Swings, Roundabouts and odds and ends...

It seems I was a bit hasty with the earlier post-there's more news, including proof in the first item that you shouldn't believe all you hear...Oh, and all the links are now working-I didn't manage to copy the URL for the Steve Pelletier pic properly, which ruined one of the lookalikes somewhat. :)

Panthers new player announced: And, as seems to be the law in Nottingham these days, he isn't a centre (that would be far too logical with the Cats currently only having one natural centre on their roster in Matt Myers), but a left wing. Dwayne Hay comes to the East Midlands after being cut by the Fresno Falcons of the ECHL. The 6'1, 203lb Canadian isn't exactly an inspiring signing after all the rumours of Don Maclean, particularly as his much-trumpeted (in the Panthers press release) "NHL pedigree" amounts to two goals and four assists with five different teams in 79 games, and his career season was comparable to that of most decent imports in the UK (29+30 in 62 ECHL games with the Pensacola Ice Pilots four years ago). Compare that with Adam Calder's career ECHL season (29+42 one season earlier), and bear in mind that many see Calder as a pure sniper rather than a creator, and you begin to wonder whether Hay will need to be fed the puck to be effective rather than be the feeder the Big Cats desperately need. Of course, he could prove me wrong and absolutely tear up the league, but let's just say this signing hasn't really been greeted with the anticipation MacLean or even Tessier would have been. Oh, and he's coming back from a season cut short by injury. Can you say "underwhelming?", Nottingham?

Capitals release Jeff State: Anyone need a big crease-clearing d-man? (Panthers and to a lesser extent Blaze, I'm looking at you in particular here). The Edinburgh Capitals have parted ways with their biggest (well, in height, anyway) asset by releasing the 6'7, 244lb monster that is Jeff State (press release here). In the few occasions I've seen him this season he didn't really do much wrong-yes, he didn't look too special but could probably do a job as a defensive d-man in this league if anyone's desperately looking for one until they find the one they really want. It's likely he'll be off back to North America, though. This of course opens the door for the recently-released David Vychodil to play for his third EIHL club in two seasons after being released by Blaze...

Elite League in lookalike frenzy!: Lookalikes (except those forced on you) are few and far between in the EIHL, but here's a couple that'll just about work...the first not so much facially but in the marriage of large shoulders with a waist that can only be produced by forcing it into a corset on a nightly basis...Firstly we have the Panther and ex-Bison Kevin Bergin, seen in a somewhat compromising position with the shirt flying free around his waist as per usual...and second, here we have him in cartoon form....

Meanwhile, it appears that Welsh comedian Rob Brydon, here in an off-ice pose, is also moonlighting as a defenceman for Nottingham. Not wanting to be bothered by autograph hunters (seriously, how many people would want a Panther's autograph? :)), he simply adopts a Canadian accent and calls himself Steve Pelletier. For proof, click here and then click on the second-to-last pic in the album. This would explain why the Big Cats faithful moan about his complete lack of defensive positional sense-you can't write comedy like Gavin and Stacey and play EIHL hockey to a high standard...

Up in Newcastle, the current fashion appears to be "a haircut you can polish shoes with", if Andre Payette (the one in black, for those of you unfamiliar with his "distinctive" look) is anything to go by. Still, I suppose it beats David Longstaff's single-handed attempt to make this kiddy TV legend (Pat Sharp, for those of you under the age of 20 or so) look like a fashion icon, simply by using a ton of chip-fat to slick the haircut down. It's always Fun at the Viper's House...

Finally for today, we have Roman Gavalier of the Giants, who appears to be taking inspiration from a famous German. Strangely, he also tends to launch himself into the air quite regularly with little provocation...it's a strange way to hit but he's been sorely missed by Belfast this season.

And so there you are in our brief burst of Tuesday randomness...keep keeping your eye on the puck...

Locker Room Chatter: Rosters, They Are A-Changin'

With apologies to Bob Dylan for that mutilation of his song title, here's your daily burst of Tuesday rumours, updates and general strangeness...

Panthers to announce Donald Maclean as new signing: No, not the aging singer of that karaoke classic American Pie, but the high-scoring centre who in recent years has torn up the AHL for Grand Rapids and made occasional appearances in the NHL for Detroit and Columbus. I mentioned his name as an outside chance when it appeared that Dan Tessier was the front-runner, but now all the talk in the East Midlands has the 6'3, 216lb centre as their man, after the Canadian left Zurich (Swiss Elite League) last week. On paper, Maclean looks scarily good-it'll be interesting to see how he'll fit in if he is indeed the man Nottingham are looking to to resolve their woes on the forward lines.

Changes imminent in Hull: Now, it seems, the patience of Rick Strachan is finally running out. With power-forward Jake Riddle missing last weekend after being involved in an "off-ice incident" which left him with a "facial injury" (draw your own conclusions), he would seem to be on slightly shaky ground, and indeed, according to some on Humberside has already been released. The Hull Daily Mail has published an article all but stating that changes are due, blaming injuries, but surely poor performance will be a factor. We shall see.

Panic in Bracknell: With David Taylor narrowly averting a wholesale strike by the Bees squad last weekend, one wonders just how deep the problems have sunk in the off-ice management of the EPL powerhouse. The events going on are eerily similar to the whole Basingstoke saga, so with statements being released almost daily, and conflicting reports of just who's been paid and how much depending on who you listen to, it'll be a while working out just what is going on in Berkshire...

Dagenais and Matsos under pressure?: Sheffield, you'd think, are cruising along nicely. But with Dave Matsos reportedly saying that he fears for his job, Steelers fans are looking for scapegoats, and much-hyped d-man Randy Dagenais is the name coming up again and again on the forums...perhaps a situation to keep an eye on rather than an immediate change, but interesting nevertheless...

And that's your lot this Tuesday...keep keeping your eye on the puck..