Post Match Reaction: Dundee Stars VS Belfast Giants

Wednesday’s clash saw second bottom in the EIHL Dundee Stars triumph in a 6-4 victory over the Belfast Giants.

After a bad start to the season, the win sees Dundee gain further momentum. Recording their fifth win in a row.

With tough games coming up against the Milton Keynes Lightning and the Sheffield Steelers. The Dundee Stars have to be at the top of their game to keep their momentum going.

However, this was Belfast’s second loss in a row. Maybe, just a blip in form. But Belfast had won eight games in a row beforehand.

Belfast have a game against the Guildford Flames and third in the table Cardiff Devils coming up.

Although, it looks a surprising result. It may suggest a change in fortunes for both sides. The Belfast Giants are only holding onto the top spot by one point. With the Nottingham Panthers and the Cardiff Devils close behind, ready to take over the top spot if Belfast’s current inconsistency continues.

Live Match Update – Dundee Stars Vs Belfast Giants

1st Period

01: Swindlehurst has an early effort for Belfast. It’s well saved by Dundee’s Goaltender.
02: Dundee go up the other end, forcing Murphy to make two saves for Belfast.
04: Sullivan has a go for Dundee just wide, keeping the pressure on Belfast.
07: GOAL: Ferlan makes it 1-0 to Belfast, after a long spell of possession.
08: GOAL: Dundee come back and score straight away. Boutin scoring his third goal of the season. Belfast are only in the lead for 50 seconds.
10: Mcfarlane gets a shot away, well saved by the Dundee Goaltender.
11: Too many men on the ice for Belfast and they lose Bishop to the penalty box, Dundee gain a two minute power play.
12: Belfast lose Riley to the penalty box, meaning Belfast only have three outfield players on the ice.
14: Belfast survive the five on three and return to full strength.
18: Belfast get their first power play. Chaloupka goes into the penalty box for holding the stick of an opponent.

2nd Period

21: The game becomes more physical after the break. Belfast are aggressive in attack, pressing from the front. 22: Goal: Dundee go on the counter attack and score, Bouchard makes it 2-1.
26: Vandermeer crashes a shot at goal, but it’s well kept out.
28: Beauvillier goes into the box for a late hit. Belfast are down to four players.
29: Goal: Johner equalises for Belfast. Belfast soak up pressure from Dundee well and hit them on the break. 2-2
31: Dundee lose Garrigan to the penalty box. Belfast now gain the advantage and are awarded a power play. 32: Goal: Power play goal for Belfast, Johner gets his second of the game. 3-2 to Belfast.
33: Ferland goes into the penalty box for Dundee.
35: Boutin goes into the penalty box for Dundee, meaning its 5 on 3 for a short while.
38: Goal: As Dundee return to full strength, they equalise through Bouchard. The score is 3-3 going into the interval.

3rd Period

45: Goal: Dundee make it 4-3. Garrigan sets up Hart for a tap in.
46. Goal: Dundee make it 5-3. Marquart giving Dundee a two-goal lead.
49: Dundee withstanding long periods of pressure by Belfast.
50: Goal: Dundee score on a breakaway. Bouchard gets his third and the score becomes 6-3.
56: Goal: Riley pulls one back for Belfast, 6-4.
58: Belfast sub their keeper for an extra outfield player, in search of a comeback.
60: The extra outfield player isn’t enough for Belfast. As Dundee win the game 6-4.

Wed 5th Dec: Match Preview – Dundee Stars Vs Belfast Giants

Wednesday’s game features two teams from the opposite ends of the table. Belfast are top with thirty-six points. Dundee are stuck second from bottom, with nineteen points.

Belfast have won nine out of their last ten EIHL games. The weekend saw Belfast struggle against a tough side in Sheffield Steeler’s.

Back to back action saw Belfast win the first game on Saturday but lose the Sunday tie against the Steeler’s. This put an end to Belfast’s winning streak.

Dundee won both of their games over the weekend. Recording wins over Coventry Blaze and the Cardiff Devils.

Although Belfast look like the favourites from the surface. Dundee have won their last four games and are playing at home.

