Sound and Vision...

On we go with the Thursday dispatch from Breakaway HQ (it's really not as grand as it sounds...a messy bedroom and a laptop)..:)

Mismatch, or, as the league calls it, "Giants v Stingrays": Don't forget that the Giants webcast team will be covering this one in their usual fine fashion-the link can be found here as per usual. I somehow doubt that many Stingrays fans will like what they see, however...with the Giants bombing along the way they are and the Humbersiders looking like their last chance to get to the playoffs is slipping away. I really can't see anything beyond a fairly comprehensive Giants victory on this one-and a new EIHL top dog by around ten pm...

Someone shut him up...The Steelers aren't exactly novices when it comes to stoking the fires before games, particularly when the Panthers are involved. But they've really gone for it this time out...just have a read of this article in the Sheffield Star today...
Now that is a great way to wind up your biggest rivals just before a massive local derby. Trouble is that Ryan Shmyr is one of those players who doesn't really need much encouragement to shove the comments of others right back down their throat by playing well...not to mention the fact that making a 6'6 and 235lb opponent mad even before you've stepped on the ice with him isn't the smartest move in the book. Especially when you're seven-inches-shorter-and-forty-pounds-lighter pest Ryan Finnerty. I like the Steelers centre but I have a feeling he's in for the odd rub against the boards from Shmyr on Saturday, and he only has himself to blame...

A little knowledge is a dangerous thing...Sally has commented on my questioning what it means to be a fan in yesterdays post-

I think the thing that sometimes grates with me is the constant criticism of certain things with the club or the sport which is being voiced by those without even the slightest comprehension of what goes on. The problem with the internet and forums is that it gives those with little knowledge a lot of power and a sounding board to spread negativity and opinion about a subject which most of them actually know very little about.

Easy solution there...be more open with people. Apart from anything else, a lot of fans aren't stupid...they've been watching the sport for many years in some cases and are very aware of the way things work. People talk (even owners) and that information gets passed around and often corrupted in the telling. Surely the only way to prevent misinformation and promote informed debate is for every club to be as open as possible over just what is going on (within reason-there's no need to know just how much individuals are getting paid). I know I keep returning to the Bison and the Phoenix as examples of good practice-but they have both really impressed me this season with the atmospheres around the respective rinks-it can't be a coincidence that they're two clubs who let everyone know what's going on apart from the player's individual salaries...
It's also interesting that you get a considerably higher level of debate on their forums than a lot of others...

Let's go, pop pickers...It's the return of IceTunes! After all, it's been a good month or two, so on we go with a few pieces of music that should be on every British hockey fan's Ipod...

Saliva: Ladies and Gentlemen: The Phoenix already use this as their introduction, and with good reason. It rocks. It's now adopted as one of my "travelling to the rinks" warm-up songs...the whole thing sets the mood nicely for a hockey game.

The Enemy: 40 Days and 40 Nights: As a Coventry boy it's the law for us to like this lot. However, this song is one that's not too well-known, being their first single, before It's Not OK and Away From Here sent them into orbit. Which is a shame, because it's their best one by far.

Kittie: Funeral for Yesterday: Proper rock, by four beautiful Canadian girls. And it rattles along after an opening which hits like a Brad Voth elbow. What's not to like?

Korn: Got the Life: Because.

I know it's a short list...but there you go...

That's your Thursday update...check back tomorrow afternoon for Round te Rinks, and keep keeping your eye on the puck...