happy with their outcome.
They are concentrating solely on the Challenge Cup until the middle of October and already the likes of David Goodwin and JJ Piccinich look like a couple of good points contributors
CJ Motte kept Fife Flyers at bay on Saturday for Coventry (PHOTO: Coventry Blaze)
4. Motte starting as he means to go on
Coventry Blaze’s re-signing of netminder CJ Motte was significant for Danny Stewart’s side and a sign they were keen to build on their third place pre-Covid lockdown finish.
His shutout against Fife Flyers underpinned that, seeing off all 21 shots that came his way and will get the Blaze faithful excited about what’s to come from him.
Motte posted three blanks in 24 appearances in 2019/20 with one in three games already this season, could well add to that further if things go his and Coventry’s way.
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🍊 Sheffield Steelers v Cardiff Devils 😈
Watch it LIVE now on Premier Sports 2 📺 pic.twitter.com/5HXkNqTVPe
— Viaplay Sports UK (@ViaplaySportsUK) September 26, 2021
5. Premier Sports are here to stay
Yes, the coverage started 20 minutes late and there were issues, such as the absence of the scoreline and clock in the top left corner, but do you know what? They got through a troubled first show and delivered an excellent first game.
Occurrences like what happened are unlikely to be repeated and given the talent and experience they have to carry the programme, things will only improve from here on in.
Premier Sports’ coverage of the Elite League is here to stay and already delivered better drama than the ending of Vigil on Sunday. Let’s see more – and plenty more – soon.
