Keeley's Korner - Hockey Hotties for the Ladies in the UK

The response on my first two columns has been amazing.  I am all over this hockey hotties things and the shout outs from the readers really got me thinking.

While the NHL is all well and good for hockey hotties, there is no harm in looking elsewhere too – particularly in the Elite Hockey League, way over in the UK. After all, there’s nothing quite like a hot guy with an accent.

Here are some of the best looking lads to play the beautiful game across the pond.

Name: Craig Peacock

DOB: 8^th August 1988
Team: Belfast Giants

Why?: A standout player on the Giants, it’s hard not to notice Peacock – especially without all his uniform and equipment on. It’s unfortunate that there’s not nearly enough photos to show this (no shirtless shots, boo! L), but let’s face it – Peacock doesn’t really need them. With his gorgeous blue-grey eyes and curly dark hair, there’s no doubt that he falls into the hottie category. Even more unfortunate? It seems he’s off the market. But hey, maybe twitter’s not that reliable of a source… a girl can only hope.

Name: Tim Burrows

DOB: 22^nd March 1990
Team: Cardiff Devils

Why?: Again – it’s unfortunate that there’s no shirtless pictures. Maybe it’s an NHL thing? But oh well, it doesn’t really matter – the photos that are around are more then enough proof for why he’s on the list. The fact is, Burrows is just amazing. There’s no doubt that he’s talented – afterall, that’s why the Devils have kept him for so long – but with his not-quite-hockey hair and dimpled grin, it’s easy to see why he’s made the list. Plus, he watches ‘Take Me Out’ – perfect, or what?

Name: Josh Batch

DOB: 15^th January 1991
Team: Cardiff Devils

Why?: Of the three guys on the list, Batch is the baby of the group, yet has played the farthest away from home – and if the Devils brought him back from the US specifically to play, it’s really no question that he’s talented. Just like how with his blonde hair, blue eyes and nice smile, there’s no question that he’s just completely gorgeous. As a bonus, for those who like a guy with tattoos – I know I do - Batch’s got a shoulder piece on his right arm, which only adds to his hottness.

Anyways ladies, have to dash out now for some food.  Stay in touch and let me know what you think of my boys I think you will love them.  I know I did.

- Keeley Ryan

EPL and EIHL Action (UK Round Up 18th February)

Elite League

Sheffield Steelers 1 Nottingham Panthers 5

The Steelers and the Panthers met for the second time in a week. The Steelers had won the Valentines clash in Sheffield before heading to Dundee to scrap a victory.  The Panthers however were fresh and out for revenge.

However it was the Steelers who took the lead first through Jonathan Phillips but that proved to be the kick that the Panthers needed and scored 5 goals without reply. The Steelers looked to have run out of gas as they entered the third period.

The Steelers now have 4 games in hand over the Giants and 7 points to make up.

Fife Flyers 1 Belfast Giants 7

Meanwhile in Belfast the Giants were looking for their second win of the weekend after beating the Hull Stingrays on Friday. The Giants knew that nothing but a win would be needed to keep the pressure up and maintain their advantage at the top of the EIHL.

The Flyers always knew this would be a difficult tie but set about their task in well-disciplined fashion but the Giants were clinical. 3 first period goals were followed by a forth in the second from Craig Peacock.

There was no let up in the third period as the Giants continued their ruthless display. But a penalty shot from Stephen Gunn meant the Flyers head back to Kirkcaldy with a consolation goal.

The game was marred by an incident between Dan Ceman and Adam Keefe after the hand shakes.

Dundee Stars 6 Edinburgh Capitals 3

In the Murrayfield Ice Rink there was a east of Scotland derby with the Stars chasing the Capitals for the last playoff spot.

With both teams needing the points it was the Stars that stole a march in the second thanks to 2 goals in a minute at the start of the period. Dundee continued that momentum in the third to move within 3 points off of the Edinburgh Capitals and eighth place in the table.

Coventry Blaze 4 Braehead Clan 5

On the other side of Scotland the Clan were in action against the Blaze looking to move closer to the top four.

In form Jade Galbraith gave the Clan a first period two goal lead before the Blaze fought back to tie the game. However the Clan regained their 2-goal lead before the end of the second.

A very late Robert Farmer goal did cut the deficit but as the home side took the spoilers.