As Dundee are starting to gain momentum after a bad start to the season, it will be interesting to see if they can make it five wins on the bounce by beating Belfast on Wednesday night.

Belfast need to put the weekends loss behind them and perform against Dundee. If Belfast don’t underestimate Dundee they should come out on top with the win.

A crucial game for both sides. Belfast need the win to stay top of the league, while Dundee will be hoping they can continue to push in the right direction.

Why the EIHL should Scrap the Foreign Player Limit

The EIHL and the EPL hold the position of being the top league for their retrospective sports, Ice Hockey and Football.

A comparison between the two leagues not only allows for a clear understanding of the popularity of each sport. But helps identify if there is a place in UK culture for top level Ice Hockey.

The popularity of the English Premier League in the UK is unquestionable. The EPL can thank the influx of foreign players and managers for its successful rise.

While the Elite Ice Hockey League has a lot of foreign nationals from the likes of the US and Canada. The league has a maximum foreign player limit.

Out of a maximum of twenty-two players, clubs can only have a maximum of fourteen foreign-imports. Three of these players, must be British at under twenty-three level.

The maximum limit for foreign players is put in place to develop British players. With the idea of making the GB team more competitive internationally.

The EPL often flirted with the idea of home-grown players. Eight of the twenty-five players in a squad must be home-grown players.

However, in the EPL a player counts as home-grown if they’ve been with a club for three or more years by the age of twenty-one.

As the players don’t have to be English. It skirts around the issue of making the English national team more competitive. This shows that the EPL’s obvious priority is to have the best league in the world.

This avoids a conflict of interest, as it is unlikely a country can have the best national team and the best league.

If the EIHL had the primary objective of growing the league, the best thing to do would be to scrap the foreign player limit.

As players from countries that have better developed leagues will bring different styles and tactics. This could only benefit the league. As better players make a better league.

Elite Ice Hockey League: Match Day Experience

On Sunday evening I attended my first ever EIHL game. The face off between Guildford Flames and Belfast Giants started at 6pm.

Although Sunday evening seemed an obscure time to attend a game. This is of the leagues interest, as fans of other sports are not occupied and can therefore pay attention to the EIHL.

As the crowd began to filter in. The players came out to warm up. With each side bringing out two dozen pucks to cover their twenty players.

IH1

After the warm up, the players go back into the dressing room. Presumably to get one last briefing by their respective managers.

This gives perfect opportunity to build the atmosphere. The lights are dimmed and ‘pump up’ music ensues for a couple of minutes.

As the players remerge and with the game about to start. The players turned to face a screen where a picture of the British flag was displayed and the national anthem was played.

While this pre game ceremony showed that there is still an element of patriotism in the UK at domestic level. The tradition certainly originates from Canada and America.

With Belfast being top of the league. Guildford had to be at the top of their game to stand any chance of toppling the Giants.

As both sides had won Saturday night. It was interesting to see who would have the upper hand as the game went on.

Belfast started well, showing their quality early on. The Giants were rewarded for their efforts as Murphy opened the scoring to make it 1-0.

Pure silence after the goal suggested there were minimal Belfast fans in attendance to view their team in action.

Guildford started to grow into the game and soon equalised through the effort of Ferguson after twelve minutes.

IH5

With the game stuck at 1-1, the second period proved to be crucial. Both Goalkeepers put in steely performances to deny their opposition forwards.

The Giants managed to regain their lead and make it 2-1, five minutes before the end of the second.

Going into the final period. The setting was intense. With the crowd just shy of 1700, and the flames chasing the game. The atmosphere was electric.

As the clock ran down, the Giants soaked up the barrage of attacks put forward by the Flames. To overthrow Belfast, Guildford substituted their goalkeeper for an outfield player.

The tactic didn’t prevail as Belfast went on the counter attack and scored. This happened on two separate occasions, meaning the final result was 4-1.

I would highly recommend going to watch a live EIHL game. The pace and agility of the game is so much more apparent to the naked eye. The players navigate the ice with ease.

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Guildford Flames light up Coventry Blaze with a Stellar Performance

A middle of the road clash took place as Coventry Blaze battled Guildford Flames for fifth place.

