Player signings thread - Sheffield...

[Doom]

Fox says top 6, so I'd say we now look something like
Juusola - Pu- Balmas
Seitz - Jasper - Tait
? - Dowd - Gentile
Shudra - Tremblay - Neilson

Thats a pretty deep forward group imo - 2 PPG potential players on 3rd line, with one more signing to come.

I'm not convinced by Juus and Balmas together.

My recollection is that it didn't really work last season, but it might be worth checking back.

I'd like to see how Juus and Tait work together, because that would be some serious breakaway speed on each wing.

I wonder if there's any mileage in Gentile and Balmas together on a line, considering their history.

Regards

Doom

[ginger]

Those top 8 forwards so far I think can easily move around lines.

I agree that Balmas and Gentile will probably get a look together at some point, same with Juusola/Tait.

I think depends on who the last signing is - if it's a centre then potentially could see Jasper take a spot on the wing, possibly with Dowd at centre. Jasper having played centre as well would give that line 2 opposite handed draw takers, similar to when Dowd and Allen were on the same line. Could still see that happening even if we signed a winger, given Balmas can also play centre.

[smbmetal]

Welcome to Sheffield Nick.

Don’t think there would be many people who would be disappointed in a 30 goal scorer. Let’s hope the bigger ice gets him even more goals.

One more signing to go? Will we also sign a backup import goalie I wonder?

My only concern is around poor team toughness. But I guess if there’s only Fife with any, then there’s no need. Tansey was a shadow of his former self when it came to toughness last season I thought.

[ginger]

Welcome to Sheffield Nick.

Don’t think there would be many people who would be disappointed in a 30 goal scorer. Let’s hope the bigger ice gets him even more goals.

One more signing to go? Will we also sign a backup import goalie I wonder?

My only concern is around poor team toughness. But I guess if there’s only Fife with any, then there’s no need. Tansey was a shadow of his former self when it came to toughness last season I thought.

Tansey was definitely carrying an injury post CHL until after Christmas which probably explains it to some extent.

Signing news tomorrow, which I assume is either McAdam or Dougherty. Loads on X think Diffley is also signed but I'm not sure yet. Not had any confirmation from usual sources so will see on that. Also still nothing on the final forward

[smbmetal]

Welcome to Sheffield Nick.

Don’t think there would be many people who would be disappointed in a 30 goal scorer. Let’s hope the bigger ice gets him even more goals.

One more signing to go? Will we also sign a backup import goalie I wonder?

My only concern is around poor team toughness. But I guess if there’s only Fife with any, then there’s no need. Tansey was a shadow of his former self when it came to toughness last season I thought.

Tansey was definitely carrying an injury post CHL until after Christmas which probably explains it to some extent.

Signing news tomorrow, which I assume is either McAdam or Dougherty. Loads on X think Diffley is also signed but I'm not sure yet. Not had any confirmation from usual sources so will see on that. Also still nothing on the final forward

I’m not following closely enough to know, but do we have 2 signings left to make then? We only have 5D at the moment? Unfortunately, Reece Kelly doesn’t yet inspire me to think he can be a good defender just yet.

So a power forward and a tough no nonsense stay at home defender will do me nicely

[Morpheous]

Welcome to Sheffield Nick.

Don’t think there would be many people who would be disappointed in a 30 goal scorer. Let’s hope the bigger ice gets him even more goals.

One more signing to go? Will we also sign a backup import goalie I wonder?

My only concern is around poor team toughness. But I guess if there’s only Fife with any, then there’s no need. Tansey was a shadow of his former self when it came to toughness last season I thought.

Team toughness is a big concern for me too. Can’t rely on Dowdy forever can we. We need a power forward who doesn’t mind dropping them for our last signing in my opinion. I know hockey’s not the same as it used to be but a player who can play the game and stick up for his teammates would be welcomed with open arms.

[smbmetal]

Welcome to Sheffield Nick.

