Midweek Musings

Straight in. No messing today...I've been suffering a bit from writer's block recently, so I'm not going to waste time on an introduction

The EIHL equivalent of spilt milk: The Steal of the Century (Bolzano Foxes version) saga continues-there has been much debate over the past day or two among Blaze fans over the "goal that never was". Judge for yourself thanks to the photographic skills of Mark Tredgold...and the exhaustive analysis of Graeme Mulvaney (click backwards through the stream to see which outcome you agree with...but be warned that if you don't instantly say "goal" then you're somehow a poorer fan for it in the eyes of many.

For what it's worth, I think that the original decision of "goal" was the right one, now, based on such evidence (which, by the way, was the same two pics used on the Blaze site-I did them a dis-service on Monday with my comments about "using the same photo" for which I apologise). However, I can see where the doubt is-and thus the goal wasn't given. There will be days when it goes the other way. That's the nature of hockey...or karma, if you will. These things have a way of evening themselves out in my eyes...and deep down, everybody knows it.

Sunday November 23rd just wasn't the Blaze's day...and anyone who thinks that simply finds such misfortune easier to accept...

But, to misquote the Big Lebowski "that's just, like, my opinion, man...". And I shouldn't have to apologise for it.

Final word on it.

Laugh, Panthers fans...otherwise you will likely cry: Davis Parley (save percentage 88.8%, GAA 3.35) has been released by Nottingham, as a goalie change has been needed for some time there in the eyes of many. Naturally, his replacement has to come in quickly and inspire confidence in both his defence and the fans...

And so, this mythical figure who the Panthers believe will steady the ship is...

(drum-roll)

Michel Robinson. Ex of Edinburgh.

Save percentage: 87.8, GAA 5.29

That's nearly two goals more conceded a game.

That sound you hear is every single fan on the Cage Forum swallowing their own tongues in disbelief. With a backing track of pure, mindless joy from fans of every other team in the league.

This is either going to be one of the most inspired signings ever, or destroy the Panthers' season.

Well, let no-one say Corey Neilson doesn't have guts...

Words of Power: Already this season Bobby Robins has made an impact on the league with his style of play...a 205lb whirling dervish of a winger who has been one of the stand-out players in the league, never mind the Belfast Giants...

This, however, is not the main reason he's suddenly become my favourite player in the EIHL (although it's one of the major ones). After all, there are several players equally as good at his style of play (including the Blaze's own Danny Stewart).

It's something, in fact, about as far away from the ice as you can get.

The man has the soul of a poet. And, as someone else who finds joy in writing about this great game of ours and hoping to spread it to others, and plays the game, I read the post linked to with a sense of mounting amazement and joy...Bobby Robins can write about this game with the best of 'em.

I shall be back to the Robin's Nest, I think...and I urge you to go too...

Dulce et Decorum Est: And, continuing on the writing theme...those of you with any interest in the GB team may wish to have a read of this gem of a post over on Five Minute Major. It pretty much sums up how I feel about the GB system too...

I accept that this post is rather short, but I reckon there's enough in there for you to be going on with...