GAME THREAD: Blaze v Steelers : Sun 27th : Cup

[Doom]

That was not a tough schedule for an ice hockey team, especially one that's full benched and capable of running 4 forward lines, unlike some of our opponents.

I'd say it was tough if we were missing 3 or 4 players, but we weren't.

I've seen teams have to play two midweek games plus the weekends with short benches.....Now that's tough.

I also think 3 games in 3 days is challenging.

The reason we lost in Guildford and in Coventry wasn't because of the schedule, it's because we weren't good enough.

What's our record to date in away games.....3 - 0 behind in Manchester, 3 - 0 behind in Guildford and 4 - 0 behind in Coventry. In the first two we did claw our way back, but we can't afford to keep having these spells in games where we concede bunches of goals.

We're clearly not good enough on the road at the moment (Glasgow away being the exception), but I'm not sure if it's something that sits with the coaching or the players. If it can be fixed by coaching, then great, if not, then we'll need new players.

Certainly some players aren't living up to their CV's. I think it's far too early for changes, but if players are still not performing in November, then I'd like to think Fox would act.

Regards

Doom

[Brian]

You are quite right Doom, but under the 2025 squad number rule changes isn't there little room for getting new players in and present players out ?

[smbmetal]

You are quite right Doom, but under the 2025 squad number rule changes isn't there little room for getting new players in and present players out ?

I didn't see this game, but as I mentioned in the pre-season summary thread, I feel this is a season too far for Fox. As for the squad as a whole, I don't believe we are anywhere near good enough to be challenging for the league title without a few changes.

Had to look up the rules for roster changes.

https://www.eliteleague.co.uk/article/5 ... or-2026-27

● Maximum number of players a team may register in one season: 25
● Maximum number of non-homegrown players a team may register in one season: 20
● Maximum number of non-homegrown players a team may have registered on their overall roster at any
one time: 18
● Two-way players not included

[Doom]

We've got 16 non-homegrown players to date, but according to the above we're allowed 20.

If this is correct, 4 changes are possible, although I'm sure Fox would want to hold back at least a couple for later in the season.

Like I said, it's too early for changes now because some players take time to settle and adjust, but there has to become a point where change is needed if a player is constantly below expectation.

Regards

Doom