English Premier League Cup

It was a big night in Manchester as the top 2 put their league differences to one side to meet in the Semi Final 1^st leg with the winners going through to the final to face the Sheffield Steeldogs.

It was a nervy and edge start as the Manchester Phoenix looked to have taken the lead when the puck appeared to have hit the top corner netting only to be ruled out. The luck continued to go to the Flames as they then twice took the lead but Long’s equaliser tied the scores at 2 heading into Wednesday’s second leg.

English Premier League

There were 3 other games in the EPL with the Slough Jets looking to get their title challenge back on track. However Slough near lost their opportunity coming back to beat Peterborough in overtime. Basingstoke also got an important 2 points against Bracknell. Whilst the Milton Keynes Lightning gained a valuable win over Swindon before they head to Manchester for Sundays clash.

Results

Elite League

Dundee Stars 6 Edinburgh Capitals 3

Coventry Blaze 3 Braehead Clan 4

Fife Flyers 1 Belfast Giants 7

Sheffield Steelers 1 Nottingham Panthers 5

English Premier League Cup 1^st Leg

Guildford Flames 2 Manchester Phoenix 2

English Premier League

Peterborough Phantoms 4 Slough Jets 5 (AOT)

Bracknell Bees 1 Basingstoke Bison 3

Swindon Wildcats 3 Milton Keynes Lightning 6

Neil Tucker

www.bluelinehockeyblog.wordpress.com

Cardiff Devils @ the Center of UK Hockey News ( UK Round Up 3rd – 5th February)

The big news of the ice in the UK was literally big as the Cardiff Devil’s forward and character and tough guy Brad Voth hung up his skates for the last time. The 6ft5 forward from Calgary has been out with a nerve injury since late December and has decided that in order to protect his future health he could not continue his playing career.

It is a big blow for the Cardiff Devils who now cannot sign another import player due to the end of the IIHF transfer window and a big blow for the sport. Voth had a proven record for the physical play and had provided plenty of talking points both good and bad during his time in the Welsh Capital.

There was more positive news however as the Edinburgh Capitals captured the signing of their free scoring forward Rene Jarolin for next season.

Elite League

Friday 3^rd January

Hull and Coventry started the weekends on ice action at the Hull Arena. It turned out to be a very bad start for the Hull Stingrays as the Blaze turned on the style. Goals from Owen, Fussey and new signing Nylander ended the game as a contest by the end of the first period.

Fussey completed his hat trick and Nylander and Kralj added a brace to complete the rout before the game was over. Cloutier and MacKinney did add 2 consolation goals but it was poor night at the office for the Stingrays.

Saturday 4^th January

The weekend then got worse for the Stingrays as they faced the Steelers in the Yorkshire derby at the Motorpoint. Despite putting up some good shot numbers the Stingrays could not make a break through. The Steelers however without the suspended spare import Neil Clark did take their chances and goals from Stephenson, Legue and Fulgham ensured the 2 points stayed in Sheffield.

Coventry on the other hand showed no signs of fatigue from their game the night before as they continued their free scoring in Fife. However the Blaze had to come from behind as Hartmanis put the Flyers ahead. It was goals from Cowley and Weaver who put the Blaze back in front before Owen Fussey added another 2 to his tally for the weekend to seal the win.

The Flyers though remain above the Stars at the foot of the table as the Stars lost in the NIC. The Panthers found their game legs early and the back of the net, as they did not look back. A David Clarke hat trick was the highlight of the game.

The nights other game was at the Odyssey as the Giants and the Devils faced off in the league and Challenge Cup second leg. The Devils had enjoyed a one-goal lead in the cup tie and that was doubled inside the first minute as MacRae put the Devils one up. However that was as good as it got for the Welsh side. The Giants were ahead on the night and level on aggregate by the end of the first period thanks to former Devils forward Jon Pelle and Craig Peacok. Dowd and Aaron Clarke added to that lead as the Giants progress to face the Panthers in the final and take 2 more league points.

Sunday 5^th February

The weather caused some chaos to start times in the EIHL and to the Belfast Giants in particular. The Giants arrived late for their top of table clash with the champions and their bus legs showed as the Steelers took a first period lead.