Although both sides were sat with twenty points. Guildford looked to have the advantage, having put eight goals past Manchester Storm in their previous match.

With six of those goals coming from power plays. It would be crucial for Coventry to stay disciplined and not lose players to the penalty box.

Both Sides started the game aggressively. In an attempt to gain the upper hand early on. Guildford gained the advantage after five minutes. After Ackered found himself in space and scored his eighth of the season.

Fullerton proved to be crucial in goal for Guildford. Ensuring the Flames would close out the first period 1-0.

The second period bought much of the same action. Coventry pressed the puck well. Enabling them to keep up with Guildford’s aggressive tactics.

Coventry’s effort was rewarded ten minutes into the second Period. With Hanson scoring his fifth goal of the season, making it 1-1.

The game shortly became four on four. As two players received a minor penalty and were sent to the box.

Foster immediately made it 2-1 to Guildford with six minutes of the period left to play. Ackered then made it 3-1 within the same power play. Displaying Guildford’s ability to dominate teams when having a player advantage on a power play.

Guildford then pressed home their advantage early on in the final period. Scoring two goals within the first thirty five seconds.

Reddick scored just twelve seconds in, to make it 4-1. Lindhagen then converted just seconds after play restarted. Making the score line 5-1.

Lindhagen scored his second of the game six minutes from time. Wrapping up the tie and putting the game out of reach from Coventry.

Ainsworth scored a consolation goal for Coventry with two minutes to play. Meaning the game finished 6-2 to Guildford.

Guildford’s constant rotation of players allowed the side to perform energetically all game. Their dominance at power plays proved to be too much for Coventry on the night.

This win sees Guildford jump two points above Coventry in the League. Putting Guildford in a good position to take on Glasgow and top of the League Belfast Giants at the weekend.

Ice Hockey: Britain’s Biggest Indoor Sport

Although Ice Hockey’s popularity can be questioned when compared against sports like Football. It is one of the most viewed indoor sports in the UK.

The Elite Ice Hockey League is made up with teams from each nation of the United Kingdom. Boasting a record that no other sport in the UK can match.

Across the 2017/18 regular season, the average attendance for the Elite league was 2,678. Although the figure might look low, it places within the top ten ice hockey league averages in Europe and Asia.

The EIHL’s most viewed team is the Nottingham Panthers. The panthers 2017/18 league average was 5675. Placing them 40th in the most viewed Ice Hockey teams in Europe.

The success of having the highest average attendance can be reflected in the fact that the panthers are the only EIHL team to win a European honour. Winning the IIHF Continental Cup in the 2016/17 season.

The Sheffield Steelers finished second with an average attendance of 5352 in the 2017/18 season.

When applying the two most viewed teams in the EIHL to the football league. The Nottingham Panthers and the Sheffield Steelers would currently place in sixth and seventh place in League two.

This shows that the top clubs in the EIHL are not as far behind the UK’s favourite sport as you may think.

When compared to another indoor sport such as Handball. It can be identified that Ice Hockey in the UK has a bigger consistent following.

The Handball National Cup finals reached a record attendance of 1000 in the 2016/17 season. Which isn’t close to the level of the EIHL.

For a small sport in the UK, Ice Hockey pulls in ever increasing audiences. The fast paced nature of the game always gives the opportunity for an increased following as people are drawn in.

The average price expected to pay for a EIHL game is well under twenty pounds. Similarly to the price of league 2 football. It seems Ice Hockey in Britain has found its level and has the capability to grow even further.

Lightning Strikes: Milton Keynes Stun Glasgow Clan and End Losing Streak

Wednesdays Free Sports coverage saw Milton Keynes Lightning shock Glasgow Clan 6-1 in a highly anticipated game.

Lightning were going into the game off an eight game losing streak. While Glasgow Clan had won their last two, the Clan were going into the game as the favourites.

The resignation of Lightning’s Head Coach Doug McKay, just hours before the beginning of the game would prove to be a potential turning point in the outcome of the clash.

Looking like a newly motivated side, Lightning set the tempo from the start. Baillargeon scored after just two minutes. Co player interim manager Wallace doubled the lead for Lightning just five minutes into the first period.

