Midweek Musings...

On we go, wasting little time, into another burst of Midweek Musings..

At least now we know what that annoying buzzing in the North East is:...it's the long-awaited return of one of the greatest names in British hockey, the Big Blue Machine that was the Durham Wasps. Despite being out of existence for over ten years after being "stolen" from Durham and moved to form the Newcastle club which, despite several name changes, is the one that competes today, there is still a hardcore of supporters in the North East who consider Durham the "true" hockey town of the North-East (although Whitley Bay and possibly Sunderland would no doubt argue), and have campaigned ceaselessly for a new rink in Durham after the "historic" (read: old) rink was torn down. Finally, their efforts have born some fruit, as for one night only the Wasps will return, facing Whitley Bay in a game to publicise the campaign and strength of feeling. The game is planned for Sunday May 4th, with more details to follow...

More fuel for the Flames: Following on from yesterday, I notice, looking at attendances, that Guildford regularly get far more fans than several EIHL sides-and yet they still claim they don't want to compete at the top level? As someone who fondly remembers trips to the Spectrum back in the days where Blaze-Flames was a huge rivalry, and the way the place tended to rock (although the incessant scream of "Guild-ford!", which was the only chant the crowd seemed to know, tended to get right up your nose) I'd love 'em back. If nothing else it would add a bit more variety to the EIHL, which might bring a few who are drifting away from the game back...

One man's "under-rated" is another's "bloody useless": Amusingly, the Phoenix readers of this blog appear to disagree with my categorising Omar Ennaffati as under-rated-this has forced me to reconsider somewhat as I'm only basing my views on the times I've seen them play-which is obviously a lot less than those who see him week out. Although it does raise the issue of perception-personally I think that players such as Troy Neumeier are far, far over-rated by many, but the human supertanker seems to be quite popular among Blaze fans. Although there's a little mea culpa in here-I'm somewhat embarrassed to admit that I really wasn't sure about the KC Timmons signing earlier in the season, but watching him every week has really opened my eyes to his ability...so, sorry, K.C...And as for Mr Ennaffati...please prove me right...:)

Tanking it? Surely not...: Sometimes, I just get the feeling the hockey gods enjoy making me look silly. And last night was another such case: the Bison lost 7-0 to Nottingham in a game in which they were also missing Curtis Cruickshank. This is somewhat uncharacteristic for the Bison to lose so heavily...but with one eye on the final tonight, perhaps understandable...If Cruickshank plays tonight, then the Bison have a chance. If he doesn't, it gets a little harder, but, as I said last night, nothing brings the best out of a beleagured team like everyone writing them off, and most people have already done that with the Hampshire side...

And finally...
He's getting married in the morning...: Well, not quite-more the summer, but George Awada and his other half Andrea are up for the "Bride of the Year" award in Ireland (the whole of Ireland) and are now into the "public vote" section. It could make for some decent hockey exposure if they win (plus, you get proof that, aside from his hockey abilities, the big Belfast forward also has good taste in womenfolk...You can vote for them here, should you be so inclined...

And that's your Midweek Musings...tomorrow will definitely see IceTunes as well as a ramble or two...until then, keep keeping your eye on the puck...