Former Steeler Robert Dowd then levelled the scores in the second before King put the Steelers ahead again. The Giants then got into their stride as Mason levelled the scores going into the third before Pelle and new signing Hoffman sealed an important victory for the Giants.

At the bottom of table the Stars leap frogged the Flyers as the two sides faced off in Dundee. 2 goals in the first minute but the Stars up but a brace from former Stars player coach Dan Ceman kept the Flyers in the tie. However it was a brace from Ceman’s successor in Dundee Brent Hughes and goals from Kolanos and McIntosh that sealed a key 2 points for the Stars.

Cardiff and Braehead met in the nights final game and the Devils difficult trip home from Belfast seemed to have hurt them as the Clan took a first period 3 goal lead. A second period goal from Pierce gave the Devils hope however and 3 third period goals from the Devils seemed to sealed the victory but Jade Galbraith completed his hat trick with 30 seconds left to take the game to overtime.

There were no goals in the extra period but the Clan salvaged the win on penalties.

English Premier League

Saturday 4^th February

It was a big weekend of action in the EPL as the top-sides face off against each other. On Saturday night the joint second placed Manchester Phoenix travelled to Milton Keynes and got one up on the Lightning to leave the hosts adrift of the rest of the title chasers in fifth place. Slough had the opportunity to close the gap at the top but the Flames stole the game in overtime to move another point ahead of the Jets.

Fellow title contenders Sheffield had easer game against the Phantoms as they ran out 3 – 0 winners to move level on points with the Jets. Whilst Bracknell moved 2 points further ahead of the Phantoms in the playoff race with 1 – 0 victory over Telford.

Sunday 5^th February

On Sunday the title race probably ended for the Lightning as they lost to the Flames at the Spectrum. Manchester kept up their challenge though as they beat the Wildcats in an icey Altrincham. The Jets also kept their title hopes alive with a 3 goal win over Basingstoke. Whilst Peterborough took the 2 points in a 15 goal thriller at Telford to move within 4 points of the playoffs.

Scores

Friday 4^th February

Elite League

Coventry Blaze 8 Hull Stingrays 2

Saturday 5^th February

Elite League

Dundee Stars 2 Nottingham Panthers 6

Hull Stingrays 0 Sheffield Steelers 3

Coventry Blaze 5 Fife Flyers 1

Elite League/ Challenge Cup

Cardiff Devils (3) 1 Belfast Giants 4 (5)

EPL

Manchester Phoenix 3 Milton Keynes Lightning 1

Guildford Flames 5 Slough Jets 4 (AOT)

Swindon Wildcats 4 Basingstoke 5

Telford Tigers 0 Bracknell Bees 1

Peterborough Phantoms 0 Sheffield Steeldogs 3

Sunday 5^th February

Elite League

Breahead Clan 5 Cardiff Devils 4 (APS)

Belfast Giants 4 Sheffield Steelers 2

Fife Flyers 2 Dundee Stars 6

EPL

Swindon Wildcats 3 Manchester Phoenix 6

Milton Keynes Lightning 2 Guildford Flames 4

Basingstoke Bison 0 Slough Jets 3

Peterborough Phantoms 6 Telford Tigers 8

Neil Tucker

www.bluelinehockeyblog.wordpress.com

UK Round Up on EIHL and EPL Action (28th – 29th January)

It was a case of who would blink first in the title races and in the EIHL it was also a case of who would make one of the top three blink.

Elite League

Friday 27^th January

Belfast avoided the first slip up of the weekend as they went into the Braehead Arena to face the Clan. It was a ding-dong battle as the Giants first took the lead but then fell behind to goals from Bannister and Wrill before Paul Deniset’s goal sent the game to overtime and penalties. It was GB international Robert Dowd who added the deciding penalty to keep the Giants on track. Belfast 3 Braehead 2 (APS)

Saturday 28^th January

The top 3 were in action on Saturday night and each team knew that they could not be the one missing out on a point.