Don’t think there would be many people who would be disappointed in a 30 goal scorer. Let’s hope the bigger ice gets him even more goals.

One more signing to go? Will we also sign a backup import goalie I wonder?

My only concern is around poor team toughness. But I guess if there’s only Fife with any, then there’s no need. Tansey was a shadow of his former self when it came to toughness last season I thought.

Team toughness is a big concern for me too. Can’t rely on Dowdy forever can we. We need a power forward who doesn’t mind dropping them for our last signing in my opinion. I know hockey’s not the same as it used to be but a player who can play the game and stick up for his teammates would be welcomed with open arms.

Whilst I think there are many fans that think the same regarding team toughness, the key difference here is that IMO Fox has no interest in that side of the game.

Which is one of the main reasons why no matter how much silverware we win under Fox, he will never hold a candle to Sir Mike Blaisdell who very much ensured Team Toughness and as a result games were faaaaarrrrrrr more entertaining to watch than most of the hockey in the modern game and under Fox.

Just listen to the atmosphere in the arena when there’s some proper handbags. It’s louder than when we score a goal that is for sure.

[ginger]

Welcome to Sheffield Nick.

Don’t think there would be many people who would be disappointed in a 30 goal scorer. Let’s hope the bigger ice gets him even more goals.

One more signing to go? Will we also sign a backup import goalie I wonder?

My only concern is around poor team toughness. But I guess if there’s only Fife with any, then there’s no need. Tansey was a shadow of his former self when it came to toughness last season I thought.

Tansey was definitely carrying an injury post CHL until after Christmas which probably explains it to some extent.

Signing news tomorrow, which I assume is either McAdam or Dougherty. Loads on X think Diffley is also signed but I'm not sure yet. Not had any confirmation from usual sources so will see on that. Also still nothing on the final forward

I’m not following closely enough to know, but do we have 2 signings left to make then? We only have 5D at the moment? Unfortunately, Reece Kelly doesn’t yet inspire me to think he can be a good defender just yet.

So a power forward and a tough no nonsense stay at home defender will do me nicely

Kelly has excellent potential. If he develops as hoped he's likely to be a mainstay in the GB team in a couple of years. Yes he's raw and will make errors, but every player at this level does. Right partner and I think he'll be fine - think Sam Jones when he first arrived.

Toughness wise, honestly it's so less important these days. Players aren't soft, and there's plenty who'll go if it's an even fight. Idiots who cost their team with daft penalties don't last long, so usually by November everyone is there to play hockey first. Southorn I've got a feeling wouldn't shy away if it was needed, and suspect Dougherty won't either. Forwards wise, Shudra I think could potentially carve himself a niche there if he wanted, Tremblay hits hard and I suspect would drop them if required. Honestly, I don't want my top 6 forwards fighting - scoring goals is much preferred.

[ginger]

I'm as big as an advocate for keeping fighting in hockey and getting rid of the instigator rule, but the game has changed so much in the last 15 years, let alone 25 years since Blaiser.

Overall the game is way better for it - the skill level of players is off the charts compared to where we used to be.

Any power forward who can truly be 1st line in a top EIHL team is earning way more in a better league. There's no point signing a more enforcer type whilst the instigator rule exists (and they're a rare breed these days). Fife have signed Hunt as he's guaranteed bums on seats at the start of the year. No one his size will fight him (unless someone finds a new Tie Domi), so he'll either play hockey, or he'll be going elsewhere before Christmas.

Apart from him there's nothing in any other team that screams problem.

[Doom]

The game is certainly faster and more skilled now, but I did prefer it when there was a much more physical element.

I do understand why they had to change things though. In the current climate of litigation and better understanding of long term health issues, like dementia, player safety has become far more important.

It's a shame from a spectacle point of view, but understandable.

I still think there's probably a place for someone like Colt King though. I think it was a real shame we didn't get to see more of him, because not only was he physical and tough, but he could also play the game (22 + 22 from 52 games).

Regards

Doom