Clan looked like a comeback might be on as they scored with a minute left on the clock. Leaving the score 2-1 at the end of the first period.

As a shift in momentum looked likely going into the second period. Clans unusual lack of discipline meant they lost players to the penalty box a number of times.

Through one of these power plays, Lightning pressed home their advantage. Wallace scored his second of the game, making it 3-1.

As the intensity of the game continued to gather pace. Wallace continues to lead by example, scoring his third of the game.

The second period came to a close at 4-1 to Lightning. The officials deserve massive credit for keeping the game under control at this point. As tempers frayed constantly.

Going into the third and final period. Neilly scored his ninth goal of the season for Lightning making the score line 5-1. This effectively put the game out of reach for the Clan. Making any comeback seem out of reach.

Lightning would then make it 6-1 through Golovkovs. Rounding up a dominant display and putting an end to their eight game losing streak.

Lightning will be looking to put a solid run of performances together after this win. In an attempt to get away from the bottom of the table and make a playoff push.

How Promotion and Relegation could Improve the Popularity of the EIHL

The implementation of promotion and relegation can positively impact the popularity of a sporting league.

The Elite Ice Hockey League features eleven teams from around the United Kingdom. Similarly to the MLS, the EIHL provides no promotion and relegation at the end of a season.

This approach, therefore provides little risk. With little risk, little reward usually follows.

The most successful league in the United Kingdom is the English Premier League. The popularity of the EPL is massively enhanced by the dramatic relegation battle that ensues every season.

With teams running the risk of dropping into the football league, the league provides an exciting concept. Match day attendances will often be higher as there is usually drama to be followed.

However, in the EIHL once a team has no chance of finishing in the playoffs, the match day attendances are likely to drop. Understandably less fans will show up when their team has little to play for.

The entertainment level of a league is what entices TV companies to buy the broadcasting rights for a league.

In 2016, BT and Sky bought the EPL broadcasting rights for over five billion pounds. This money is then split up between the twenty teams in the league.

Money received from selling broadcasting rights is ultimately what grows a league.

In the case of the EIHL more money will enable clubs to import better players from top leagues around the world such as the NHL.

Foreign players evidently improve the excitement and interest of a league. While it is important to develop home-grown players, it has to be realised these young players wouldn’t be of the quality to grow the EIHL.

AS Ice Hockey is not a mainstream sport in the UK. Young players are not being exposed to quality opposition and lack the funding to develop into top players.

To make the league more popular, world class players are needed as well as drama.

That being said, the best way for the EIHL to gain more funding is from companies to spend more money on the broadcasting rights.

This will only happen if the popularity of the EIHL grows.

The simple introduction of promotion and relegation can give the league the drama it needs for broadcasting companies to financially compete over the rights for the league.

This competition will inevitably increase the total price for the rights. Meaning the EIHL will receive more money and therefore has the ability to grow.

The EIHL: The Importance of Playoffs

Playoffs usually mean one thing, a dramatic finale to a hectic season. However, it also provides monetary gain for the teams involved.

The Elite Ice Hockey League consists of a sixty game season, played out by eleven teams. Each team will play the opposing sides six times.

The regular league season ultimately decides what seed each club will hold in the playoffs.

Teams from first to eighth place compete in the playoffs. Although this seems a very drawn out approach, there is reason for it.

British Ice Hockey lacks government funding. As it isn’t considered a mainstream sport like football.

Although some EIHL games are covered by Free sports, a free to view channel. The money received for this coverage wouldn’t be anywhere near the level what the EPL receive from Sky and BT.

Because of this, the EIHL use an extended playoff format at the end of the season. The two teams who make it to the playoff final, will play four extra games, on top of the regular sixty game season.

This extended format is generally used in leagues with a lower budget. As extra games provide the opportunity for clubs to make more money from their main source of income, match day revenue.

While the league winner of the regular season gains a place in the Champions Hockey League. The winner of the playoff final will get to compete in the IIHF Continental Cup.

With the reward of playing in an international tournament. The ‘Playoff Finals’ weekend is a marketable event that gives incentive for fans to turn up in the hope of spectating some dramatic ice hockey.