Belfast especially knew this as they endured a tormenting night in the Fife Ice Arena. Despite outshooting the Flyers 40 – 14 the game wasn’t decided until the third period when George Awada and Aarron Clarke scored followed by the empty night from Robert Dowd. Belfast 3 Fife 0

It was an easier night in the NIC for the Panthers as they took advantage of every chance they got to put up 6 against the Blaze. A brace from Frances and goal’s from Myers, Clarke, Fox and Beauregard assisting the Panthers to a win that looks more comfortable on the scoreboard than in reality. Griffin did get a late consolation for the Blaze. Coventry 1 Nottingham 6

Back up in Scotland the Steelers produced a solid team display to cruise to victory over the Capitals at Murrayfield. Ramsay, Hewitt, King and Jonathan Philips all got on the score sheet, as did a brace from Zembergs to make the score look respectable. Sheffield 4 Edinburgh 2

In Glasgow the Clan’s double-header continued as they hosted the Stars. It was a rapid first period as McPherson got the scoring underway in less then two minutes. The scores looked to be even at 2 a piece at the end of the first but Jorgensen’s goal in the last 60 seconds of the period ensured the home side had the lead and the momentum going into the second. It was that momentum that looked to have given the Clan a commanding lead when Bayrack completed his hat trick. However there was a grandstand finish as the Stars scored through Konkle and with the extra attacker to bring them to within 1 at the finish. Dundee 4 Braehead 5

The final game of the night was a goal fest in the Cardiff Bay Arena between the Devils and the Stingrays. After a slow first period that saw the Devils take 1 goal first period lead the floodgates opened. The second period saw the Devils hit Hull for 5 goals to 1 as they looked to have a commanding lead. However the Devils were left grateful for 2 more goals from Pierce and Adams as first Tendler got his second then Osman hit his hat trick. Hull 5 Cardiff 8.

Sunday 29^th January

With the Belfast Giants not in action the Panthers and Steelers knew they had to take advantage. The Panthers faced the Blaze once again but this time in the Skydome Arena. However the outcome was exactly the same. The Panthers hit the Blaze for 6 goals through 6 different scorers after Owen Fussey had given the home team a lead. Nottingham 6 Coventry 1

Sheffield also didn’t falter in the their second game of the weekend in Edinburgh. The Steelers also posted 6 including a hat trick for Birnstill. The Capitals though did not make it easy for the 2011 Champions as the Jarolin, Hartmann and Holecko kept it a contest till the end. Sheffield 6 Edinburgh 3

Hull and Cardiff also faced each other for the second time this weekend. However it was a tighter cagey affair with both sides struggling to hit the net. There were two goals though in the second period as Kenton Smith gave the visitors the lead before Jason Silverthorn replied just over a minute later. The game ended a tie and it was left to Rodin to score the winning penalty and lift the Stingrays into 7^th place ahead of the Capitals. Cardiff 1 Hull 2 (APS)

The big game of the night however as the bottom of the table as the bottom two played each other with winner moving clear of the other at bottom. Garrett Zemlak was again on inspired form for the Flyers as the Stars threw everything at him in a tight game. At the other end through Bakrlik, Stewart, Samuel and the returning Cohen proved to be difference as the Flyers move off the bottom of the table for the first time this season. Fife 4 Stars 1

So at the end of the weekend the top three are as they were. Belfast, Nottingham and Sheffield whilst it is all change at the bottom as it is now the Flyers who are chasing the Capitals for the last playoff spot.

English Premier League

Saturday 28^th January

Like their Elite League counterparts the EPL title chasers were all watching each other and waiting to see who would blink first. Whilst the league leading Flames were running up a massive win against the Tigers it was a more challenging affair for the rest.

The Lightning were the first to crack as they came away from Basingstoke pointless whilst the Phoenix travelled to Bracknell but missed out on the 2 points thanks to a Smital overtime winner for the Bees. The Steeldogs however did pick up the two points but did need penalties to do so against the Wildcats whilst the Jets returned to action with a regulation victory over the Phantoms.

Sunday 29^th January

The Phoenix and the Lightning were both not in action so it left a good opportunity for the other title chasers to make up some ground. However it did not all go their way.

The Jets faced a quickly improving Bison side that showed they could be the spoiler in the title race for the second night in a row. The Bison taking the win on penalties. The Flames had to battle back from 2 down in Telford to salvage a point as the Tigers took the win on penalties. It was to prove to be a vital point for the Flames though who do now have a 7 point game over the 5^th place Lightning. The Steeldogs though did pick up another two points against the Swindon Wildcats to keep their hopes on track and move up to 4^th in the table level on points with Manchester and Slough 6 behind the Flames.

At the bottom there was a big win for the Phantoms who beat the Bees on penalties to move just 4 points behind them in the hunt for the final playoff spot.

Neil Tucker

www.bluelinehockeyblog.wordpress.com

British Ice Hockey League Season Could Be in Jeopardy

The end of the British league season could be thrown into doubt at all levels as Planet Ice was served with a winding up order by HMRC over unpaid taxes. Planet Ice and its parent company the Arena Group are fighting the decision but the action by Revenue and Customs could close the rinks the company operations. This could leave clubs at all levels of British ice hockey homeless before the end of the season.

Planet Ice is the operator for 7 rinks and arenas that currently house hockey clubs at one level or another in British ice hockey. The rinks in Isle of Wight, Basingstoke, Milton Keynes, Cardiff, Gosport, Coventry and Peterborough could all be closed down following a court hearing in February.

It could be a massive blow to British ice hockey and one that would cause chaos to the league season as there would be little hope of housing all the clubs in other rinks to allow them to at least finish the season.

The Arena Group who owners the Planet Ice brand has said however that it is confident that the issue will be cleared up before the case goes to court and that in the meantime all rinks will remain open as normal. However the news is yet another hit for British hockey clubs trying to attract sponsors, investment and new fans as the negative story will hit confidence at an already low time.

Even if the issue is cleared up the negativity around the story will reflect badly on all clubs even those who do not operate out of those rinks under the Planet Ice banner. This because of the stigma these kinds of stories create and will pass on around all rinks in country making it that much harder for any hockey club to win new sponsors and invest at time when it is much need and also when clubs are looking to next season.

Elsewhere it was business as usual for the Cardiff Devils in their Planet Ice ran rink as they hosted the Sheffield Steelers. The Steelers were icing new signing Nick Duff after the defenseman arrived in time to be on the coach to Cardiff. However it was the Devils who took the lead in the first period before a Colt King double sent the game into overtime. It was then left to Jeff Legue with just 11 seconds left in the extra period to send the Steelers home to Sheffield with 2 points. It is also a win that moves Sheffield level on points with Nottingham in second place in the table.

At the Braehead Arena there was another come from behind victory as the Fife Flyers moved level on points with Dundee at the foot of the EIHL table. A brace from Hartmanis backed up with goals from Maxwell and a first goal for new signing Kadic were enough despite Jade Galbraith’s late goal.

Results

Wednesday 18^th January

Sheffield Steelers 3 Cardiff Devils 2 (AOT)

Fife Flyers 4 Braehead Clan 3

Neil Tucker

www.bluelinehockeyblog.wordpress.com

UK Weekend Round Up 13th – 15th January 2012 (EIHL and EPL)

The weekend began with the annual playoff announcement from the EIHL. In a change from tradition the playoff weekend will not be contain the Under 19 England – Scotland game but fans will instead be able to go to the end of season awards on the Sunday. There was also a new price, which raised a few eyebrows.

When tickets are released on general sale on March 9^th a weekend pass will be £80. That has caused a few moans of disgruntlement around the fan clubs as the price is around £35 more expensive than watching 3 regular season games.

Elite League

On the ice the action got underway on Friday night with two games. Coventry were in Belfast for back to back games with the Giants knowing a win could put them back in the title hunt. It wasn’t to be however as the Giants edged the game thanks in part to Robert Dowd’s 200^th Elite League point and Adam Keefe’s empty netter for a 5-3 finish.

Cardiff were also in action as they made the longest trip in British ice hockey to play the Dundee Stars. There was large Devils contingent in attendance however as the Devil’s took control of the game early through Phil Hill and regained it in the second through MacRae and Smith for a comfortable 3 -1 victory to move above the Braehead Clan into 5^th place.

Saturday’s EIHL highlight came from Braehead. The Clan’s largest ever crowd were on hand for the sides Challenge Cup semi final against Nottingham. It was to a frustrating night for the Panthers as the former favourite Jade Galbraith took charge of the game giving the clan a 3 – 2 victory and a narrow 1 goal lead going into Sunday’s match up. The game was followed by an incident involving Nottingham player coach Corey Neilsen who accidently shot a puck into the crowd after taking a slapshot following the final hooter.

The other big game was in Belfast as the Blaze and the Giants once again faced each other. It was another tight game that saw 6 goals inside 10 minutes during the first period to send the teams in even at the first intermission. The deadlock was broken in the third as Aaron Clarke beat Peter Hirsch to give the Giants the 2 points. The loss for the Blaze however sums up their season of almost but not quite and it looks like they are now out of the title race.

Cardiff made the trip down the Scottish coast to Fife to play their second game of the weekend. Goals from MacRae, Matzka and Dobben lifting them to another 2 points whilst the night’s final game was in Hull. The Stingrays though took their chances to beat the Capitals in an even battle on the ice if not on the scoreboard.

Sunday’s games saw Cardiff complete their Scottish road trip with another win. The Devils took the 2 points thanks to a Scot Matzka overtime winner. The Capitals will be pleased to get a point out this game but did go 0 for 15 on the powerplay over their 2 games this weekend.

Coventry too were playing their third game of the weekend as they arrived home to face the Hull Stingrays. A third period triple from Owen, Guthrie and Fussey proved to be the difference as the Blaze dominated the game 5 -2.

Meanwhile at the NIC the Panthers hosted the Clan in the second leg of their semi final. Despite the Clan controlling the play for large periods a first period double from Jordan Fox and a second period goal from Benoit Benedict was enough to put the Panthers through to the Challenge Cup Final. The other semi final between the Giants and Devils starts on the 4^th February.

With the Giants not in action and the Panthers playing in the Cup it was the Steelers who were looking to make up some ground in the title chase. A brace from Luke Fulgham was enough to lift the Steelers above the Stars who had goaltender Chris Whitley to thank that the score was only 3 -1. That win however does move the Sheffield side 2 points behind the Nottingham Panthers but still with 6 games in hand.

English Premier League

On Saturday night the EPL top two met at Planet Ice in Milton Keynes. The Lightning had crept up the standings using their games in hand but it was the league leaders who came out top by an odd goal in 11 and extend their lead to 5 points. Elsewhere it was a night of big wins.

Slough Jets put 11 past Telford, Swindon scored 7 against Peterborough and the Steeldogs hit the Bracknell Bees for 6. Meanwhile it was a seventh straight win for the Manchester Phoenix at Basingstoke.

On Sunday it was Slough’s turn to get back in the title race as they went to the Spectrum to face the leaders Guildford. It was another tight game for the Flames but this time it was the Jets who game out on top 4 – 3.

Second place also played fourth place as the Phoenix and the Lightning squared off in Manchester. It was the hot form of the Phoenix that proved too much as they made it 8 straight wins and remain unbeaten in 2011. With that victory the defending champion moved to win 6 points of the leaders and perhaps are back in the EPL title race.

Peterborough also recorded a win against the Steeldogs to move a small step closer to the playoffs but they were not helped by Bracknell’s win.

Results

Friday 13^th January

Elite League

Coventry Blaze 3 Belfast Giants 5

Cardiff Devils 3 Dundee Stars 1

Saturday 14^th January

Elite League

Coventry Blaze 3 Belfast Giants 4

Cardiff Devils 3 Fife Flyers 1

Edinburgh Capitals 0 Hull Stingrays 3

Elite League Challenge Cup

Nottingham Panthers 2 Braehead Clan 3

English Premier League

Manchester Phoenix 5 Basingstoke Bison 0

Guildford Flames 6 Milton Keynes Lightning 5

Telford Tigers 2 Slough Jets 11

Peterborough Phantoms 2 Swindon Wildcats 7

Bracknell Bees 1 Sheffield Steeldogs 6

Sunday 15^th January

Elite League

Dundee Stars 1 Sheffield Steelers 3

Hull Stingrays 2 Coventry Blaze 5

Edinburgh Capitals 1 Cardiff Devils 2 (AOT)

Elite League Challenge Cup

Nottingham Panthers 3 (5) Braehead Clan 0 (3)

English Premier League

Milton Keynes Lightning 3 Manchester Phoenix 6

Slough Jets 4 Guildford Flames 3

Swindon Wildcats 2 Bracknell Bees 3

Basingstoke Bison 3 Telford Tigers 1

Sheffield Steeldogs 2 Peterborough Phantoms 5

- Neil Tucker

Bluelinehockeyblog.blogspot.com